Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a global presence, operating in over 190 countries with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, culture, science, and communication as key drivers for addressing global challenges, particularly in Africa, where it aims to strengthen national capacities and preserve cultural heritage.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is situated within the Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX) of UNESCO, specifically under the Division of Priority Africa. The role involves providing direct assistance to the Director of the Division, ensuring the quality and consistency of office work and information management. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for coordinating various administrative tasks, supporting the organization of meetings and events, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. This position is crucial for maintaining the operational flow of the division and ensuring that all activities align with UNESCO's mission to promote education and cultural preservation in Africa. The Programme Assistant will also engage in project evaluations, budget reviews, and reporting, thereby playing a vital role in the success of the division's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: attending meetings with Member States and partners, preparing minutes, and following up on action items; collaborating with team members to assess needs for meetings and events; providing support for the coordination of conferences and outreach activities; reviewing documents and ensuring timely responses; managing the Director's calendar and correspondence; maintaining filing systems and ensuring proper organization of documentation; managing contractual documents and payment tracking; and supporting project and programme reporting and monitoring. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary, technical, or vocational education. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant work experience in providing programme and administrative support services in either national or international environments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, organizational abilities, and a sense of diplomacy are essential. The ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and manage complex situations is also required. Candidates should demonstrate professional integrity and the capacity to maintain confidentiality while handling information.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes completed secondary education, with additional training or certification in administration or office management being advantageous. Candidates with a background in related fields will also be considered favorably.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in administrative support roles, particularly within international organizations or the UN system. Experience in managing programme activities and providing administrative support is essential, as is familiarity with the operational procedures of international organizations.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of both English and French, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO, 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 fixed-term for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and applicants must be entitled to work in France. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for geographical mobility as required by UNESCO's international posts. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 43,734 Euros, and benefits may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.