JOB DESCRIPTION

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education equips learners with critical skills to solve complex problems and drive innovation. It is increasingly vital as many of today’s fastest-growing industries rely on STEM competencies—from water management and sustainable energy to advanced data and computer science. STEM is essential for inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, biodiversity loss, and poverty.

Despite comparable performance in math and science, girls are less likely than boys to pursue STEM studies, and women remain underrepresented in STEM careers. Racial and ethnic disparities also persist. To harness diverse perspectives and improve outcomes, there is a pressing need for inclusive STEM education.

UNESCO’s “Fostering STEM Education in Africa and SIDS” project aims to design and implement a quality STEM education model in Mali, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Uganda. The project will support the development of relevant curricula, learning resources, and delivery structures based on national education system needs. A successful and replicable model will enhance employability, foster innovation, and support sustainable development in other countries.

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States, and the direct supervision of Programme Specialists in Education and Science, the incumbent will support the implementation of the project. Responsibilities include collecting information, maintaining records, and preparing documentation to assist in planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

 

Key duties include:

Supporting implementation of the project in Samoa and Solomon Islands, aligned with programme goals, SDGs, and national priorities.
Assisting in monitoring and evaluation of activities, preparing financial reports, tracking expenditures, and ensuring outputs meet UNESCO standards.
Supporting procurement processes, including documentation and payment follow-up.
Assisting with progress and donor reporting requirements.
Reviewing and following up on purchase order requests from implementing partners.
Preparing travel and DSA requests, and following up on payments and liquidation.
Collecting and disseminating information relevant to project implementation.
Following up on assigned tasks within the Samoa and Solomon Islands project framework.
Drafting and processing routine correspondence and clerical duties.
Managing project documentation and records.
Coordinating logistics for events, meetings, and workshops, including drafting concept notes, agendas, and reports.
Performing other duties as required by the Director and Programme Specialists.

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

Completed secondary level education required.

Work experience

At least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience in of administration/financial management at the national or sub-regional level.
Experience of working to support the implementation of national and/or sub-regional development projects or programmes.

Long Description

Skills and Competencies

Good interpersonal and communication skills, including very good writing skills.
Good organizational, planning, monitoring and reporting skills.
Ability to work as part of a team, to take initiative and to provide quality and timely support and services.
Discretion and capacity to deal efficiently and tactfully with people of different cultural backgrounds.
Flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities, Capacity to work under pressure.
Good ICT skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).

Languages

Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.
Very good knowledge (oral and written) of Samoan language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience:

Experience in implementing STEM projects is desirable.
Previous relevant professional experience with the United Nations is an asset.
Exposure to UNESCO and its programme fields of competence.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements