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Programme Assistant

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC5

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Nairobi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 23/08/2026

 

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

1. Background:

 

In 2020 to further enhance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) efforts, UNESCO launched the 'Education for Sustainable Development: Towards achieving the SDGs' (ESD for 2030)[1] framework and its implementation roadmap. The official launch of the implementation of the ESD for 2030 framework took place in a virtual UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development on 17-19 May 2021 in Berlin, Germany, organized by UNESCO.

 

Marking the half-way point of the ESD for 2030 framework, UNESCO will convene the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD in Nairobi, Kenya – January 13-15, 2027 -  to generate momentum for ESD and provide guidance for the remainder of the ESD for 2030 roadmap. It will highlight emerging trends, including the focus on climate change, the integration of green skills, digital transformation in education, and the growing importance of social-emotional learning in creating a holistic approach to sustainability and will explore the future role of ESD and greening education in the lead up to 2030 and beyond.

Held for the first time in the Global South, the UNESCO World Conference on ESD will be held at the ministerial level, with participation of Ministers of Education and other high-level delegates and involving a ministerial roundtable. Stakeholders from the broader ESD community of practice (UN, CSOs, academia, private sector, etc.) will also be invited to participate. Youth will be at the centre of this Conference, ensuring their active engagement in shaping the Conference outcomes.


 

Long Description

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Under the authority of the Regional Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Education Programme Specialist /Head of the Education Sector, the contractor will provide administrative and programme support to ensure effective planning, organization, coordination, operations and logistics of the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD to be held on 13-15 January 2027 (with Youth Conference on 12 January 2027), Nairobi, Kenya.

The contractor will undertake the following tasks:

Long Description

Support the planning, organization, coordination, operations and logistics of the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD

  • Follow up on invitation letters sent by HQ to participants
  • Communicate (via email, telephone, etc.) with participants invited to the Conference
  • Liaise with the UNESCO HQ team and the National Planning Committee to ensure participants register online using Indico platform
  • Coordinate travel of the participants, including collecting travel documents; create vendor accounts where necessary, liaise with travel agency to purchase tickets
  • Prepare the information/logistical note for participants traveling to the conference
  • Share travel information (e.g. tickets, itineraries) and guidance with participants, including information note in English/French/Spanish and facilitate visa processing for participants

 

Long Description

  • Ensure the logistics in the preparation and implementation of the Conference in terms of the venue, interpretation, accommodation, conference package, related conference documents in close collaboration with the National Planning committee
  • Support the creation of contracts necessary for the World Conference (i.e. hotel contracts, interpretation, food and beverage, transportation, etc.)
  • Perform any other related duties in support of the preparation and organization of the conference
  • Keep record of relevant information and data related to the conference and develop any follow up tool/modalities and track progress of preparatory activities and flag risks.

 

  • Conference Execution Support

     

    • Provide support with the onsite coordination during the conference

 

EXPECTED RESULTS

To ensuring successful conference delivery. 

Long Description

Long Description

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

6 Months

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

Qualifications/Requirements: 

  • Education: Bachelor degree in education, international relations, social sciences, public administration or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Work experience: At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in supporting project coordination, management, implementation and monitoring. Work experience in a UN agency or an international organization is an asset.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

 

LANGUAGES

  • Language: Excellent written and spoken English, any other UN language would be an added advantage

Long Description

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • A current curriculum vitae (CV) clearly detailing relevant qualifications and experience;
  • A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining their suitability for the assignment and how their experience addresses the specific areas of work outlined in Section 2;
  • Contact details for two professional referees;

Applications should be submitted to nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org with the subject title of “UNESCO ROEA ED World Conference on ESD” by Close of Business 23/08/2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

UNESCO is an equal opportunities employer. Applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

 

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.

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