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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at UNESCO is designed to provide essential support in the organization and delivery of various educational programs and projects. This role involves a wide range of administrative and office support functions, which are crucial for the smooth operation of the Education Sector. The Programme Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education and will be responsible for collating information, drafting financial updates, and managing logistical arrangements for meetings and events. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. The Programme Assistant will also be involved in maintaining communication with stakeholders in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all administrative processes are executed efficiently and effectively. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the educational programs run smoothly and meet their objectives, contributing to UNESCO's mission of promoting education for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will undertake a variety of duties including: collating information and drafting regular and ad hoc budgetary and financial updates, reports, and projections; initiating requisitions for contracts and purchase orders; preparing payment requests and managing vendor creation; ensuring travel arrangements for staff and non-staff; organizing official meetings, events, and workshops; maintaining electronic files related to program implementation; preparing administrative documentation; and providing general administrative support such as leave and attendance recording. The role also involves maintaining communication with counterparts and stakeholders, managing correspondence, and assisting in the preparation of presentation materials. The Programme Assistant will be expected to undertake additional activities as required to ensure effective teamwork and successful program delivery, and to provide support on tasks delegated by the Chief of Education and the Director of the Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary, technical, or vocational education. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in administrative or secretarial tasks is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent coordination and communication skills, with proficiency in drafting documents in both English and Spanish. Strong IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications and experience with ERP systems such as SAP, are essential. The candidate should also have the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple assignments, and maintain confidentiality.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education, with technical or vocational training being advantageous. Candidates with general secretarial training or certificates will be viewed favorably, as this will enhance their ability to perform the administrative tasks required in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, particularly in administrative and secretarial roles. Experience in providing program or administrative support at an international level or within the United Nations system is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing multiple tasks effectively and working in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish (spoken and written) is mandatory, along with very good knowledge of English. Knowledge of additional languages such as French or Portuguese is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time service contract with a duration of 8 months, starting in May 2026 and ending in December 202

• Only candidates with Chilean nationality or permission to work in Chile will be considered for this role. The contract may be extended subject to performance results and availability of funds. The position requires in-person attendance at the UNESCO office in Santiago. Benefits include annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave provisions, as well as social security arrangements that must be clearly outlined in the contract. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in its hiring process and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups.