Associate Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: ED/PA 262

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/10/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) is UNESCO's flagship international network of educational institutions, bringing together close to 10,000 schools in over 160 countries. ASPnet contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 by promoting quality education, Global Citizenship Education, Education for Sustainable Development, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation through school-based initiatives and international networking.

To strengthen collaboration across the Network and improve membership management, UNESCO has developed “ASPnet Connect”, a collaborative digital platform that supports membership applications and approval workflows, facilitates communication among ASPnet National Coordinators and UNESCO, and maintains the digital directory of ASPnet member institutions and National Networks.

The ASPnet Unit is responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of ASPnet Connect, ensuring that the platform effectively supports the operational needs of the Network. This includes coordinating the continuous improvement of the platform, supporting its IT development, monitoring technical issues, liaising with UNESCO's Digital Business Solutions (DBS) and external software development providers, coordinating the migration, validation and updating of membership data, and supporting ASPnet National Coordinators in the day-to-day management of their national networks.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the guidance of the Director of the Division for Education 2030, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the ASPnet International Coordination Unit, the incumbent is responsible for supporting membership management and the development, operation and maintenance of the "ASPnet Connect" collaborative platform, ensuring that the platform responds to the needs of the Associated Schools Network and that membership data are accurate and up to date.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Project Officer (Membership and Platform Management) will contribute to the effective management of ASPnet membership and to the development, operation and maintenance of the ASPnet Connect collaborative platform. This includes:

Long Description

a) Support the design and oversee the development of new functions that enhance community interactions and collaboration, in line with relevant programme orientations and UNESCO policies, while ensuring alignment with the needs of the Network and fostering active engagement.

b) Undertake minor adjustments directly to the configuration under the guidance of the IT development team and the Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS).

c) Oversee the submission and approval workflows for membership applications, ensuring smooth, timely and efficient processing and providing transparent progress updates.

d) Assist in monitoring the adherence of external software development companies to contractual obligations, including delivery timelines, performance benchmarks and agreed functionalities.

e) Regularly evaluate platform functionalities and user feedback to propose improvements, document development needs and drive innovations that enhance user experience and platform efficiency within budget limitations.

f) Assist with the management of user rights in line with UNESCO policies, including helping ensure that users, namely National Coordinators and UNESCO staff, have access to the platform and are able to use its functionalities, and handle daily requests for assistance.

g) Establish ongoing user support mechanisms, such as regular Q&A sessions or user forums, to the extent possible building on existing UNESCO facilities, to assist users in addressing challenges during platform use, and moderate user group discussions on the platform.

h) Coordinate, organize and oversee support and training sessions for National Coordinators and UNESCO staff to ensure effective use of the collaborative platform and operational efficiency.

i) Conduct regular risk assessments of the platform to identify potential security vulnerabilities and operational issues, reporting findings promptly for resolution.

j) Produce regular reports and create reporting templates to provide structured information on membership.

k) Help ensure that the data contained in the digital directory are up to date and accurate through regular exchanges with ASPnet National Coordinators. This includes coordinating the ongoing data cleaning and migration process of ASPnet member institutions and National Networks to the ASPnet digital member directory; following up with the remaining National Networks; aligning data cleaning and migration processes with recent developments; helping National Networks complete their profiles; and recommending actions and options to ensure accurate and complete data migration.

l) Perform other duties as required that contribute to the overall work of the ASPnet Unit, by collaborating with colleagues on activities related to the implementation and development of ASPnet, supporting cross-cutting initiatives where required, and performing any other relevant duties assigned by the Chief of Unit or the immediate supervisor.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C)

• Communication (C)


• Accountability (C)


• Innovation (C)


• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)


• Planning and organizing (C)


• Results focus (C)


• Teamwork (C)


• Professionalism (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in education, data science, information technology, information systems, economics, statistics, business administration, project management, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in data management, digital platform management, information systems, project management or a related field, of which preferably one year of experience acquired at international level.

•    Experience working with complex and large datasets, including data migration, validation and standardization.

•    Relevant experience in IT project management and/or the administration of collaborative digital platforms

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams, within a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization.
•    Proven ability to analyse data and present information clearly and concisely.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
•    Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
•    Ability to process and synthesize large amounts of informations.
•    Good organizational and coordination skills.
•    Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
•    Good knowledge of digital collaboration platforms and standard office software.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) and good knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Relevant professional experience acquired at the international level. 
•    Experience working with collaborative digital platforms, CRM or membership management systems. 
•    Experience working with international organizations, educational institutions or international networks.
•    Experience providing technical support and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
•    Understanding of A.I related issues in Education at the school level.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

•    Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 87 095. 

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.


• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.


• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.


• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.


• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.


• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.


• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net


• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.


• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.


• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.