Associate National Project Officer (Afghanistan) contract

Position Number: 4AFED 0030PA

Grade: NO-A

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 18/03/2026

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

This position is open to Afghan nationals only.

UNESCO Kabul Office serves as the National Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Afghanistan, operating from Kabul to advance UNESCO’s mission in the country. Since reopening in 2002, the office has played a pivotal role in strengthening technical cooperation and capacity across key areas including education, culture, communication and information, and the natural and social sciences. It leads coordination efforts in the education sector, advocates for press freedom and the safety of journalists, and works closely with government counterparts and partners to safeguard Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, promote inclusive learning, and foster peace through international collaboration.

This post of Associate Project Officer is also intended to work with the Education team of UNESCO Kabul Office to strengthen and help Education in carrying out the Education mandates of UNESCO Kabul Office.

Main duties and responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Kabul Office and overall supervision of the Head of Education and the direct supervision of the EU project officer at the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the national project officer will be responsible for the implementation of the project:

• Project Implementation: Support the Project Officer in the preparation and implementation of detailed work plans to facilitate the timely delivery of project activities in accordance with the approved project document and budget; Contribute to day-to-day project coordination to support compliance with EU guidelines and UNESCO financial and administrative regulations; Assist in the preparation of project procurement plans and coordinate with the procurement unit to support procurement and contracting processes. Liaise with local implementing partners to support the quality and timely delivery of project activities at community level; Support communication and outreach with local communities regarding project objectives, progress and key achievements.
• Project Monitoring, evaluation and reporting: Contribute to the development, implementation and regular updating of the project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools, including logframes, Indicator Progress Tracking Tables (IPTT) and Detailed Implementation Plans (DIP); Support the use and refinement of feedback and monitoring mechanisms to collect input from beneficiaries and stakeholders; Assist the International Project Officer in monitoring financial utilization and in the preparation of periodic narrative and financial reports in line with EU requirements, and provide analytical inputs to support adjustments to project implementation as required.

• Technical Assistance and Policy Advice: Contribute to the culturally appropriate localization and contextualization of the regional guidebook on parenting education for use in Afghanistan, ensuring relevance to the local context; Monitor developments and good practices in skills development and literacy programmes in Afghanistan and provide analytical inputs and technical contributions to support colleagues, partners and stakeholders.

• Implementing Partner (IP) Management: Support the development and implementation of training plans for implementing partners (IPs); Maintain regular communication with IPs to facilitate effective project implementation and information exchange; Provide coordination support and analytical inputs related to IP staff recruitment and procurement processes, in close collaboration with UNESCO administrative and procurement units. 

• Knowledge Management and visibility: Support the organization and coordination of consultations, knowledge-sharing and learning events related to the project; Contribute to the development and implementation of the project’s visibility and communication activities in line with UNESCO and EU visibility guidelines, in collaboration with the National Communications Officer; Draft and prepare project success stories, impact notes, briefings, publications and reports, in coordination with the Project Officer and relevant communication units.

Organizational environment and partnerships

• The associate project officer will adhere to UNESCO’s Administrative and Financial Manuals and Staff Rules to ensure efficient operations, mitigate potential risks, and minimize adverse impacts.
• The national associate project officer will support the international project officer to implement the project and manage local and national implementing partners.
• The national associate project officer will maintain regular internal and external communication with key stakeholders, including:
  • Internal Contacts: EU project team and SDL team members at UNESCO Kabul.
  • External Contacts: EU, UNICEF Skills Team, Education Sector Technical Working Group (Ed-STWG) members including NGOs, UN agencies and donors.

Expected results and duration of the assignment

Expected Results:

• Project Implementation: Ensure all activities outlined in the EU project documents are effectively planned and implemented within the stipulated timeline, including the coordination and management of national and international consultants/experts.
• Analytical Outputs: Produce high-quality analytical papers, briefs, and reports to support donor(s), internal use, and contributions to UNESCO Headquarters (HQs) and regional reports.
• Reporting: Prepare timely and comprehensive donor progress reports, annual reports, and final reports as specified in the project documents.
• Advocacy and Expansion: Develop concept notes and proposals to advocate for and expand skills development and literacy and other education activities, ensuring alignment with broader sector goals.

Duration of Assignment:

• The initial duration of the assignment is one year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the availability of resources and satisfactory performance.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Progressively responsible professional experience in education or related development fields.
• Demonstrated experience in non-formal education, TVET, literacy programmes and/or parenting education.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong project management skills, including results-based management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Ability to analyze project data, identify issues and contribute to practical solutions.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and adaptability in fragile or post-conflict contexts.
• Strong coordination, organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent drafting, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Knowledge of the computer, including proficiency in standard office software and online collaboration tools.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Excellent knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto.

EDUCATION

• Experience managing or supporting literacy and non-formal TVET projects.
• Previous experience working with the United Nations and/or EU-funded projects.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s mandate, programmes and operational modalities.

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 37,838 USD.

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

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).

• 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.
• 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.