Programme Support Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to build peace through international cooperation in education, the natural and social sciences, culture, and communication. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to foster dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples, ensuring that every child and citizen has access to quality education. The organization promotes cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, thereby strengthening bonds among nations. UNESCO also advocates for freedom of expression as a fundamental right and a key condition for democracy and development. The organization operates various programs that support scientific research and knowledge sharing, addressing contemporary challenges such as cultural diversity, intolerance, and threats to human rights.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) initiatives across the Pacific region. This position is designed to provide practical program support, research, information management, coordination, outreach, and the development of knowledge products related to ocean science, tsunami preparedness, and the Ocean Decade. The Associate will work closely with UNESCO colleagues, government counterparts, National Commissions, scientific institutions, regional organizations, United Nations entities, universities, and community partners. This role is developmental in nature, offering structured supervision, mentoring, and regular feedback to enhance the Associate's professional growth. The position requires a proactive approach to understanding Pacific Ocean priorities and contributing to the overall mission of UNESCO in promoting sustainable ocean management and disaster preparedness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Support Associate include:

• Conducting background research and concise analysis on Pacific Ocean priorities, focusing on ocean observations, coastal resilience, ocean-climate linkages, marine hazards, tsunami preparedness, ocean literacy, and Ocean Decade initiatives.
• Mapping relevant national and regional stakeholders, initiatives, events, technical resources, and potential partnerships related to IOC’s mandate in the Pacific.
• Assisting in the organization of meetings, preparing briefing notes, meeting summaries, presentations, concept notes, talking points, correspondence, and other program materials.
• Supporting the organization and documentation of consultations, workshops, training activities, and partner meetings, including managing agendas, participant coordination, logistical follow-up, minutes, and action trackers.
• Maintaining activity records, simple workplans, contact lists, calendars, document repositories, and follow-up matrices to assist with program monitoring.
• Contributing to knowledge management by organizing and updating reference materials, country information, and examples of Pacific good practices in accessible formats.
• Supporting communication and outreach products, including short web stories, social media inputs, and human-centered summaries of results, in coordination with UNESCO colleagues and in line with communication and consent requirements.
• Participating in team meetings and learning activities, sharing relevant knowledge, and contributing to collaboration across UNESCO program sectors where ocean issues intersect with climate action, Indigenous and local knowledge, education, culture, and communication.
• Carrying out other closely related support tasks consistent with the learning nature and scope of the assignment, as agreed with the supervisor. The Associate and supervisor will finalize an agreed workplan with key outputs, learning objectives, and regular check-ins during the first month of the assignment, with progress and learning reviewed throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Support Associate position should possess a strong commitment to the mission of UNESCO and demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A solid understanding of ocean science, climate change, and disaster preparedness, particularly in the context of the Pacific region.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise and actionable insights.
• Strong organizational skills, with experience in managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in communication, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare high-quality documents and presentations.
• Familiarity with stakeholder mapping and partnership development in the context of international cooperation and development.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, oceanography, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in ocean science, climate change, or disaster risk reduction would be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in program support, research, or project management, ideally within an international or development context. Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in the areas of ocean science, climate change, or disaster preparedness, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for learning and professional development, with a willingness to engage in new challenges and responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is widely used in professional settings in Fiji. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the Pacific region, would be considered an asset and could enhance communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Support Associate position is based in Suva, Fiji, which is the capital and a major regional hub for various organizations. The selected UN Volunteer will receive security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and administrative briefings and is expected to adhere to United Nations security guidance, local laws, and cultural practices. Candidates should review current UNV entitlement information and make personal housing and living arrangements in accordance with UNV guidance. The role is intended to be a full-time position, and the duration of the contract will be specified upon selection.