OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Dhaka

 

Classification of duty station: Field Office

Standard Duration of Assignment: From 6 to 12 months

Job Family: Education

Type of contract: Service Contract

Duration of contract : 10 months 

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates 

Application Deadline (Midnight Dhaka Time): 03 March 2026

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Programme Assistant – Education will provide technical, coordination, and operational support to advance UNESCO’s Education for Health and Well-being (EHWB) agenda in Bangladesh. The Programme Assistant will support the effective planning and implementation of key EHWB projects, including Health Promoting Schools (HPS), Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW), Building Strong Foundations (BSF), activities under the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG), as well as initiatives related to gender-responsive pedagogy, safe and inclusive learning environments, and the prevention of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV).

 

In addition, the Programme Assistant will contribute to UNESCO’s regular education programme by supporting research and knowledge management, development of training modules and curricula, and the mainstreaming of education for health and well-being across education policies, programmes, and practices. The assignment will involve research, stakeholder coordination, and technical assistance to support evidence-based implementation and to advance UNESCO’s education priorities in Bangladesh.

 

The Programme Assistant will work under the overall authority of the Head of Office, the overall supervision of the Chief of Education, and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Education and will support the effective implementation and monitoring of the above-mentioned programmes and activities.

Long Description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

 

Health Promoting Schools (HPS) Programme

 

• Support planning, coordination, implementation, and scale-up of Health Promoting Schools (HPS) initiatives, including development and monitoring of HPS action plans in pilot and scale-up schools.
• Support data collection, documentation, and analysis, including identification of good practices and lessons learned from HPS implementation.
• Facilitate coordination with MoE, MoPME, DSHE, NAEM, NCTB, schools, and partners to ensure coherence between HPS interventions, teacher competencies, curriculum priorities, and system-level reforms.
• Assist in preparing progress updates, monitoring reports, policy briefs, and lessons-learned documentation for UNESCO, donors, and partners.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure smooth coordination with implementing partners.

 

GPE System Transformation Grant (STG) Programme

 

• Support the development of the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG) proposal, particularly integration of EHWB.
• Support the organization of meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders.

Long Description

Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW) Project

 

• Provide strategic technical support for the integration of Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW), including SEL and MHPSS, within education for health and well-being initiatives, subject to resource availability.
• Support collaboration with UNESCO MGIEP on the adaptation and contextualization of SEW-related tools, training materials, and guidance for potential use in Bangladesh.
• Support documentation of emerging practices and lessons learned to inform programme design, policy dialogue, and future resource mobilization.

 

Building Strong Foundations (BSF)

 

• Support in planning and implementation of Building Strong Foundations (BSF) initiatives focusing on age-appropriate health education, learner well-being, gender equality, and safe learning environments in teacher education and professional development.
• Assist coordination with institutions such as NAPE, NAEM, NCTB, and teacher education institutions to support integration of BSF content into curricula and training programmes.
• Support development and adaptation of BSF-aligned training materials and teaching support resources.
• Assist in documenting implementation progress, lessons learned, and emerging good practices from BSF interventions.

Resource mobilization:

• Draft project concept notes for resource mobilization (topics to be identified in consultation with UNESCO)

Long Description

Research, Knowledge Management, and Learning

• Support research and evidence-generation activities, including situation analyses, rapid assessments, action research, and documentation related to HPS, SEW, BSF, and STG.
• Assist in preparing analytical notes, case studies, policy briefs, and lessons-learned documentation to inform programme design and policy dialogue.
• Support knowledge-sharing and learning activities, including workshops, consultations, and dissemination events.

Communication, Visibility, and Coordination

• Draft programme-related documents, correspondence, briefs, and reports in English and Bangla.
• Support development of communication and visibility materials, including presentations, event highlights, and social media content, in line with UNESCO communication guidelines.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure smooth coordination with implementing partners and stakeholders.

Cross-cutting and Other Responsibilities

• Ensure gender equality, inclusion, and intersectionality, including prevention of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), are integrated across all activities.
• Maintain organized programme records and support timely reporting.
• Carry out other programme-related, operational, and administrative tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Education or Social Sciences or other related disciplines.

Work Experience 

• Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in technical, logistical, administrative and management support for programme implementation, preferably with UN agencies or INGOs or government agencies.
• Good experiences in developing communication materials including social media posts.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and competencies 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including good drafting skills in English and Bangla. 
• Good proficiency in Bangla typing, the use of MS Office and other tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Canva/Photoshop, Adobe, etc.)
• Knowledge of SPSS or STATA would be an added advantage. 
• Good organizational, facilitation, and coordination skills to contextualize, develop, and deliver face-to-face, online, and/or orientation and training on education and education issues.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively with people of different cultural backgrounds.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules, priorities, and capacity to multitask and work effectively under pressure. 

Languages 

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Bangla is essential.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

BENEFITS 

The salary grade will SC2-1 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Programme Assistant may be required to undertake field missions. In such case, the related expenses will be covered by UNESCO in accordance with relevant regulations.

 

Job Hours: Full Time 

 

 

THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION AND FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

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