Project Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Project Assistant
Location: Windhoek
Country: Namibia
Deadline Date: 11-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization operates with a commitment to fostering sustainable development and gender equality, particularly in education, and has a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the project 'Accelerating African Girls’ Participation in STEM Education' in Namibia. This project is aligned with UNESCO's Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education and aims to enhance girls' participation in STEM fields by addressing gender-related barriers and promoting inclusive education systems. The incumbent will provide comprehensive program support, including administrative, logistical, and financial management functions, to ensure effective project execution. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government officials, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. The Project Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, and facilitating communication among project partners, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Providing program support to ensure effective decision-making and smooth project implementation.
• Assisting in the preparation, implementation, and review of work plans, and maintaining up-to-date files and electronic records.
• Gathering information and documentation from various sources to prepare reports, project proposals, and presentations.
• Supporting financial management by tracking expenditures, verifying financial data, and coordinating with the Finance and Administration Unit.
• Preparing public visibility materials for publication and managing incoming correspondence.
• Drafting concept notes and project proposals for stakeholder engagement.
• Scheduling and managing project meetings, including taking minutes and notes.
• Supporting travel management by preparing travel plans and coordinating logistics.
• Organizing official meetings, events, and workshops, providing administrative support as needed. 1
• Undertaking other relevant tasks as assigned by the Head of Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary, technical, or vocational school education. Additionally, they should have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in administration, office management, financial management, education, or social sciences at the national or sub-regional level. Experience in supporting the implementation of development projects in education and social sciences is essential, along with familiarity with web-based information management systems. Strong organizational and coordination skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and excellent interpersonal skills are also required.

Educational Background:
While a completed secondary education is mandatory, a Bachelor's degree in business administration, education, STEM fields, social sciences, or a related area is desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of project management and the educational landscape in which the project operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally include administrative support in educational or development projects, particularly those related to gender equality and STEM education. Familiarity with the workings of international organizations, particularly the UN system, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the project’s stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those entitled to work in Namibia may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 307,533 NAD, and benefits may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates should be aware that UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving workforce diversity.