Programme Assistant

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 approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, fostering dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples, based on respect for shared values and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant position at UNESCO is designed to provide comprehensive administrative and program management support to ensure the effective organization and delivery of program/project results within the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Section. The role requires the incumbent to work under the overall authority of the Assistant-Director General for Education and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include general office assistance, secretarial functions, and support for program administration. This position is crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency of the ESD Section, ensuring that all administrative processes are executed smoothly and that program objectives are met in a timely manner. The incumbent will also be involved in the implementation of various programs and projects, requiring a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Assistant include providing general office assistance and secretarial support to the Chief of Section, which involves preparing paperwork, submitting HR-related requests, and managing correspondence. The incumbent will also prepare budgetary monitoring information, initiate contractual documents, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the Programme Assistant will assist in the implementation of programs and projects by tracking and retrieving files, gathering background information, and preparing presentations and reports. The role also includes organizing events, meetings, and workshops, managing logistics, and providing guidance and support to new staff members. Overall, the Programme Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring that the ESD Section operates efficiently and effectively, contributing to the achievement of its goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary, technical, or vocational education. A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in secretarial and/or administrative tasks is required, preferably in an international environment. At least 2 years of experience working for a supervisor with managerial responsibility is essential. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, organizational and coordination skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Discretion and the capacity to deal with diverse cultural backgrounds are also important. Proficiency in MS Office applications is required, along with the ability to draft correspondence and documents accurately.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education, technical training, or vocational education. Additional training in general secretarial and/or administrative functions is desirable, particularly in an international context.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience in administrative and secretarial roles, with a preference for candidates who have experience in program support within an international organization. Experience working within the UN system is considered an asset.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, with a good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of Spanish and other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian is considered desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, open to both internal and external candidates. The role is based in Paris, France, and candidates must be entitled to work in France to apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 43,734 Euros, 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 various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and selected candidates will undergo reference checks.