Project 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 foster universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedoms. The organization operates in various sectors including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the organization of the State of Education Report for India (SOER 2025) on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE). This position involves providing comprehensive program implementation, administrative, and logistical support for state-level dissemination and launch events. The Project Assistant will work closely with various stakeholders, including state education departments, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, to ensure effective communication and coordination. The role requires a proactive approach to managing multiple tasks, ensuring that all events are executed smoothly and that all necessary documentation is prepared and archived appropriately. The Project Assistant will also assist in developing state-specific project proposals to further engage stakeholders in MTB-MLE initiatives, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of educational outcomes in India.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Programme and Event Management support for UNESCO 2025 SOER launches in several Indian States, including planning and organizing state-level launch events, coordinating travel for participants, liaising with venues and vendors, and preparing event materials.
• Coordinate with State Education Departments, SCERTs, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners for state-level launch events, ensuring gender-responsive and inclusive approaches are incorporated.
• Assist in preparing background notes, concept notes, agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and talking points for SOER 2025 state launch events.
• Support post-launch follow-up activities, including documenting discussions, preparing summary notes, and capturing key recommendations and stakeholder commitments.
• Maintain organized records of activities, participants, reports, and correspondence in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
• Provide administrative and basic research support for preparing project proposals and concept notes to advance MTB-MLE initiatives in selected states.
• Engage with linguistic experts, education officials, and community representatives to support visibility and dissemination of outcomes from state launch events.
• Assist in documenting best practices and success stories related to MTB-MLE implementation, compiling periodic progress updates for reporting and donor communication.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Director and the Education Programme Specialist of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, contributing to office-wide activities and events.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s/University undergraduate level degree is required.
• A minimum of six months of relevant prior experience in education programmes, development projects, event coordination, or related fields, particularly in MTB-MLE.
• Experience supporting conferences, workshops, or large-scale dissemination events is essential.
• Exposure to UNESCO, UN agencies, or international development organizations for a minimum of 6 months is preferred.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating a team-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field being desirable. Candidates with a strong academic background in education or multilingual education will be given preference.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six months of relevant experience in specialized support work related to education programmes or development projects. Candidates with at least one year of professional experience in similar roles will be preferred, especially those with exposure to UNESCO or other international development organizations.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory. Working knowledge of Hindi and/or other Indian languages is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is expected to be for six months, and the position is open to external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary structure that includes a base salary supplemented by additional benefits such as a 15% social security contribution, 30 days of annual leave, and sick leave provisions. The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the hiring process.