UNESCO Project Assistant for Sciences

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 194

• Its mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and has established various strategic plans to guide its initiatives, including the Medium Term Strategy 2022-2029 and the One Strategic Plan of the UN in Vietnam for 2022-2026.

Job Overview:
The position of Project Assistant for the Sciences Unit at UNESCO Hanoi Office is crucial for supporting the implementation of various projects related to water management and disaster risk reduction. The role involves providing specialized and comprehensive support to ensure that project activities are executed efficiently and in compliance with UNESCO's administrative and financial regulations. The Project Assistant will work closely with the Chief of the Science Unit and National Project Officers to facilitate the planning, preparation, and execution of project activities. This includes managing correspondence, assisting in procurement and logistics, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and detail in all tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing daily support to the program/project team in planning, preparing, and implementing project activities in Vietnam.
• Managing correspondence and documentation related to the projects, including sorting, registering, and filing.
• Assisting in the administration of projects, including procurement, recruitment, contracting, and logistics.
• Drafting and following up on correspondence and memos, organizing events and meetings, and preparing minutes.
• Arranging travel and missions for project staff, including providing interpretation and translation support.
• Maintaining project filing systems, both hard copy and digital, for effective planning and evaluation.
• Collaborating with national and provincial partners to ensure compliance with UNESCO's operational procedures.
• Supporting the team in monitoring project expenditures and preparing financial reports.
• Coordinating the design and dissemination of project publications and participating in outreach activities. 1
• Performing any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary education or technical/vocational education. Additionally, they should have at least three years of relevant work experience in program/project support, financial, or administrative services, preferably in natural resources, water, climate change, or environment-related projects. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree may qualify with a minimum of one year of relevant experience. Strong IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications, are essential, along with excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for accuracy and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes completed secondary education or technical/vocational education. A Bachelor's degree or higher in fields such as environment, natural resources management, public administration, business, management, finance, or other relevant areas is desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of the projects and the environment in which they operate.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant work experience in program/project support, financial, or administrative services at the national level, particularly in projects related to natural resources, water, climate change, or the environment. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may qualify with a minimum of one year of relevant experience. Experience in operational project implementation, particularly within the context of international organizations or UN agencies, is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Vietnamese is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills in both languages, as the role involves significant interaction with local and international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Vietnamese nationals only and is a full-time role based at the UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The contract is initially for six months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The position is classified at SC 4 level, and salaries are paid in local currency (VND). Candidates must complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the hiring process.