Programme Assistant - Social and Human Sciences

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 build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. UNESCO is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in its mission.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant for the Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO will play a crucial role in providing administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient management of the sector's programmatic and financial activities. This position requires a proactive individual who can assist in maintaining project work plans, activity schedules, and implementation tracking tools. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for drafting and proofreading correspondence and project-related documentation, facilitating communication between various units within the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office, and organizing meetings and events. The role demands a strong understanding of UNESCO's rules and regulations, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while adhering to deadlines. The Programme Assistant will also support financial tracking and reporting, procurement processes, event logistics, travel management, and communication outreach, making it a multifaceted position that requires a blend of administrative, financial, and interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the SHS Sector’s regular programme budget and extrabudgetary projects, ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations.
• Maintain project work plans, activity schedules, and implementation tracking tools.
• Draft, format, and proofread routine correspondence and project-related documentation.
• Facilitate the flow of information between the SHS Sector and other units, including Finance and Administration.
• Organize Sector meetings, consultations, workshops, and events, including logistical arrangements and follow-up actions.
• Assist in financial management, including budget tracking and preparing financial reports.
• Support vendor registration processes and maintain vendor information.
• Assist in the preparation and administrative review of procurement documentation.
• Provide logistical support for SHS Sector events and coordinate hospitality arrangements. 1
• Support travel management, including making arrangements and monitoring budgets. 1
• Assist in communication activities, including drafting social media content and maintaining web content.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a post-secondary qualification (diploma, certificate, or university degree) in business administration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of relevant professional experience in programme or project administration, financial administration, procurement, or a related field, preferably within an international organization or UN agency.
• Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring, budget tracking, and procurement support functions.
• Experience in organizing meetings, workshops, or similar events, including logistical coordination.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a post-secondary qualification, which can include a diploma, certificate, or university degree in fields such as business administration, social sciences, international relations, or a related area. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of program administration and financial management within an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally be in programme or project administration, financial administration, or procurement, particularly within international organizations, United Nations agencies, government institutions, or non-governmental organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record in financial monitoring, budget tracking, and procurement support functions, as well as experience in organizing meetings and events.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of an official language of India is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the local context and with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Service Contract Level SC4, with a duration of 12 months, commencing on 1 September 2026 and concluding on 31 August 202

• The position is open to external candidates, and the approximate gross monthly salary is Rs.70,157, which includes a social security contribution. Employees are entitled to annual leave and sick leave in accordance with UNESCO policies. The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and panel interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in its hiring process and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply.