Post Number : SHS/TA 041
Grade : G-5
Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Programme Coordination
Type of contract : Temporary Appointment
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-APR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only candidates who are eligible to work in France may apply to this position.
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS) and the direct supervision of the Chief of Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology Section (SHS/BIO), as a team member, the Programme Assistant coordinates and performs a full range of office support, administrative and management support tasks for the smooth and efficient organization and delivery of the Section’s activities and functions. In particular, the incumbent will:
Track and report on programme activities; prepare project evaluations reviewing budgetary data/information from current or past initiatives. Respond to enquiries; monitor the budget of the projects and programmes within the Section in compliance with programme and budgetary requirements and financial regulations; alert the supervisor of errors/omissions/discrepancies observed and undertake corrective action. Collate information and draft regular and ad hoc budgetary/financial updates, reports, statistics and/or projections for use and scrutiny by management/staff as well as donors. Provide support in programme administration with regard to the preparation of outreach activities, partnership initiatives and special events. Track, retrieve, research files, reports, other records and past practices; gather and collate background information; verify information for relevance and accuracy; analyze and summarize information; identify elements of interest; prepare draft dockets and charts; assemble documents, prepare reports, presentations, speeches, etc. according to standards and formats. Look for possible venues; prepare list of participants; draft invitation letters, etc. Process requests for translation, printing, dispatch of information documents for statutory meetings; coordinate the delivery of translation services; complete forms and process requests for reservations for webcasting, recording, transcription of debates and follow-up on progress. In collaboration with team members, assess administrative support needs for meetings/events/workshops/ seminars, travel, document processing/publication production and consultants/temporary assistance, and coordinate office support services for the same. Inform management and team members of process, procedures and timeframes to secure administrative services needed for programme/project execution. Initiate a variety of contractual documents using examples or templates; identify consultants, suppliers (from a roster), and prepare purchase requisitions in accordance with instructions; verify requests for payments against contractual obligations in the financial system; process contractual transactions and provide information on payment status and remaining obligations to the responsible officer.Education
Completed secondary education, technical or vocational education.Work Experience
At least five (5) years of work experience relevant to the position and the activities described above.Skills and competencies
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Attention to detail and meticulous in correspondence. Good organizational skills, with emphasis on quality, efficiency and aptitude to manage competing priorities. Discretion, good sense of initiative and service oriented to provide quality and timely support and services. Good knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.). Familiarity with procurement processes and budgetary management.Languages
Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.Education
Specialized training/certification in secretariat/administration.Work Experience
Experience in the United Nations System or other multilateral organizations and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral settings/cooperations and development. Familiarity with UNESCO’s intergovernmental processes and procedures. Familiarity with UNESCO’s advisory bodies in bioethics and ethics of science and technology.Languages
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 43 734 Euro €.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.