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Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States
Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States
OVERVIEW
Position Number: 6CMPAX0001RP
Grade: D-1
Parent Sector: Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: Yaounde
Job Family: External Relations
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 21/09/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Within the framework of the Organization’s global strategy and in conformity with the decisions of its governing bodies, the mission of the UNESCO Yaounde Office is to ensure the implementation of regional strategic orientations while responding to the specific needs of the countries covered – Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and Chad – in UNESCO’s various fields of competence.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), in close consultation with the Assistant Directors-General of the programme sectors, and with the Directors of the other UNESCO Regional Offices in Africa for project planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting, the incumbent will act as the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde and UNESCO Representative in Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will work within the framework of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategies (C/4s), approved Programmes and Budgets (C/5s), the Operational Strategy for the Implementation of Priority Africa and the Priority Gender Equality Action Plan as well as within the framework of internationally agreed development agendas such as Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, in particular as regards to their regional and sub-regional dimensions.
The incumbent will supervise the Heads of UNESCO National Offices in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Libreville (Gabon).
The core result, for which the incumbent will be responsible, is the positioning of UNESCO as a trusted development partner in the countries covered by the Office (Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe), promoting integrated sub-regional approaches. Other results are the establishment and implementation of the multidisciplinary programme of the Office in close cooperation with the wider UN system; the effective and efficient management of the Office’s operations, resources, premises and assets; and the establishment and implementation of robust external relations and resources, including with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC/CEMAC).
Moreover, the incumbent will participate, or ensure participation of the Office, in the activities of the United Nations in the countries covered by the Office, as well as at the sub-regional level.
Long Description
For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022 – 2029) and 43 C/5 (Draft UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2026 – 2029 quadrennium).
COMPETENCIES – Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C)
- Professionalism (C)
- Building partnerships (M)
- Driving and managing change (M)
- Strategic thinking (M)
- Making quality decisions (M)
- Managing performance (M)
- Leading and empowering others (M)
Short Description
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, public or business administration or international relations, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level within the United Nations system, other international, national or private sector institutions, including a wide experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, in association with national and international organizations.
- Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resources mobilization.
- Proven partnership experience with successful implementation of partners at global, local and community levels.
- Professional experience in the field of education, sciences, culture, social sciences or communication.
Long Description
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Commitment to and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
- Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
- Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and projects, financial and human resources, as well as to exercise appropriate supervision and control.
- Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, as well as exercise supervision and control and ensure continuous training and development of staff.
- Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
- Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments while upholding objectivity, impartiality and sensitivity to gender equality and diversity issues.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to represent institutional priorities and engage with a broad spectrum of high-level partners.
Long Description
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and ability to work in the second language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Courses/degree/training in a management-related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development.
Long Description
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Good geopolitical knowledge of the region as well as understanding of current international affairs.
- Political acumen and strong organizational awareness.
- Strong global professional network.
- Good knowledge of the United Nations system.
LANGUAGES
- Knowledge of other official languages 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 US$164 898.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
02 Education Project Administrative Assistants
Education Project Administrative Assistants
JOB DETAILS
Contract type: Service contract
Level: SC5
Unit: Education Sector (ED)
Duty station: Yaoundé
Work location: On-site
Contract duration: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application deadline (midnight, UTC+1): 11/09/2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa, based in Yaoundé, covers the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad. The Regional Office’s education sector supports these Member States in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming their education systems.
More specifically, it supports the development and implementation of sectoral policies and strategies for education and training, provides technical support for the development of information systems for education management, teacher training and professional development, ICT integration and digitalization, improvement of the quality of learning, equity and inclusion.
In order to ensure effective and efficient implementation of its interventions, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé is recruiting two (02) Administrative Assistants for Education projects.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| Under the general authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and the direct supervision of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Education in Central Africa, the Education Project Administrative Assistants will provide a range of administrative support services in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations, practices, standards and procedures.
The Administrative Assistants for Education projects will each be responsible for:
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- Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans and the development of terms of reference for Education project activities;
- Participate in meetings and working sessions with partners and ensure the drafting of the corresponding reports;
- Contribute to the monitoring of Education project activities and budgets, including workshop logistics, by providing regular expenditure updates based on the SAP, liaising with the administrative unit to track commitments and assisting in the preparation of budget revisions, fund decentralizations and internal financial reports;
- Provide administrative and logistical support for missions, meetings, workshops and conferences, including the preparation of working documents, the coordination of participants and logistical arrangements;
- Provide assistance with tasks related to procurement, logistics and finance, including ensuring the processing of contracts, purchase orders and travel arrangements, in accordance with UNESCO rules and procedures, based on the documents provided, including data entry in DUO, drafting contract amendments, liaising with service providers, preparing payment files, etc.
- Assist in the creation, revision and delivery of documents, including correspondence, memos, reports and presentations;
- Ensure the archiving of various documents and files relating to Education projects, as well as the monitoring of requests in coordination with the teams of the Regional Office, Headquarters and with partners;
- Perform any other task within their competence in support of the priorities and activities of the Education Sector of the Office.
CONTRACT DURATION
1 year (possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds and performance evaluations).
Fundamental (F) and Managerial (M) Skills
- Responsibility (F)
- Communication (F)
- Innovation (F)
- Knowledge sharing and a constant drive for improvement (F)
- Planning and organization (F)
- Results-oriented culture (F)
- Teamwork (F)
- Professionalism (F)
For more information, please consult the UNESCO Competence Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
- University degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in the field of management or project management, social sciences or other equivalent field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in administration, human resources, finance and procurement or related fields;
- Proven and demonstrated experience in administrative and logistical management through the organization of meetings, taking minutes, managing schedules and coordinating with stakeholders;
- Experience with administrative procedures and practices (archiving, electronic and physical filing, mail management, data entry), preferably within the United Nations system or in a multicultural environment;
- Proven experience in communication and partnership relations, including writing activity briefs, resource mobilization, and establishing partnerships;
- Experience in writing professional documents (minutes, reports, activity reports, training materials).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Good skills in supporting the management and implementation of education sector projects.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, including preparing correspondence and proofreading documents.
- Excellent analytical and technical skills.
- Good planning and coordination skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize one’s own work.
- Ability to take initiative and provide quality support and services in a timely manner.
- Ability to identify errors or irregularities and to propose corrective actions.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Excellent computer skills in using MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to carry out missions, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Proficiency in French and/or English;
- A good knowledge of the other language is an asset.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Experience in UNESCO’s areas of expertise (education, science, culture, communication).
- Professional experience within the United Nations system or an international organization.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning systems) such as SAP (Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing) or other.
National Technical Assistant for Education Projects 1
National Technical Assistant for Education Projects 1
JOB DETAILS
Contract type: Service contract
Level: SC9
Unit: Education Sector (ED)
Duty station: Yaoundé
Work location: On-site
Contract duration: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application deadline (midnight, UTC+1): 11/09/2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa, based in Yaoundé, covers the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad. The Regional Office’s education sector supports these Member States in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming their education systems.
More specifically, it supports the development and implementation of sectoral policies and strategies for education and training, provides technical support for the development of information systems for education management, teacher training and professional development, ICT integration and digitalization, improvement of the quality of learning, equity and inclusion.
In order to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of its interventions, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé is recruiting a Technical Assistant for Education projects who will be based in Yaoundé to provide the necessary technical support for the implementation of projects/programmes.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and the direct supervision of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Education in Central Africa, the Education Project Technical Assistant will be responsible for:
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1. Support the planning, coordination and implementation of projects
- To monitor the implementation of project and program activities in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans for projects and programs and develop the terms of reference for activities.
- Assist project managers in the operational coordination of interventions and in the implementation of action plans.
- To monitor the execution of contracts and partnership agreements concluded with the various service providers and partners.
- Participate in technical meetings and working sessions with partners to ensure consistency, complementarity and synergy of interventions.
2. Support the monitoring and evaluation, and the reporting of project activities
- Assist project managers in setting up and monitoring monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for field activities.
- Actively participate in the project’s monitoring and evaluation activities, the proper implementation of partnership agreements, contracts and funds made available, ensuring adherence to the schedule (project timeline for ongoing projects/programs) and carrying out regular monitoring and evaluation missions of activities in the field.
- Contribute to the preparation of project progress reports and their entry into UNESCO’s institutional monitoring and reporting systems (Co-Manager or other platforms).
3. Support to the Education Sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa
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CONTRACT DURATION
1 year (possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds and performance evaluations).
Fundamental (F) and Managerial (M) Skills
- Communication (F)
- Responsibility (F)
- Innovation (F)
- Knowledge sharing and a constant drive for improvement (F)
- Planning and organization (F)
- Results-oriented culture (F)
- Teamwork (F)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competence Framework .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
- University degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in the field of Education, Social Sciences, Project Management or other equivalent field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the design, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs in the education sector.
- Experience with office procedures and practices, preferably within the United Nations system or in a multicultural environment, is desirable.
- Proven professional experience on education issues related to SDG4.
- Good knowledge of African educational contexts in general and of the Cameroonian education system in particular.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Having a good knowledge of the education sector in Cameroon, particularly aspects related to the planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs.
- Have a very good knowledge of the Education and Training Sector Strategy 2023-2030 and the Partnership Pact, as well as the SDG4 Agenda – Education 2030 and the AU’s 2063 strategy.
- Have a good command of computer tools, especially the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to regularly carry out missions, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Proficiency in French and/or English.
- A good knowledge of the other language is an asset.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience on key issues in education, particularly basic education.
- Experience working with United Nations Agencies, Ministries in charge of education, and international organizations on educational projects.
- Experience with United Nations mechanisms on education.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Good adaptability, dynamism, initiative, discretion and mature judgment.
- Ability to carry out missions in diverse and challenging environments.
- Excellent ability to present effectively to a diverse audience.
National Technical Assistant for Education Projects 2
Contract type: Service contract
Level: SC8
Unit: Education Sector (ED)
Duty station: Yaoundé
Work location: On-site
Contract duration: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application deadline (midnight, UTC+1): 11/09/2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa, based in Yaoundé, covers the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad. The Regional Office’s education sector supports these Member States in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming their education systems.
More specifically, it supports the development and implementation of sectoral policies and strategies for education and training, provides technical support for the development of information systems for education management, teacher training and professional development, ICT integration and digitalization, improvement of the quality of learning, equity and inclusion.
In order to ensure effective management of related activities, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé is recruiting a Technical Assistant for Education projects who will be based in Yaoundé to provide the necessary technical support for the implementation of projects/programmes.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and the direct supervision of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Education in Central Africa, the Education Project Technical Assistant will be responsible for:
1. Support the planning, coordination and implementation of projects
2. Support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project activities
|
- Actively participate in the project’s monitoring and evaluation activities, the proper implementation of partnership agreements, contracts and funds made available, ensuring adherence to the schedule (timeline of ongoing projects/programs) and carrying out regular monitoring and evaluation missions of activities in the field.
- Contribute to the preparation of progress reports and periodic project reports and their entry into UNESCO’s institutional monitoring and reporting systems (Core-Manager or other platforms)
3. Support knowledge management, capitalization, and learning
- Update and maintain the Bureau’s knowledge management systems to ensure adequate documentation of projects and extra-budgetary activities.
- Ensure the archiving, organization and accessibility of documents, data, reports and other resources produced within the framework of the projects.
- Supporting project managers in capitalizing on, consolidating and disseminating knowledge, results, innovations and best practices.
- Develop appropriate capitalisation products (summary notes, case studies, experience sheets, change narratives, presentations, etc.).
- Contribute to the sharing of successful experiences and lessons learned that contribute to the achievement of SDG4 in order to promote their replication and adaptation in other national, regional and international contexts.
4. Strengthen communication, visibility and advocacy
5. Support to the Education Sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa
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- Supporting the Education sector’s efforts in resource mobilization through the development of evidence-based concept notes.
- Perform any other task within their competence in support of the priorities and activities of the Education Sector of the Office.
CONTRACT DURATION
1 year (possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds and performance evaluations).
Fundamental (F) and Managerial (M) Skills
- Communication (F)
- Responsibility (F)
- Innovation (F)
- Knowledge sharing and a constant drive for improvement (F)
- Planning and organization (F)
- Results-oriented culture (F)
- Teamwork (F)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competence Framework .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
- University degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in the field of Education, Social Sciences, Economics, Project Management or other equivalent field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the design, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs in the education sector.
- Demonstrated experience in knowledge management, capitalizing on achievements, documenting and promoting the results of development projects or programs.
- Experience in preparing, revising and producing technical reports, summary documents, concept notes or strategic documents.
- Experience with office procedures and practices, preferably within the United Nations system or in a multicultural environment, is desirable.
- Proven professional experience on education issues related to SDG4.
- Good knowledge of African educational contexts in general and of the Cameroonian education system in particular.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Having a good knowledge of the education sector in Cameroon, particularly aspects related to the planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs.
- Have a good knowledge of the IT tools for setting up and managing Information Systems using ICTs.
- Have a very good knowledge of the Education and Training Sector Strategy 2023-2030 and the Partnership Pact, as well as the SDG4 Agenda – Education 2030 and the AU’s 2063 strategy.
- Have a good command of computer tools, especially the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to regularly carry out missions, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Proficiency in French and/or English.
- A good knowledge of the other language is an asset.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience on key issues in education, particularly basic education.
- A good command of visual communication and graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, advanced PowerPoint or equivalent software) for the production of visibility and communication materials is an asset.
- Experience working with United Nations Agencies, Ministries in charge of education, and international organizations on educational projects.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Advanced knowledge of digital tools for collaboration, document management and knowledge sharing (Teams, SharePoint, Google Drive, etc.).
- Ability to transform technical data into communication materials accessible to different audiences.
- Strong analytical, synthesis and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
- Good adaptability, dynamism, initiative, discretion and mature judgment.
Technical Coordinator for Education Projects
Contract type: Service contract
Level: SC10
Unit: Education Sector (ED)
Duty station: Yaoundé
Work location: On-site
Contract duration: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application deadline (midnight, UTC+1): 04/09/2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa, based in Yaoundé, covers the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad. The Regional Office’s education sector supports these Member States in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming their education systems.
More specifically, it supports the development and implementation of sectoral policies and strategies for education and training, provides technical support for the development of information systems for education management, teacher training and professional development, ICT integration and digitalization, improvement of the quality of learning, equity and inclusion.
Through its interventions, the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé supports Cameroon in implementing the Program to Support the Professionalization of the Teaching Profession in Cameroon (PAPMEC). Funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), PAPMEC aims to transform the quality and service delivery of teachers in order to significantly improve equitable access to quality education and the achievement of basic learning for all, particularly for girls and the most vulnerable children, including refugee and internally displaced children.
In order to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of its interventions, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé is recruiting a Technical Project Coordinator for Education.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and the direct supervision of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Education in Central Africa, the Education Project Technical Coordinator will be responsible for providing technical support for the management, implementation, and accountability of education project activities. He/She will be required to:
1. Provide technical support for the coordination, management, implementation and monitoring of PAPMEC activities
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2. Support the Education Sector of the Regional Office in Yaoundé
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- Ensure the preparation and compilation of technical documents and the follow-up of requests in coordination with the teams of the Regional Office, Headquarters and with partners.
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3. Partnership, networking and resource mobilization
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Fundamental (F) and Managerial (M) Skills
-
- Communication (F)
- Responsibility (F)
- Innovation (F)
- Knowledge sharing and a constant drive for improvement (F)
- Planning and organization (F)
- Professionalism (F)
- Teamwork (F)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competence Framework .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
- University degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences or other equivalent field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Have 4 to 7 years of professional experience in the design, implementation and/or monitoring and evaluation of education and training sector projects and programs with government and civil society partners.
- Having experience with office procedures and practices, preferably within the United Nations system or in a multicultural environment, is desirable.
- Have proven professional experience in matters relating to teacher training, ICT in education, the didactics of primary school subjects and lifelong learning.
- To have a very good knowledge of African educational contexts in general and of the Cameroonian education system in particular.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Skills in managing and implementing education sector projects.
- Proficiency in computer tools, particularly the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Excellent listening and leadership skills within a multidisciplinary and/or multicultural team.
- High sense of professional duty, honesty and responsibility.
- Flexible and proactive personality.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to regularly carry out missions, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Proficiency in French and/or English.
- A good knowledge of the other language is an asset.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in human resources management issues (recruitment, allocation, redeployment of teachers).
- Experience working with United Nations Agencies, Ministries in charge of education and training, and international organizations in educational projects.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Good adaptability, dynamism, initiative, discretion and mature judgment.
- Ability to carry out missions in diverse and challenging environments.
- Excellent ability to present effectively to a diverse audience.
Specialist in Monitoring and Evaluation of Education Projects
Contract type: Service contract
Level: SC10
Unit: Education Sector (ED)
Duty station: Yaoundé
Work location: On-site
Contract duration: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application deadline (midnight, UTC+1): 04/09/2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa, based in Yaoundé, covers the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Chad. The Regional Office’s education sector supports these Member States in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and transforming their education systems.
More specifically, it supports the development and implementation of sectoral policies and strategies for education and training, provides technical support for the development of information systems for education management, teacher training and professional development, ICT integration and digitalization, improvement of the quality of learning, equity and inclusion.
To ensure effective and efficient implementation of its interventions, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé is recruiting a Project Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Education.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for the design, implementation, and coordination of the monitoring and evaluation system for educational projects within the Education sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa, using a results-based management approach. They will ensure the quality, reliability, and availability of the data necessary for rigorously monitoring the progress of activities and evaluating the effects and impacts of projects. They will work closely with all stakeholders.
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and the direct supervision of the UNESCO Regional Advisor for Education in Central Africa, the Education Project Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for:
1. Implementation of an integrated monitoring and evaluation system
- Coordinate the annual work plan and budget (AWPB) of project interventions, ensuring their coherence, complementarity and alignment with the objectives set, as well as their effective implementation and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
- Design and operationalize an integrated M&E system enabling coordinated monitoring of the implementation of educational projects in the Education sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa.
- Strengthen the capacities of implementing partners in monitoring and evaluation, particularly on principles, procedures, data collection tools and reporting mechanisms.
- Establish protocols for collaboration and data sharing between the main stakeholders involved in project implementation.
- Ensure the alignment of the M&E system with the requirements of donors and project beneficiaries.
- Supporting the Education sector’s efforts in resource mobilization through the development of evidence-based concept notes.
- To perform any other tasks assigned to him/her within the Education sector.
2. Digital data collection and management
- Define and implement an information flow to ensure the availability of data needed to populate project results frameworks.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of project achievements, certifying the quality of indicator measurement.
- Develop or adapt digital data collection tools (KoboToolbox, ODK, or others), in collaboration with project partners.
- Provide training and support to field teams on the use of digital tools.
- Supervise the collection, entry, verification, cleaning and archiving of data.
- Maintain a secure and accessible database, ensuring data quality, disaggregation and traceability.
- Contribute to the integration of cross-cutting considerations (gender, inclusion, equity) into the monitoring and evaluation system of projects.
3. Knowledge management and capitalization
- Establish mechanisms for documenting, analyzing and disseminating best practices, innovations and lessons learned.
- Support the organization of learning workshops between implementing partners and national stakeholders.
- Produce capitalization sheets, summary notes, etc.
- Promote networking among M&E stakeholders within the framework of projects.
4. Reporting
- To produce high-quality, reliable project progress reports that meet project requirements through the measurement of performance indicators, qualitative monitoring, and to suggest innovative approaches to achieving results while taking into account execution processes.
- Establish and maintain a consolidated dashboard to monitor project progress and budget execution, as a strategic tool for decision support and performance management.
- Produce consolidated periodic performance reports (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually) covering all project components and partners.
- Support the preparation of joint reports for donors, particularly according to their requirements.
- Develop presentations and visual aids (infographics, dashboards, etc.) for coordination meetings, supervision missions, and joint reviews.
5. Evaluation
- Support project evaluations (baseline, mid-term, final), including methodological design, coordination and monitoring.
- Contribute to monitoring the implementation of recommendations from evaluations.
- Participate in inter-agency technical meetings and meetings with national authorities related to monitoring and evaluation.
Fundamental (F) and Managerial (M) Skills
- Comunicación (B)
- Responsibilidad (B)
- Innovación (B)
- Interchange of knowledge and continued improvement (B)
- Planning and organization (B)
- Interchange of knowledge and continued improvement (B)
- Teamwork (B)
For detailed information, consult the UNESCO Competency Mark .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
- Hold a university degree at Master’s level (or equivalent) in monitoring and evaluation, project management or information systems, education statistics, demography, education planning, computer science or any other relevant field.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Have 4 to 7 years of experience in monitoring educational projects, particularly in multi-partner contexts, funded by international donors.
- Have experience working with the United Nations and/or the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
- Good knowledge of the educational context in Central Africa in general and in Cameroon in particular, of development partners and other civil society actors active in the field of education and training.
- Have proven experience with data collection applications based on Open Data Kit (ODK) or similar platforms (KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, etc.).
- Possess solid expertise in education management information systems (EMIS) and digital tools such as QGIS, PowerBi, etc.
- Having extensive experience in planning and managing education systems is an asset.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in computer tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, etc.).
- Excellent listening and leadership skills within a multidisciplinary and/or multicultural team.
- High sense of professional duty, honesty and responsibility.
- Flexible and proactive personality.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to regularly carry out missions, particularly in diverse and challenging contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Proficiency in French and/or English.
- A good knowledge of the other language is an asset.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience on education issues related to SDG4, CESA 2026-2035, the Education and Training Sector Strategy 2023-2030 and the Cameroon Partnership Pact.
- Experience working with United Nations Agencies, Ministries in charge of education and training, and international organizations in educational projects.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation on teaching issues (human resources management, initial and continuing training, pedagogical supervision, teaching/learning, etc.).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Good adaptability, dynamism, initiative, discretion and mature judgment.
- Ability to carry out missions in diverse and challenging environments.
- Excellent ability to present effectively to a diverse audience.
- Advanced computer skills.
To apply for this job please visit careers.unesco.org.
