The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is recruiting for the position of National Project Officer – Program Design and Policy within its Education Sector in New Delhi, India. This role is based at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, a Category 1 institute under UNESCO focused on education for peace, sustainability, and human development.
The position is classified at the NO-C level and falls under the Programme Coordination job family. It is a one-year project appointment, renewable subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. Only nationals of India are eligible to apply.
Organizational Context
UNESCO MGIEP operates as a leading global centre for educational innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. The institute focuses on transforming education systems to promote:
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Sustainable development education
- Social and emotional learning (SEL)
- Evidence-based policy and curriculum reform
Through research, policy development, and large-scale programme implementation, MGIEP supports governments and institutions in designing education systems that contribute to long-term societal well-being. The institute applies empirical evaluation methods and results-based frameworks to ensure continuous improvement and measurable impact.
Role Overview
The National Project Officer will work under the direct supervision of a team leader and the overall guidance of the Institute Director. The role focuses on programme design, policy development, coordination, and evaluation of education initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s global mission.
Key responsibilities include programme development, stakeholder coordination, training support, and policy integration across education systems.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Design and Policy Development
The officer will lead and contribute to the design of educational programmes and policy frameworks, ensuring alignment with MGIEP’s strategic objectives. Core responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing education and policy research programmes
- Supporting Theory of Change development and policy integration
- Drafting programme frameworks, guidelines, and strategic documents
- Ensuring alignment with global education and sustainability priorities
Coordination and Project Management
The role involves managing collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and external partners. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating programme development and evaluation activities
- Managing partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and stakeholders
- Ensuring compliance with Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks
- Supporting monitoring, reporting, and evaluation processes
The officer is expected to contribute to efficient delivery of programme outputs within agreed timelines and quality standards.
Training and Capacity Building
The position also includes responsibilities in knowledge sharing and professional development. This includes:
- Delivering training sessions for educators and facilitators
- Supporting curriculum design and instructional quality assurance
- Guiding junior staff in programme design and evaluation methods
- Staying updated on innovations in education policy and peace education
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must demonstrate strong academic and professional backgrounds in education and programme management.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in education, programme management, evaluation, or related fields
Experience
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in programme design, implementation, or evaluation
- Experience in education sector projects or research programmes
- Familiarity with Results-Based Management (RBM) and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems
- Experience in educational content development, particularly in peace, sustainability, or social-emotional learning
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, managerial, and interpersonal abilities, including:
- Programme design and evaluation expertise
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills for complex information
- Project management and timely delivery of outputs
- Effective communication across diverse audiences
- Ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments
- Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commitment to results, learning, and continuous improvement
Leadership-related competencies include strategic thinking, change management, decision-making, and team empowerment.
Language Requirements
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
- Good knowledge of Hindi
Desirable: Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, or regional Indian languages.
Desirable Qualifications
- PhD in education, research methods, or related disciplines
- Experience in international education programmes or global policy projects
- Background in leading large-scale evaluation or programme design initiatives
Employment Conditions and Benefits
The position is a full-time, fixed-term appointment based in New Delhi. The contract includes a one-year duration with possible extension.
Benefits may include:
- Annual leave (30 days)
- Medical insurance coverage
- Pension contributions
- Family allowances (where applicable)
The approximate annual starting salary is INR 4,926,329, subject to deductions for pension and insurance contributions.
Selection Process
The recruitment process may include multiple stages such as:
- Online application review
- Written assessments
- Pre-recorded or live video interviews
- Panel interviews
- Reference checks
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants may also be placed in talent pools with consent for future opportunities.
Organizational Values and Diversity Commitment
UNESCO emphasizes high standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The organization promotes:
- Gender parity across all levels
- Geographical and cultural diversity
- Inclusion of underrepresented Member States
- Equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and minority groups
A zero-tolerance policy applies to harassment and misconduct in all forms.
Additional Information
All applicants must apply through the official UNESCO careers portal before the deadline. Applicants must ensure all submitted information is accurate and complete, as modifications are not permitted after submission.
Successful candidates may be required to provide verified academic credentials and undergo medical clearance and visa processing where applicable.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
