Project Assistant - System Capacity Grant

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC5

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Myanmar

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months Initial three (3) months probationary period; renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. 

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 12/05/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Only candidates who have the right to live and work in Myanmar may apply for this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific, and the direct supervision from Head of Myanmar Project Antenna and the programme specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for providing program implementation support to the UNESCO Myanmar Project on the System Capacity Grant (SCG). 

UNESCO Myanmar Project Antenna Office (hereafter UNESCO Office) plays a key role in supporting Myanmar’s education sector through technical assistance, policy advocacy, and coordination among development partners. UNESCO facilitates sector-wide dialogue and collaboration, contributing to strategic planning and capacity development at both national and subnational levels. The office provides leadership in education sector coordination, including its role in co-chairing the sectoral coordination groups and supports initiatives aimed at ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education.

Long Description

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Under the overall authority of the Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination in Asia and the Pacific, and under the direct supervision of Head of Yangon Project Office, the Project Assistant will provide administrative and operational support as follows: 

1.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/Unit 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.

2.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.

3.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. Prepare minutes and monitor follow-up activities. Support informal translation of administrative documents or letters and provide informal interpretation support to UNESCO international staff during workshops and meetings.

Long Description

4. Provide guidance and support for project/programme reporting requirements; prepare paperwork, submit and prepare requests for approval of HR-related initiatives (e.g. recruitment of temporary personnel, transfer, etc.). This can also include processing visas, security cards and other documentation; preparing regular and ad hoc reports on HR movement, leave usage etc, for the supervisor, or on other staff resources funded via the extra-budgetary envelope. Initiate travel authorization and make travel arrangements for team staff; provide assistance to partners and stakeholders as required. Provide guidance to staff on general office processes and procedures, automated systems, computer applications, etc.

5. Maintain/ update programme and project documentation and records, research, and track background information and documentation; maintain electronic and hard-copy files/ records/ data sources up-to-date on budgetary data, contract, personnel and other administrative matters; update staff and equipment listings; ensure the proper creation and closure of files and the safe retention of the same. Provide general office assistance, receive, register, review and draft correspondence, emails and type a variety of reports and tables to document/ transmit administrative or budgetary information; verify outgoing correspondence for completeness, accuracy and compliance with UNESCO format standards; maintain mailing lists and other contact lists. Handle routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining, assessing telephone billing, etc.

6.Perform additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team

Long Description

EXPECTED RESULTS

The post`s work outputs are instrumental to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Section/ Unit by providing administrative support and specialized assistance to management. Mishandling of the administrative support function would have a negative impact on the work of the team and would put into question the competency of the team in the eyes of colleagues and counterparts. Errors can result in delays and complications in the services provided, and can also cause embarrassment to the Chief of Section/ Unit compromising the implementation and reporting on programme activities/ projects and the overall deliverables of the team. The post's work impacts directly on the smooth and efficient running of programme/ project. 

Typically, the incumbent plays a lead role in the provision of support services for the overall achievement of the Section/ Unit's mandate and may coordinate/ guide the work of other support staff and/or guide new staff on relevant administrative procedures and practices and in provision of general assistance, as required.  

Long Description

Long Description

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

Twelve (12) months with initial three (3) months probationary period and renewable based on satisfactory performance as well as availability of funds. 

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Completed secondary education and/or Bachelor’s Degree in the field of business administration, finance, accounting, management, education, social sciences or related areas. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Minimum five (5) years (with secondary education), or, minimum two (2) years (with Bachelor Degree) of relevant experience in administration or programme support service. 

•    Proven experience in providing administrative and logistical support as a member of a project team.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Excellent computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office, including typing in English and Myanmar.
•    Capacity for accuracy and attention to detail in preparation of correspondence.
•    Ability to take initiative and to provide quality and timely support and services.
•    Ability to work independently on delegated tasks and to meet deadlines.
•    Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
•    Proven ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment. 

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of English and Myanmar (spoken and written). 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

•      Bachelor’s Degree or higher Degree in international development.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Experience within the UN System or international organizations.
•    Experience in conducting research will be an advantage.
•    Experience in the field of ICT. 

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals.

Long Description

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.