National Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote world 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 is known for its commitment to fostering education, promoting freedom of expression, and protecting cultural heritage. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The National Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the 'Empowering Youth to Building Bridges for Social Cohesion' project, which is funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. This project aims to address social polarization by equipping youth from diverse backgrounds with essential skills for peacebuilding, including social and emotional skills, media and information literacy, and effective communication. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Director of UNESCO Almaty and will be responsible for providing administrative, logistical, and operational support to ensure the smooth execution of project activities. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to foster social cohesion and counteract the effects of disinformation and hate speech.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing administrative support by assisting with project procurement processes, coordinating technical consultations, organizing expert group sessions, and facilitating meetings and events.
• Offering operational and travel support by processing travel authorizations, coordinating logistical arrangements, and ensuring compliance with organizational procedures.
• Assisting in event planning and coordination for project-related activities, ensuring all logistical requirements are met.
• Managing contracts and payment processing by preparing and tracking payment requests, supporting procurement activities, and maintaining a comprehensive tracking system for project contracts.
• Supporting communication and visibility efforts by developing and disseminating communication materials.
• Maintaining an organized electronic filing system for project documents and performing any other tasks necessary for effective project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration, finance, or a related field. They should have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in administrative, logistical, and financial support for development projects. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as management, business administration, or finance. This educational background is crucial for understanding the administrative and logistical aspects of project management and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant work experience, particularly in providing administrative, logistical, and financial support for development projects. Experience in the UN system or international organizations is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the operational standards and practices of such entities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Kyrgyz language is considered a desirable qualification, as it would enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is initially set for 12 months, with a 3-month probation period. The position is open to external candidates, and only those entitled to work in Kyrgyzstan may apply. The salary for this position is based on local UN FTA salary scales, amounting to a gross monthly salary of USD 1,215.7

• Additional benefits include medical and pension coverage, annual leave entitlement, and compliance with local tax laws. UNESCO emphasizes a non-smoking work environment and encourages women candidates to apply.