Associate National Project Officer- Directorate
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4INEDPA058GI
Grade : NO-B
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: New Delhi
Job Family: Programme Coordination
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 29-SEP-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of Contract is one (1) year, with the possibility of an extension subject to satisfactory performance.
Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for this position.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is an integral part of UNESCO, focusing on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7 towards education for building peaceful and sustainable societies across the world. The Institute specializes in education for peace, sustainable development, and global citizenship through digital pedagogies, social and emotional learning (SEL), and youth engagement.
Long Description
Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of UNESCO MGIEP, the Associate National Project Officer will serve as a focal point for the coordination and management of the Director’s office. The incumbent will ensure smooth information flow, planning, implementation of priorities, and execution of tasks related to the Director’s agenda and the Institute’s programme. In carrying out her/his responsibilities, s/he will closely work and network in collaboration with Heads of units and project partners as needed. Incumbent should be open to any roles and responsibility extended for the smooth functionality of the Institute.
Long Description
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Strategic Support and Coordination
- Support the Director in the coordination, monitoring, and follow-up of programme planning, implementation, and reporting in line with the Institute’s Mid-term Strategy and Biennial Programme.
- Support the Director in liaison with internal and external stakeholders including UNESCO HQ, Field Offices, UNESCO Category I and II Institutes, National Commissions, Permanent Delegations, Ministries of Education, academics, and UN agencies.
- Support the Director in formulating and executing strategic priorities, initiatives, and high-level engagements.
- Contribute to the Institute’s strategic planning processes and monitor the progress of key initiatives.
- Prepare policy briefs, analytical summaries, and draft inputs for reports on cross-cutting issues.
2. Office of the Director Management
- Work closely with the communications team for the preparation of the Annual Governing Board Meeting Report, Executive Committee Report, and Annual Report.
- Draft and review official communications, speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for the director and other senior officials, as and when required.
- Assist in preparing reports to UNESCO HQ and external partners.
- Coordinate and plan for meetings chaired or attended by the Director, including background research and documentation.
- Coordinate with the executive assistant to the Director in managing the Director’s schedule, travel, correspondence, meetings, and related documentation. Act as the backup for the executive assistant during her absence.
- Maintain tracking systems for institutional priorities and provide regular updates to the director.
- Any other task assigned by the supervisor.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in international relations, public or business administration, political science, social sciences, or related disciplines.
Work Experience
- Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in independently managing the executive functions including programme coordination and policy advisory role.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)
- Very good knowledge of Hindi.
Long Description
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills proposing innovative approaches and ideas
- Excellent coordination and organizational skills with ability to establish priorities, coordinate and monitor work
- Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing
- Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment
- Familiarity with result-based management
- Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge
- Discretion and integrity in handling confidential information
- Proficiency in standard office software (MS Office, Teams, SharePoint)
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- PhD in international relations, public or business administration, political science, social sciences, or related disciplines.
Experience
- Experience of working with different stakeholders preferably in multilateral organizations or the UN system
Languages
- Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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 INR 3,188,100.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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.
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