Senior Programme Assistant-Science
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Kingston
Job Family: Programme Coordination
Type of contract : Non Staff - Service Contract
Level : Level 3 (SC06, min)
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 12-MAR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Scope of Assignment:
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialists of Natural Science Sector, the candidate will assist the programming, execution, monitoring, and reporting of results of the UNESCO Science Programmes. In doing so, the Senior Project Assistant will also work in close collaboration with other sectors in Kingston office. Summary of the key functions, accountabilities, and related duties or tasks include:
II. Roles and Responsibilities
In particular, the incumbent will perform the following key functions:
A. Assist the Programme Specialists for Natural Science in the implementation of 42 C/5 Science Regular Programme, particularly:
1. Assist in supporting Caribbean SIDS in strengthening capacities in UNESCO's fields of expertise by enhancing knowledge sharing, visibility, and fundraising efforts.
2. Assist in enhancing Caribbean institutional and human capacities in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to advance regional knowledge and development.
3. Collaborate with indigenous community institutions to preserve cultural heritage and mobilize Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems to address climate change challenges.
4. Assist to facilitate efforts to enhance resilience in Caribbean SIDS against environmental hazards by supporting community-based disaster preparedness and integrating natural disaster strategies into sustainable development policies.
5. Assist on contribution to addressing water vulnerability in Caribbean SIDS by assessing climate impacts, improving systems and support disaster risk reduction programme for climate adaptation and building resilience.
6. Assist in mobilizing science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems to foster sustainable development, economic growth, and societal progress in Caribbean SIDS.
7. Assist and support the implementation of an Environmental-STEM project to promote inclusive science education, empowering youth, women, and young scientists to address sustainability challenges in Caribbean SIDS.
Long Description
B. Provide input to the project implementation for effective management and administration of the Projects.
1. Assist in coordination of project stakeholders’ participation in larger regional events, and perform the organization of meetings, workshops and any other events organized in the framework of the projects.
2. Assist in the documentation and reporting: research, locate, compile, review and update information and data used in the development of project related documents, work plans and budgets; report on programme delivery, statistics and/or projections for use and scrutiny by the supervisor.
3. Draft project content-related documentation; in liaison with the Projects’ Financial Assistants, initiate administrative procedures and ensure follow-up when it is required.
4. Facilitate contacts with UNESCO's partners: draft correspondence, answer queries. Liaise with other UNESCO Field Offices and HQ services as needed for the implementation of the projects/programme.
5. Assist in providing inputs for publications, presentations, briefings, speeches and missions, including news and outreach materials, as needed.
6. Represent in relevant internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and undertake travels, when necessary.
7. Ensure smooth coordination of the activities of the Projects with the country coordinators.
8. Undertake any other tasks or assignments necessary for the successful implementation of the projects/programme, provided those tasks are consistent with the incumbent’s professional qualifications. The contract holder undertakes to carry out the tasks with care and diligence and due attention to detail.
C. Provide input to the project financial and administrative management:
1. Assist to coordinate and ensure project-related logistics (including contract and travel-related arrangements)
2. Provide input for the preparation of all administrative and financial information pertaining to the project
3. Draft financial-administrative documentation; initiate administrative procedures and ensure follow-up; monitor the budget, review requests for payments against contractual obligations, and provide information on payment status and remaining obligations to supervisor
Long Description
D. Contribute to maintaining smooth communication with projects stakeholders:
1. Ensure smooth, timely and effective communication with the project stakeholders at local/national/international levels
2. Facilitate contacts with UNESCO's partners and UN organizations: draft correspondence, answer queries. Liaise with other UNESCO Field Offices and HQ services as needed for the implementation of the project
3. Liaise with National Commissions, national partners and Headquarters on administrative and financial matters, as requested
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
• Completed High School.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience in programme/project support and/or administrative service acquired at the national or international level or at least 3 years of relevant work experience combined with a University Degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in administration, natural science or related fields.
• Experience organizing workshops, training sessions, field missions, and meetings with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to liaise with partners, prepare meeting documents, and manage event logistics.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
• Ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team, to take initiative and to provide quality and timely support and services
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to draft correspondence and correct documents
• Ability to take ownership of given tasks and demonstrate proactivity
• Familiarity with organizing meetings, workshops, conferences, and field missions
• Ability to work under stress and cope with multiple tasks
• Good ICT skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
LANGUAGES
• Excellent language skills in English (writing, speaking and reading).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• University degree in administration, natural science or related fields
• Experience in national and international projects would be an asset
• Awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to science, water, climate action, and sustainable ecosystems.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
- UNESCO's salaries are paid in the local currency (JMD).
- Salaries are set according to the UNESCO Service Contract remuneration structure. This position has been set at Service Contract level 6.
- Other benefits include: 2.5 days annual leave for each completed month of service, contribution to medical insurance of up to 5% of the monthly salary and contribution to a pension plan of up to 10% (subject to presentation of proof of enrolment and payment of contributions).
- Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
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.
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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.