Associate Project Officer

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Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

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

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) is UNESCO's flagship international network of educational institutions, bringing together close to 10,000 schools in over 160 countries. ASPnet contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 by promoting quality education, Global Citizenship Education, Education for Sustainable Development, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation through school-based initiatives and international networking.

To strengthen collaboration across the Network and improve membership management, UNESCO has developed “ASPnet Connect”, a collaborative digital platform that supports membership applications and approval workflows, facilitates communication among ASPnet National Coordinators and UNESCO, and maintains the digital directory of ASPnet member institutions and National Networks.

The ASPnet Unit is responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of ASPnet Connect, ensuring that the platform effectively supports the operational needs of the Network. This includes coordinating the continuous improvement of the platform, supporting its IT development, monitoring technical issues, liaising with UNESCO's Digital Business Solutions (DBS) and external software development providers, coordinating the migration, validation and updating of membership data, and supporting ASPnet National Coordinators in the day‑to‑day management of their national networks.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director‑General for Education, the guidance of the Director of the Division for Education 2030, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the ASPnet International Coordination Unit, the incumbent is responsible for supporting membership management and the development, operation and maintenance of the "ASPnet Connect" collaborative platform, ensuring that the platform responds to the needs of the Associated Schools Network and that membership data are accurate and up to date.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Project Officer (Membership and Platform Management) will contribute to the effective management of ASPnet membership and to the development, operation and maintenance of ASPnet Connect collaborative platform. This includes:

Long Description

• a) Support the design and oversee the development of new functions that enhance community interactions and collaboration, in line with relevant programme orientations and UNESCO policies, while ensuring alignment with the needs of the Network and fostering active engagement.
• b) Undertake minor adjustments directly to the configuration under the guidance of the IT development team and the Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS).
• c) Oversee the submission and approval workflows for membership applications, ensuring smooth, timely and efficient processing and providing transparent progress updates.
• d) Assist in monitoring the adherence of external software development companies to contractual obligations, including delivery timelines, performance benchmarks and agreed functionalities.
• e) Regularly evaluate platform functionalities and user feedback to propose improvements, document development needs and drive innovations that enhance user experience and platform efficiency within budget limitations.
• f) Assist with the management of user rights in line with UNESCO policies, including helping ensuring that users, namely National Coordinators and UNESCO staff, have access to the platform and are able to use its functionalities, and handle daily requests for assistance.
• g) Establish ongoing user support mechanisms, such as regular Q&A sessions or user forums, to the extent possible building on existing UNESCO facilities, to assist users in addressing challenges during platform use, and moderate user group discussions on the platform.
• h) Coordinate, organize and oversee support and training sessions for National Coordinators and UNESCO staff to ensure effective use of the collaborative platform and operational efficiency.
• i) Conduct regular risk assessments of the platform to identify potential security vulnerabilities and operational issues, reporting findings promptly for resolution.
• j) Produce regular reports and create reporting templates to provide structured information on membership.
• k) Help ensure that the data contained in the digital directory are up to date and accurate through regular exchanges with ASPnet National Coordina