Grants Management 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. With a global presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to foster dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples, based on respect for commonly shared values. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and operates numerous programs and initiatives to achieve its goals, including the promotion of sustainable development, the protection of cultural heritage, and the advancement of education for all.

Job Overview:
The Grants Management Assistant position is situated within the Partnerships Division (DPA) of UNESCO, which is responsible for coordinating the organization's public and private partnerships. This role is crucial in supporting the management of donor funding agreements and ensuring that all financial reports are submitted in a timely manner. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Grants Management Officer and will be involved in various administrative tasks related to funding agreements, including reviewing documents, organizing meetings, and maintaining accurate records of agreements and reports. The position requires a proactive approach to managing relationships with implementing units and donors, ensuring that all processes are followed correctly and efficiently. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Partnerships Division by providing essential support in the management of grants and agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Grants Management Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including: assisting in the review of standard funding agreements received from Programme Specialists; organizing and following up on meetings with implementing units and donors, including taking notes and preparing summary documents; maintaining an up-to-date monitoring list of donor agreements; ensuring accurate information regarding funding agreements in the pipeline; updating the database for submission of narrative and financial reports; and following up with implementing units to ensure timely submission of financial reports. The role also involves ensuring proper recording of agreements in the in-house system and providing administrative support to the Grants Management Unit as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary, technical, or vocational education. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant work experience in administrative tasks, particularly in areas related to contract review and finance. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. The ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines is crucial. Proficiency in IT applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and financial spreadsheet applications, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education, with a preference for candidates who have specialized training or certification in administration, accounting, or finance. This educational foundation will support the candidate's ability to perform the duties associated with grants management and administrative tasks effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, particularly in administrative roles that involve contract review, finance, or related areas. Experience within the UN system or an international organization is highly desirable, as it provides familiarity with the operational context and expectations of the role.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of either English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable qualification and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those entitled to work in France may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 43,734 EUR, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and interviews with a panel, along with reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.