National Project Officer – UNESCO Somalia Job Vacancy (6-Month Contract)
💼 Position: National Project Officer
📍 Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
💰 Salary: Competitive UNESCO Service Contract (SC9) remuneration
📅 Application Deadline: 21 August 2026
📧 Apply via: UNESCO Careers Portal
📌 Application Method: Complete the online application through the UNESCO Careers website before the closing date.
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UNESCO is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of National Project Officer based in Mogadishu, Somalia. The successful candidate will support the implementation of an education and peacebuilding initiative funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), working closely with government institutions, UNICEF and other development partners.
This six-month National Project Officer contract offers experienced education and project management professionals the opportunity to contribute to strengthening religious education, peacebuilding and social cohesion in Somalia while working within one of the world’s leading international organisations.
About the National Project Officer role
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | UNESCO |
| Position | National Project Officer |
| Contract Type | Service Contract (SC9) |
| Duration | 6 months (extension subject to funding and performance) |
| Duty Station | Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Hiring Type | External Candidates |
| Application Deadline | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online via UNESCO Careers Portal |
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The National Project Officer will support the implementation of UNESCO’s Building Peace Through Religious Education in Somalia project. Funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and implemented jointly with UNICEF, the programme seeks to strengthen social cohesion by integrating peacebuilding, safeguarding and inclusive teaching practices into early childhood Quranic education.
Working from Mogadishu, the successful National Project Officer candidate will support project implementation while coordinating with government institutions, education stakeholders, development partners and community organisations. The position reports to the Project Manager while operating within UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
The project focuses on improving religious education through stronger government leadership, enhanced peace-centred teaching approaches and greater community participation in promoting peaceful and inclusive learning environments for young children.
Key Responsibilities
The National Project Officer will oversee the day-to-day implementation of UNESCO’s activities under the project. This includes supporting project planning, coordinating implementation activities and ensuring project objectives are delivered on time and within budget.
The National Project Officer role involves monitoring project work plans, organising procurement processes, coordinating service providers and implementation partners, monitoring contracts and ensuring effective financial management. The successful candidate will also work closely with development partners to ensure alignment with other education and peacebuilding initiatives taking place across Somalia.
The National Project Officer will coordinate project monitoring and evaluation activities, prepare technical and financial reports, organise stakeholder meetings, document project progress and contribute to the dissemination of project findings through workshops, publications and other knowledge-sharing platforms.
The successful candidate will also provide technical advice to government stakeholders on education policy, project implementation, monitoring frameworks and capacity development while supporting UNESCO’s broader education and sustainable development objectives.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Peace Studies or another closely related discipline.
Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in education project management, technical assistance, teacher training or education sector development. Previous experience supporting government education reforms or national education programmes is highly desirable.
UNESCO is looking for professionals with excellent project management abilities, strong coordination skills and the capacity to work effectively within multicultural teams. Applicants should demonstrate an excellent understanding of religious education issues in Somalia together with strong communication, organisational and information technology skills.
Fluency in both English and Somali is essential for this position.
Experience working with United Nations agencies or other international organisations, together with previous education sector experience in Somalia or the Horn of Africa, will provide a significant advantage during the recruitment process.
Why Join UNESCO?
Joining UNESCO offers professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to improving education systems and supporting sustainable peacebuilding initiatives that have a lasting impact on communities.
This position provides valuable international development experience while working alongside government institutions, UN agencies and international development partners. The successful candidate will gain exposure to high-level education policy implementation, project management and international cooperation within one of the world’s leading specialised UN agencies.
The role also offers the opportunity to contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their application through the UNESCO Careers Portal before 21 August 2026. Applicants should complete the online application carefully, ensuring all required information is accurate before submission, as applications cannot be modified afterwards.
UNESCO’s recruitment process may include written assessments, pre-recorded video interviews, panel interviews, reference checks and verification of qualifications where applicable.
UNESCO is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion and integrity. Applications from women, persons with disabilities and individuals from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.
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