Senior Project Assistant

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Position Title: Senior Project Assistant
Location: Kingston
Country: Jamaica
Deadline Date: 12-MAR-2025

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to fostering global understanding and cooperation. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its efforts in various sectors, including natural sciences, education, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the UNESCO Science Programmes in the Caribbean region. This position involves assisting in the programming, execution, monitoring, and reporting of results related to various science initiatives. The candidate will work closely with Programme Specialists and collaborate with other sectors within the Kingston office. The role requires a proactive approach to enhance capacities in science, technology, and innovation (STI) among Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as to address climate change challenges through community engagement and knowledge sharing. The Senior Project Assistant will also be responsible for facilitating project stakeholder participation in regional events, ensuring effective communication, and providing administrative support for project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of key functions, including assisting Programme Specialists in implementing the 42 C/5 Science Regular Programme. Specific duties include supporting Caribbean SIDS in enhancing capacities in UNESCO's fields of expertise, collaborating with indigenous community institutions, facilitating disaster preparedness efforts, and addressing water vulnerability in the region. The Senior Project Assistant will also coordinate project stakeholders' participation in events, assist in documentation and reporting, draft project-related content, and maintain communication with UNESCO partners. Additionally, the role involves providing input for project financial and administrative management, ensuring smooth logistics, and facilitating contacts with national and international stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed high school education. A university degree in administration, natural science, or related fields is desirable. At least 8 years of relevant work experience in programme/project support or administrative service is required, or a combination of 3 years of relevant work experience with a university degree. Experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and meetings with multiple stakeholders is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to draft correspondence and manage event logistics, are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a completed high school education as a minimum. A university degree in administration, natural science, or related fields is considered a desirable qualification that can enhance a candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should possess at least 8 years of relevant work experience in programme/project support and/or administrative service at the national or international level. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with at least 3 years of relevant work experience combined with a university degree. Experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and meetings with multiple stakeholders is crucial for success in this position.

Languages:
Excellent language skills in English, including writing, speaking, and reading, are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position ranges from 7 to 11 months, and it is classified as a non-staff service contract at Level 3 (SC06). The position is open to external candidates, and UNESCO's salaries are paid in the local currency (JMD) according to the UNESCO Service Contract remuneration structure. Benefits include 2.5 days of annual leave for each completed month of service, contributions to medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and promotes a non-smoking environment.