Data and Coordination Specialist

JOB DETAILS Type of contract : Service Contract Level : SC5 Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station : Damascus Work location : On site Duration of contract : 12 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 05/07/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismBACKGROUND The protracted conflict in Syria has disrupted education systems, displaced millions, and placed significant strain on existing infrastructure. In such contexts, effective data and information management is a cornerstone for evidence-based decision-making, equitable resource allocation, and transparent monitoring.Currently, education data systems in Syria face several challenges, including fragmented data collection, weak validation and verification processes, inconsistent indicator definitions, and insufficient data disaggregation. Staff at various levels of the Ministry of Education (MoE) have limited opportunities for capacity building, which further undermines evidence-based planning, monitoring, and the delivery of equitable quality education, particularly for displaced, marginalized, and vulnerable children. To address these issues, the Syrian MoE has taken significant steps, including the development of the Modeer platform, a digital interface for school-level data reporting and management. However, it requires further strengthening in terms of indicator coverage, alignment with international standards, integration of ethical safeguards, robust data verification processes, and usability for planning and monitoring. At the same time, strengthening the capacities of education personnel remains a key priority for the recovery and development of the education sector. Teachers and school leaders continue to require targeted professional development opportunities to address evolving educational needs, improve teaching and learning practices, and strengthen school leadership and management. Building institutional and human capacities is essential to ensure that reforms and investments translate into sustainable improvements in education delivery and learning outcomes. To support the Syrian MoE to enhance the Modeer platform, ensuring it meets both national needs and global education standards, and to contribute to strengthening institutional capacities through professional development, the Data and Coordination Specialist will play a key role in effective data analysis and management in alignment with priorities of the Ministry of Education. SCOPE OF WORK Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, the direct supervision of Education Programme Specialist, the Data and Coordination Specialist will be responsible for ensuring effective day-to-day coordination and communication among all relevant stakeholders involved in the project to support smooth implementation and timely delivery of UNESCO Syria Education Programme, including:1. Acting as the primary technical focal point for daily coordination with designated counterparts within the Ministry of Education, ensuring continuous information flow, alignment of activities, and timely follow-up on agreed actions.2. Acting as the focal point in Syria for the implementation of UNESCO Action Plan for Syria.3. Translation of project objectives, workplans, and technical requirements into day-to-day operational actions in close coordination with MoE technical teams.4. Facilitating regular technical exchanges, coordination meetings, and working-level consultations with MoE departments and other relevant stakeholders, including preparation of agendas, technical inputs, and summaries of key outcomes.5. Monitoring day-to-day progress of project activities, and proactively identifying risks, delays, or bottlenecks requiring technical or managerial attention.6. Providing ongoing technical advice and hands-on support to MoE counterparts in addressing operational data challenges aris