National Project Officer (Education) (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) contract

Position Number: 4UZED 0012PA

Grade: NO-B

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Tashkent

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 11/05/2026

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.

Only nationals of Uzbekistan may apply to this position.

UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan is leading several key initiatives aimed at advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s education sector is undergoing significant reforms to improve the quality of teaching and learning. However, teacher capacity and professional development remain key challenges. Many teachers still rely on outdated pedagogical approaches that emphasize rote learning rather than competency-based, child centered instruction. There is a need to strengthen pre-service and in-service teacher training to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies, digital competencies, and inclusive education approaches.

The Teacher Education programme led by UNESCO in Uzbekistan aims to strengthen teacher training in Uzbekistan to enhance the quality of education. The programme focuses on addressing gaps in pre-service and in-service teacher training, professional development, and competency-based education (CBE).

The expected outcome is improved teacher capacity to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and competency-based education. Key activities include revising teacher training curricula to align with CBE, building teachers and school leaders capacity through digital and blended learning, establishing a mentorship system for continuous professional learning, and supporting teacher training institutions in implementing evidence-based professional development policies.

To support the successful implementation of this programme, UNESCO seeks a National Project Officer who will contribute with technical expertise, coordinate with national and international partners, and assist in ensuring that the programme’s objectives align with the government’s broader education reform.  

Under the overall authority of Assistant Director-General, Education and the Head of Office and representative, and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer, the National Project Officer (Education) will perform the following tasks: 

Education Programme Implementation and Technical Support:

• Provide technical inputs in the preparation and implementation of detailed work plans to facilitate the timely delivery of projects’ activities in accordance with the approved project documents and budget of UNESCO’s Education Programme
• Support the Education Unit in coordination and overseeing day-to-day programme activities to ensure they are carried out in line with agreed-upon work plans and timelines.
• Provide technical support for the design and implementation of activities aimed at reforming pre- service and in-service teacher education and establishing systems for continuous professional development aligned with Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles.
• Advise in building the institutional capacity of teacher training centres, education faculties, and professional development centers to deliver and sustain quality learning for educators at scale.
• Liaise with local implementing partners to support the quality and timely delivery of project activities at regional level
• Ensure the delivery of quality outputs, including the development of training materials, guidelines, and capacity-building initiatives related to pre-service and in-service Teacher Training by experts, in alignment with UNESCO priorities, including the focus on gender equality and equity

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between UNESCO, the line ministries and its institutions and other national stakeholders involved in the Education Programme.
• Support the Education Unit in liaising with international and national development partners, to ensure synergies between UNESCO’s interventions and broader development efforts in Uzbekistan.
• Represent UNESCO at relevant technical meetings and working groups related to UNESCO’s areas of interest in the field of education.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Contribute the technical inputs in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the progress and impact of programme.
• Contribute to the analysis of programme performance data, identifying key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports and donor briefs in collaboration with the Education Unit.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Participate in organizing workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building activities for government counterparts and education stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and resources that will help national stakeholders sustain and expand the impact of UNESCO’s education interventions.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, international relations, or other relevant field. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of general education.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools;

• Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to details and quality of work;

• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software;
• Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills;

• Ability to work as part of an international team in a multicultural environment. Ability to engage and form effective working relationships with counterparts and colleagues;

• Ability to work in a complex, rural and remote areas.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and Uzbek languages (written and oral).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in pre-service teacher training. 
• Work experience in in-service teacher training.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the administrative procedures of UN preferably UNESCO;

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and the Education Sector’s Programme;


LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of Russian language.

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 47,946.

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. 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.