Programme Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it operates in over 190 countries worldwide. UNESCO employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various partners to achieve its goals, focusing on sustainable development, cultural diversity, and the promotion of human rights.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Coordinator is centered around the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, which recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions that have made significant contributions to the dissemination and promotion of Arab culture globally. The incumbent will be responsible for the effective implementation of the Prize, which includes managing administrative, communication, and promotional services. This role requires a deep understanding of administrative protocols and the ability to maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including jury members, donors, and media representatives. The Programme Coordinator will also facilitate the flow of information and ensure that the Chief of Section is well-informed about urgent matters. The position demands a proactive approach to managing the Prize's program of work, ensuring that all activities are executed efficiently and effectively, and that applicants receive the necessary support throughout the application process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Coordinator will undertake a variety of tasks, including organizing and following up on communications and meetings related to the Prize, providing both substantive and administrative support. Responsibilities include managing the Prize's program of work, coordinating interactions between the Chief of Section and various partners, and liaising with the International Jury to provide guidance on candidate evaluations. The incumbent will draft official correspondence, support applicants in using the submission platform, and ensure the completeness of received applications. Additionally, the Programme Coordinator will analyze and pre-evaluate candidatures, prepare evaluation sheets, and maintain communication with applicants to resolve outstanding issues. The role also involves compiling background materials for reports and briefings, monitoring the preparation of documents, and ensuring quality control of outgoing communications. The Programme Coordinator will serve as the first point of contact for senior officials and manage competing demands effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary education or technical/vocational training. A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in secretarial or administrative roles is required. Strong interpersonal and coordination skills are essential, along with excellent drafting abilities for correspondence and reports. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills to interact with officials and staff at various levels. Discretion and the ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds are crucial, as well as proficiency in standard office software. Flexibility in adjusting to work schedules and priorities is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education, with a preference for candidates who have undergone specialized training or certification in secretarial or administrative fields. This educational foundation is essential for performing the various administrative tasks associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of relevant work experience, particularly in secretarial and administrative tasks. Experience within the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with international relations and diplomacy. Candidates with a background in managing complex administrative processes in a multicultural environment will be favored.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, and a good working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as well as proficiency in another official language of UNESCO, such as Chinese, Russian, or Spanish.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those eligible to work in France may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 53,842 Euros, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.