UNESCO Project Assistant - Education

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering a culture of peace, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring access to quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The UNESCO Project Assistant for Education will work under the authority of the Director of the Division for Education 2030 and will directly report to the Head of the Unit for Associated Schools Network (ED/E30/ASP). The primary function of this role is to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to facilitate the effective management of the Unit’s programmatic and financial activities. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that all administrative processes are executed efficiently, thereby contributing to the overall success of the Unit's objectives. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion. The Project Assistant will also play a key role in supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and events, both virtual and in-person, and will assist in the preparation of communication materials and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNESCO Project Assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving, analyzing, registering, and distributing mail and correspondence; monitoring deadlines and following up on required actions; preparing routine correspondence and responses to requests for information; reviewing outgoing correspondence and documents in English and/or French and making or recommending changes to format, style, spelling, or grammar; providing informal translation as required.
• Maintaining information systems, databases, and distribution lists in both physical and electronic formats; processing requests for data and reports; assisting in the preparation of presentations and other communication materials using appropriate software.
• Preparing draft contracts and entering contract details into FABS as approved by the responsible officer; following up on contract processing and payments; informing team members of relevant administrative processes and related procedures to support effective work planning and implementation.
• Performing general administrative tasks including leave and attendance recording; maintaining the Unit’s files and databases.
• Searching, compiling, reviewing, and updating information and data used in the development of documents, work plans, and budgets to support reporting on program and activity implementation in accordance with standards and formats.
• Proofreading, editing, and finalizing formatting using standard office software (e.g., MS Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Collecting, organizing, and presenting information and data related to ASPnet's programs and activities from various sources.
• Assisting in the organization of virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, seminars, and other events, including logistical arrangements and follow-up activities.
• Supporting ASPnet’s digital outreach activities by drafting content for its communities of practice and leveraging social media and other online tools to foster engagement among ASPnet members. 1
• Liaising with the PAX entity coordinating UNESCO Networks to ensure effective information exchange and support ASPnet’s contribution to Organization-wide coordinated efforts involving these networks. 1
• Supporting the processing of new school applications by reviewing, analyzing, and assessing ASPnet candidacies to determine compliance with UNESCO’s established criteria.

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

• Completed secondary, technical, and/or vocational education.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in administrative and/or secretarial tasks.
• Experience in program support, preferably in an international environment.
• Experience in providing administrative and organizational support for meetings, workshops, or similar events.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collegially with staff at different levels.
• Good organizational and coordination skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, and meet deadlines under general supervision.
• Discretion, good sense of judgment, and capacity to deal efficiently with external partners, particularly ASPnet members.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to provide quality and timely support and services.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and web-based collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint). 1
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and under pressure.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the UNESCO Project Assistant position includes completed secondary, technical, and/or vocational education. This foundational education is essential for the administrative and operational tasks that the role entails, ensuring that the candidate possesses the necessary skills to perform effectively in a dynamic and international work environment.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in administrative and/or secretarial tasks. This experience should ideally include program support in an international context, as well as providing administrative and organizational support for meetings, workshops, or similar events. The ability to navigate complex administrative processes and support programmatic activities is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English or French, along with a good working knowledge of the other language. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to external candidates who are entitled to work in France. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 39,422 EUR, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection and hiring process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and interviews with a panel, as well as reference checks. UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity and encourages candidates from non- and under-represented Member States, as well as individuals from minority and indigenous groups, to apply.