UNESCO 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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, communication, and information. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting education for sustainable development (ESD) as a key component of its mission. UNESCO operates various programs and initiatives globally, focusing on education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information.

Job Overview:
The UNESCO Programme Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, organization, coordination, operations, and logistics of the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya. This position requires a proactive individual who can effectively manage multiple tasks and ensure the smooth execution of conference-related activities. The Programme Assistant will work under the authority of the Regional Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and will be guided by the Senior Education Programme Specialist/Head of the Education Sector. The role involves liaising with various stakeholders, including participants, UNESCO HQ, and the National Planning Committee, to facilitate the successful delivery of the conference. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for ensuring that all logistical arrangements are in place, including travel coordination, venue setup, and participant communication, thereby contributing to the overall success of the event.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNESCO Programme Assistant include:

• Supporting the planning, organization, coordination, operations, and logistics of the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD.
• Following up on invitation letters sent by UNESCO HQ to participants and ensuring timely communication with invited guests.
• Liaising with the UNESCO HQ team and the National Planning Committee to facilitate online registration for participants using the Indico platform.
• Coordinating travel arrangements for participants, including collecting travel documents, creating vendor accounts, and liaising with travel agencies for ticket purchases.
• Preparing logistical notes for participants traveling to the conference and sharing travel information, including tickets and itineraries, as well as facilitating visa processing.
• Ensuring all logistical aspects of the conference are managed effectively, including venue arrangements, interpretation services, accommodation, and conference materials.
• Supporting the creation of necessary contracts for the conference, such as hotel contracts and transportation agreements.
• Keeping accurate records of relevant information and data related to the conference and developing follow-up tools to track progress and identify risks.
• Providing onsite coordination support during the conference to ensure smooth execution of all planned activities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the UNESCO Programme Assistant position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in education, international relations, social sciences, public administration, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, management, implementation, and monitoring.
• Experience working in a UN agency or an international organization is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as education, international relations, social sciences, public administration, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of the role and to effectively contribute to the planning and execution of the UNESCO World Conference on ESD.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in supporting project coordination, management, implementation, and monitoring. Experience in a UN agency or an international organization is highly desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational and procedural frameworks of such organizations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing logistics and administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is excellent written and spoken English. Proficiency in any other UN language would be considered an added advantage, as it would facilitate communication with a broader range of participants and stakeholders during the conference.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 6 months, and it is classified at the SC5 level. The position is open to external candidates, and applications must be submitted by the deadline of 23/08/202

• UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures that all applications are treated with confidentiality. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and the organization does not charge any fees during the hiring process.