Programme Assistant - Social and Human Sciences

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC4

Hiring Unit : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station : New Delhi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 26/07/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and Chief of Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector, the incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient management of the Sector’s programmatic and financial activities.

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Programme Administration and Project Support:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the SHS Sector’s regular programme budget and extrabudgetary projects, ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s rules, regulations, and administrative procedures.
• Assist in maintaining project work plans, activity schedules and implementation tracking tools.
• Maintain records of contract deliverables and payment schedules and follow up on documentation requirements.
• Draft, format, and proofread routine correspondence, internal memoranda, and project-related documentation under the guidance of the supervising Programme Specialist.
• Facilitate the flow of information and documentation between the SHS Sector and other units of the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office, including the Finance and Administration Unit and the Communication and Public Engagement Unit.
• Assist in the organisation of Sector meetings, consultations, workshops, and events, including preparation of meeting notes, agendas, logistical arrangements, and follow-up action tracking.
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Director or the Programme Specialist of the SHS Sector, as required.

Long Description

Financial Tracking and Reporting Support:

• Assist the SHS Sector in financial management of its regular programme budget and extrabudgetary funds, using UNESCO’s information management and reporting tools.
• Maintain budget tracking records and compile expenditure information for review by the supervisor. Assist in identifying discrepancies and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor.
• Support the preparation of financial progress reports, budget revisions, and financial statements in accordance with UNESCO’s accounting and reporting requirements.
• Assist in the reconciliation of project accounts and verify financial data entries for accuracy and compliance with UNESCO procedures.
• Assist the sector in basic financial procedures, payment requirements, and banking and currency provisions, with support from the Administrative Services unit.

Long Description

Procurement and Contract Administration:

• Support vendor registration processes and maintain vendor and supplier information in UNESCO systems in accordance with established procedures.
• Support the process of vendor registration and maintain accurate and updated vendor information in UNESCO’s systems in accordance with standard procedures.
• Assist in the formatting, processing and administrative review of Terms of Reference and related procurement documentation.
• Process vendor and contractor payment requests; verify supporting documentation for completeness and compliance; liaise with the Finance and Administration Unit as necessary.
• Track deliverables and payment milestones under consu tant and vendor contracts; follow up with contractors on outstanding submissions and ensure timely closure of contracts.

Event and Meeting Logistics:

• Provide logistical support for the planning and implementation of SHS Sector events, including workshops, steering committee meetings, stakeholder consultations, and other programmatic gatherings.
• Coordinate hospitality arrangements for international days, official events, and external stakeholder meetings, in line with UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office protocols.
• Support the preparation of event materials, background documentation, and participant communication, in coordination with the project officer and programme specialist.

Travel Management:

• Support the SHS Sector in the preparation and updating of travel plans; make travel arrangements; prepare required travel requisitions; monitor the travel budget; arrange hotel accommodations and other related logistics in accordance with UNESCO policies, procedures, and rules.
• Coordinate with the Administrative Department to finalize travel requests and settle travel claims on behalf of SHS Sector staff and consultants.

Communications and Outreach Support:

• In coordination with the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office’s Communication and Public Engagement Unit, provide support to SHS Sector communication activities, including drafting and formatting social media content, newsletters, event announcements, and other visibility materials.
• Assist in the maintenance of SHS Sector web content, SharePoint sites, and institutional memory repositories, ensuring that content is up to date and accessible to relevant staff.

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

The contract term is expected to commence on 1 September 2026 and conclude on 31 August 2027. Any extension of the contract beyond this period will be subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of budgetary resources

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

• A minimum of a post-secondary qualification (diploma, certificate, or university degree) in business administration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in programme or project administration, financial administration, procurement, or a related field, preferably within an international organisation, United Nations agency, government institution, or non-governmental organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring, budget tracking, and/or procurement support functions.
• Experience in the preparation of contracts, Terms of Reference, and correspondence documents in a professional context.
• Experience in organising meetings, workshops, or similar events, including logistical coordination.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, and meet deadlines under general supervision.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial data entry, document preparation, and record keeping.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and web-based collaboration platforms (e.g. SharePoint).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collegially with staff at different levels and with external partners and vendors.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and under pressure.

LANGUAGES

•      Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience in UNESCO’s Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of Social and Human Sciences.

Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.

Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP).

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work, and familiarity with Social and Human Sciences Sector activities.
• Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the region.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of an official language of India is an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s remuneration package comprises a basic salary and a range of additional benefits. These benefits include a social security contribution equivalent to 15% of the basic salary, with 10% allocated to pension coverage and 5% to medical coverage. Employees are also entitled to annual leave at the rate of 2.5 days per month, as well as certified sick leave at the rate of 2 days per month, in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.

The approximate Gross monthly salary for this post is Rs.70,157/- (including 15% social security with 10% representing Pension and 5% representing Medical).

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.