Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples based on respect for shared values and human rights. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working across various sectors to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is situated within the Youth coordination-section" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Section of the Sciences Sector at UNESCO. The role is pivotal in providing professional and technical support, coordination, research, and analysis for various programmatic initiatives that align with the organization's focus on youth as a priority group. The Programme Assistant will be expected to engage in a variety of tasks that support the administrative and operational functions of the section, ensuring that all activities are executed efficiently and effectively. This includes preparing for special events, outreach activities, and partnership initiatives, as well as maintaining communication and information flow within the section. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for tracking and reporting on projects and programs, ensuring compliance with budgetary and financial regulations, and assisting in human resources-related actions. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering high-quality support to the team and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: providing administrative support for the preparation of special events and outreach activities; gathering and collating background information; verifying and analyzing information for relevance and accuracy; preparing reports, presentations, and speeches; coordinating logistics for meetings and events; managing travel and hospitality arrangements; liaising with technical services for translation and interpretation; tracking and monitoring project compliance with budgetary requirements; drafting regular financial updates and reports; assisting in human resources actions, including recruitment and temporary assistance planning; maintaining accurate program and project documentation; facilitating communication within the section; and serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to the section's projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with technical or vocational education being an advantage. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in secretarial and/or administrative tasks is required. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in drafting correspondence in English and/or French. Attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential. Familiarity with standard office software and procurement processes is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education, with additional technical or vocational training being beneficial. Specialized training or certification in secretariat or administration is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant work experience in administrative or secretarial roles. Experience within the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations is highly valued, particularly in areas related to international relations, diplomacy, or youth development. Familiarity with the functioning of international organizations is also advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, both written and spoken, with good knowledge of the other language being beneficial. Knowledge of additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable qualification.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, open to both internal and external candidates. The role is full-time, and candidates must be eligible to work in France. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 43,734 EUR, with benefits including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.