Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is a part of UNESCO, established to promote international cooperation in marine sciences. The IOC aims to improve the management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources. With 152 Member States, the IOC coordinates various programs in capacity development, ocean observations, tsunami warning, and ocean literacy. The organization contributes to UNESCO's mission of advancing science and its applications for economic and social progress, peace, and sustainable development. The IOC is also responsible for coordinating the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development from 2021 to 2030.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the IOC's Marine Policy and Regional coordination-section" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Section. This position involves assisting in the development, research, coordination, implementation, and reporting of strategic initiatives, particularly focusing on the IOC Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management Strategy. The Project Assistant will engage in various inter-sectoral and UN-wide activities, contributing to internal and external communication, strategic partnerships, and cooperation projects. The role requires collaboration with diverse partners to develop science-based tools for sustainable ocean management, including marine spatial planning and management of large marine ecosystems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assisting in procurement and finance-related activities such as processing contracts and travel arrangements; creating, reviewing, and delivering documents including reports and presentations; liaising with corporate services for translation and dissemination; maintaining organized filing systems; monitoring project activities and budgets; supporting communication efforts by preparing social media content and updating project webpages; providing logistical support for meetings and workshops; and performing any other related duties as required to ensure effective project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education or possess technical or vocational education. A minimum of five years of work experience in administrative support or project/program implementation assistance is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural team. Proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of InDesign, WordPress, and enterprise resource planners (preferably SAP) are essential. Candidates must also possess high attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes completed secondary education, along with technical or vocational training relevant to administrative support and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in administrative support and/or project/program implementation assistance. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage tasks related to meetings, travel, and project coordination effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language being advantageous. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the multicultural environment of UNESCO.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment lasting one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 43,734 Euros. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.