Programme Assistant
JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Service Contract
Level : SC4
Hiring Unit : Communication and Information Sector (CI)
Duty Station : Harare
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 6 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC−2 Time) : 30/06/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and the direct Supervision of the Adviser for Communication, the incumbent will provide administrative and programmatic support to the Communication and Information (CI) programme in the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa. The CI programme promotes Freedom Expression, Access to Information; the Safety of Media professionals, Communication for Development, Strengthening documentary heritage through the Memory of the World Programme and ICT and digital innovation for development. The sector specifically focuses on following:
• Advocating for Freedom of Expression, Universal Access to Information and safety of journalists
• Promoting Media pluralism and diversity and gender responsive communication for
development
• Promoting digital Transformation and Innovation, Media and Information literacy; and ICT for development
• Promoting the preservation and dissemination of documentary heritage through the
• Memory of the World (MoW) programme
• The CI unit in the Office also supports countries in the region through the International
• Development of Communication (IPDC) programme, the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of
• Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), and the information for all Programme (IFAP).
MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES
The Programme Assistant shall perform the following tasks:
• Provides administrative and programme related support to the Adviser for Communication and Information Sector by coordinating CI Sector projects through conceptualizing, developing and implementing, monitoring and evaluating project activities; contribute to the design of project documents such as conducting desk researches, drafting concept notes, terms of reference, reports etc, which contribute towards resource mobilization activities for the sector, as well as contribute to liaising with National Commissions, partners and donors. Liaising with partners includes ensuring reports and deliverables submitted meet contract terms of references and meet UNESCO reporting and administrative standards to enable payments as per contractual agreements.
• Enhances sector visibility through developing website content i.e. newsflashes, project overviews and managing content for posting on social media platforms. Managing sector photo and video library for use for sector visibility products such as publications and documentaries. Contributes to sector publications content and ensures publications are posted online for open access and distribution of printed copies to various stakeholders and institutions.
• Coordinates sector events, workshops, forums and meetings by providing facilitation where required as well as organizing events by liaising with speakers/consultants/presenters, booking venues, preparing information packages and providing other related logistical support. Develops event visibility plans and implements activities before, during and after sector events. Contributes to presentations content and identifies, reviews style format and accuracy, and assembles documents and pertinent information for sector events and meetings, initiates procedures for associated services required, provides administrative assistance during the events as well as documenting proceedings through minutes, reports etc. Represents the sector in place of the Programme Specialist for sector events as assigned.
• Responds to enquiries and conducts follow-up on routine matters; provides information to supervisor(s) and colleagues, make appointments, receive visitors and take telephone calls, answer enquiries and/or refer them to the applicable specialist. Initiate travel authorizations in conjunction with meetings, workshops, conferences or sessions, makes travel arrangements; track and prepare itinerary and agenda; prepare associated documentation, facilitate the travels of visiting officials by providing information and preparing the necessary documentation.
• Receives, analyses and distributes correspondences as required for follow up actions. Drafts, reviews, proofreads and edits outgoing correspondence according to standard practices and protocol, and ensures proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, recommends changes/corrections; and provides informal translation of documents.
• Execute any other tasks assigned by the Regional Advisor or the Director of the Office within the framework of Programme Assistant functions, which will include providing support to other sectors and the Directors Office as and when required. Additional tasks include guidance of sector interns and trainees.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Deliver all assignments and tasks in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner.
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
Six months (July 2026 to December 2026) with possibility of extension depending on availability of funds and performance.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
• Good Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Planning and organizing skills
• Results focus
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
At least a BA in Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Information or ICT or Digital-related Studies or Social Sciences.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum 2 years experience, experience working in an International and multi-cultural organisation will be an advantage.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Good Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Planning and organizing skills
• Results focus
• Project delivery experience will be an advantage
LANGUAGES
• Proficiency in Written and Spoken English
• Proficiency in local language is an added advantage
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
- lndividuals 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.
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
