Programme Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Programme Assistant
Location: Montevideo
Country: Uruguay
Deadline Date: 30-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which was established in 194

• UNESCO's 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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it focuses on education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position is located in the UNESCO Office in Montevideo, Uruguay. The role involves providing comprehensive support in the organization and delivery of various programme activities and projects. The Programme Assistant will work under the overall authority of the Head/Director of Office and the direct supervision of the Finance and Administrative Officer. The position requires a proactive approach to administrative functions, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for producing documents, managing correspondence, organizing meetings and events, and providing logistical support for travel arrangements. This role is crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of the office and supporting the team in achieving its objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: producing complete and finalized documents, publications, and correspondence related to the work of the Section/Unit; compiling, reviewing, and updating information and data for the development of documents, work plans, and budgets; ensuring accuracy and compliance with approved amounts; entering data into automated systems and generating reports for budgetary and financial updates; providing administrative support for fundraising initiatives; preparing various administrative documents and initiating procedures; maintaining files and databases; organizing official meetings, events, and workshops; making travel arrangements and preparing itineraries; responding to inquiries and following up on routine matters; and providing guidance to temporary staff on office processes and procedures. The Programme Assistant may also be required to perform additional activities to ensure the success of the work team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary, technical, and/or vocational education. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in administrative or secretarial support is required. Candidates should possess excellent drafting skills, attention to detail, discretion, and a cooperative attitude to work effectively in a team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with a service-oriented mindset. Proficiency in IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education, along with technical and/or vocational training that is relevant to administrative support roles. This foundational education is essential for performing the various tasks associated with the Programme Assistant position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in administrative, secretarial support, or related areas. Experience working in diverse organizations, particularly in an international environment such as a United Nations agency, is highly desirable. Candidates with relevant experience in administrative and secretarial support will be given preference.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, and a good knowledge of Spanish. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian, is considered an asset 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. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those entitled to work in Uruguay may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 1,837,549 Peso Uruguayo, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of under-represented groups, including 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 recruitment process.