Myanmar: Project Assistant – Teacher Education

Background:

The government of Myanmar has prioritized teacher education in its education reform efforts, recognizing that improvement in quality of teachers is essential to quality education and positive student learning outcomes. Through the “Strengthening Pre-service Teacher Education in Myanmar” (STEM) project, UNESCO, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Myanmar, is supporting reforms in the pre-service teacher education system through policy and institutional capacity development in Myanmar’s Education Colleges.

A Project Assistant is sought to assist in programmatic and administrative support of the STEM project, in particular providing assistance to UNESCO staff and consultants in project implementation.

The Project Assistant may also be called upon to assist with administrative and logistical support of other UNESCO education projects, as needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education and the direct supervision of Head of Project Office in Myanmar, and working in close collaboration with the Project Specialists and education units in UNESCO Myanmar Project Office, the Project Assistant will:

· Ensure provision of support to management of the STEM project activities:

o Collate information, record and monitor the use of different budget codes for the STEM project implementation, and prepare regular and ad hoc budget updates of the STEM project;

o Monitor the status of project contracts, obligations, travel and payment claims from creation until completion of process and provide regular updates on payment status and remaining obligations to the responsible officer;

o Assist with informal Myanmar-to-English and English-to-Myanmar translation of curriculum documents during the development of the Education College four-year degree curriculum, and undertake related missions as necessary;

o Assemble documents and support informal translation of key project documents, reports, policy briefs and advocacy materials related to education project activities, according to standards and formats;

o Provide informal interpretation support to UNESCO international staff during workshops and meetings;

· Ensure effective administrative and logistical services:

o Assess administrative support needed and provide administrative assistance to support the coordination and organization of routine administrative tasks and logistics of STEM project activities, including obtaining quotations, visiting venues, printing and stationery, correspondence, collection of cheques, bank and exchange visits, and management of payment of allowances to workshop participants;

o Prepare supporting documentation for UNESCO staff and consultants’ travel, including quotations, communication with travel agent, and booking of hotels and transport;

o Support requests for visa for staff and consultants, including preparation of letters, sending of correspondence, and following up with relevant Government officials;

o Prepare draft contractual documents and supporting documentation for project contracts, obligations, travel and payment claims for submission to the Administrative and Finance Unit in Bangkok;

· Provide support to office maintenance and assets management:

o Manage the bookings for the use of the project car and log sheet maintenance with monthly processing of payments;

o Ensure proper creation and closure and management of electronic and hard-copy files of inventory lists, contracts and office supplies for the project team;

· Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

o Maintain close communication with the Administrative and Finance Unit in Bangkok to ensure that processes, procedures and timeframes are respected for the efficient implementation of project activities;

o Ensure proper creation and closure and management of electronic and hard-copy files of STEM project records; and

· Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the Head of Project Office to support UNESCO’s education programming activities in Myanmar.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s Level Degree in business administration, strategic management, finance or a related field.

Language: Excellent written and spoken English and Myanmar language skills.

Experience: At least two years of working experience related to office administration, finance or management with a keen interest in various aspects of educational development.

Competencies: Proven excellent computer skills in MS Office (word, excel, outlook); ability to work independently on delegated tasks; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment.

Apply To: Interested applicants, who hold Myanmar citizenship, are invited to submit

· a cover letter (Referencing the Job Announcement No. JA11-18);

· a full resume stating details of educational qualifications and working experience, present income, telephone numbers, email address, names and contact details of three referees; and

· a writing sample in English:

to either

UNESCO Myanmar Project Office

Att: Head of Project Offfice

No. 8/C, Bogyoke Museum Street, Natmauk Road

Bahan Township, Yangon

or

E-mail:yangon@unesco.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Assessment:

Assessment exercises such as written tests or content tests may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

A WRITTEN EXAMINATION MAY BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF CANDIDATES.

UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality within its Secretariat.
Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.