CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

The UNESCO Regional Office for UN Coordination for the Arab States in Beirut has a long-standing partnership with the Arab Region, serving 19 Member States. The Bureau serves as the regional hub for SDG4 in the Arab region. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. As part of this effort, the Education sector provides technical support to deliver quality education to the 19 member states, in aim of advocating for and progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) of the2030 Agenda in the Arab region – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. One of the key roles and responsibilities of UNESCO Beirut is coordinating the education community to achieve this goal through partnerships, policy guidance, capacity development, monitoring and advocacy. This places UNESCO in a unique position to support member states in achieving the SDG4-Education 2030 agenda.
UNESCO Beirut works closely with field offices across the region, the SHERPA, UNESCO Category II institutions as well as international and regional stakeholders in coordinating common efforts and building on synergies.

PURPOSE

PURPOSE

UNESCO Beirut is seeking assistance (consultant) to provide assistance to the Chief of Education Section related to UNESCO Beirut’s works on SDG 4. Concretely, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks and deliver the corresponding outputs:
Outcome: Effective reporting, monitoring, and coordination processes with quality documentations, and coordination of activities within the Education sector.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Ensure effective communication and provide regular, strategic updates to key stakeholders on Education and SDG 4-related initiatives in the region.
• Deliver high-quality technical inputs for programme activities, including reviewing and refining technical documents and reports for publication or dissemination.
• Lead the development of key documents, including concept notes, Terms of Reference (TORs), draft agendas, reports, activity briefs, meeting minutes, and speeches.
• Support the development and finalization of the 2025 Arab SDG 4 Regional Progress Report, ensuring robust analysis and alignment with regional priorities.
• Assist in strengthening the regional Coordination mechanism to the Arab region, fostering efficient collaboration and synergy among stakeholders;
• Ensure technical quality assurance of meetings and events (both virtual and in-person), including content refinement, follow-up actions, and strategic adjustments to enhance impact.

REPORTING
Throughout the assignment, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for UN Coordination for the Arab States and will report to the Chief of Education/Senior Programme Specialist. During the fulfilment of his/her work, consultant will ensure regular communication with Chief of Education/Senior Programme Specialist to clarify the expected tasks and deliverables and their quality.

DURATION

The estimated duration of this assignment is for 6 months (1 March 2025 – 31 August 2025)

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Masters degree in Education or Social Sciences (Political Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology etc.)
• Professional experience of at least 7 years, relevant to the field of international development;
• Knowledge about education and its challenges and issues in the Arab States;
• Strong business writing, report writing and communication skills;
• Professional proficiency in English and Arabic (French is an asset).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD is an asset;
• Familiarity of work with UNESCO and UN agencies in the Arab region is an asset;
• Directly relevant professional experience in the Arab region is an asset;