Malawi Education Project

The Malawi Education Project is an initiative aimed at promoting education for health and wellbeing in Malawi. The project is implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders. This article provides an overview of the project, its objectives, and the role of the Associate National Project Officer in its implementation.

Overview of the Malawi Education Project

The Malawi Education Project, also known as the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” (O3) Programme, focuses on ensuring quality delivery of comprehensive sexuality education in Malawi. The project aims to address the educational needs of young people, particularly in the areas of adolescent sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS prevention, and gender equality.

The project is guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being. It aligns with the national priorities and strategies of Malawi in the education and health sectors.

Objectives of the Malawi Education Project

The main objectives of the Malawi Education Project are as follows:

1. To strengthen the capacity of teachers and education advisors in delivering comprehensive sexuality education in primary and secondary schools.
2. To develop and disseminate project-specific materials on management and finance issues related to project implementation.
3. To ensure the effective utilization of donor funds through proper financial management and reporting.
4. To promote coordination and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to achieve the project’s goals.

Role of the Associate National Project Officer

The Associate National Project Officer plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Malawi Education Project. The officer provides administrative and programming support to the Project Officer and the Education for Health and Wellbeing team in Malawi. Some of the key responsibilities of the Associate National Project Officer include:

Administrative Support

• Assisting the Project Officer in administrative tasks related to project implementation.
• Coordinating and preparing necessary documents for procurement processes and contract issuance.
• Providing logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and courses related to the project.
• Establishing and maintaining an organized filing system for financial and administrative project issues.

Programming Support

• Conducting training sessions for primary and secondary school teachers on comprehensive sexuality education.
• Assisting in the design of project-specific materials related to management and finance issues.
• Supporting the preparation of funds allotment based on donor funds received.

Management of Funds

• Reconciling funds received through designated Enterprise Resources Planning systems.
• Disbursing funds during project meetings.
• Providing timely narrative and financial reporting on funds disbursed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

To be eligible for the position of Associate National Project Officer, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, public health, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, including comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/AIDS programming.
• Experience in administration and management of project offices with donor funding.
• Good knowledge of the country context, particularly in education and public health.
• Excellent computer and IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Benefits and Entitlements

The selected candidate for the position of Associate National Project Officer will receive a basic salary and other benefits as per UNESCO’s policies. The approximate annual starting salary for the position is USD 18,525.

For detailed information on benefits and entitlements, candidates can refer to the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.

Selection and Recruitment Process

All candidates must complete an online application and provide accurate information. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria specified in the vacancy notice, which may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews.

UNESCO uses various communication technologies for the assessment and evaluation of candidates, such as video or teleconferences and email correspondence. Only selected candidates will be further contacted, and reference checks will be conducted for candidates in the final selection step.

Conclusion

The Malawi Education Project, implemented by UNESCO, aims to improve education for health and wellbeing in Malawi, with a particular focus on comprehensive sexuality education. The Associate National Project Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the project, providing administrative and programming support, and ensuring proper financial management. The project aligns with the SDGs and contributes to the national priorities and strategies of Malawi in the education and health sectors.