Project Assistant
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: New Delhi
Standard Duration of Assignment: 1 year (renewable)
Job Family: Administration
Type of contract : Non Staff
Level : L3 (Equivalent to G-6 Range 1- Negotiable)
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight India Time) : 25-Aug-2025
Duration of Contract is one (1) year, with the possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Only Indian Nationals or those authorized to work in India are eligible to apply for this position.
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO’s first education-related category 1 institute in Asia and the Pacific region towards the development and promotion of new approaches to education for a more peaceful and sustainable world. The Institute aims to become a globally regarded centre of excellence for research and implementation of socio-emotional learning (SEL) through innovative digital pedagogies empowered by Artificial Intelligence.
Under the authority of the Director of the UNESCO MGIEP and the direct supervision of the Senior National Finance & Administrative Officer, UNESCO MGIEP New Delhi, the incumbent will:
Long Description
- Provide administrative and financial support to the programme and administrative division, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the operation of its project and activities. Initiate, process, review and follow up on administrative actions, including verifying that information and documentation follows applicable standards.
- Support the staff in the preparation of travel plans; make travel arrangements; prepare required travel requisitions and monitor the budget; prepare materials for mission travel; arrange hotel accommodations and other related coordination following UNESCO policies, procedures, and rules.
- Prepare, draft, and finalize routine correspondence, and other non-routine correspondence requiring research and understanding of administrative, operational and programme matters and knowledge of programme areas. Undertake quality control of outgoing documents for accuracy of information, grammar and style and compliance with applicable standards.
Long Description
- Assist in planning and organizing the official events, such as meetings, conferences, and presentations, which may include coordinating arrangements for participants, handling logistics, preparing and disseminating materials, drafting minutes, etc.
- Set up and monitor a coherent filing system, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Facilitate interaction with various external partners such as government officials, donors, civil society, UN agencies, and other partners through effective use of written, verbal, and electronic communication.
- Provide administrative support in preparing terms of reference, contracts for services, consultant contracts, or any other contracting modality as per the rules.
- Create and amend vendors in the system. Monitor/ Process payments to vendors and consultants. Ensure close follow-up on deadlines and commitments. Regularly monitor the contracts for timely action on amendments, closure, etc.
Long Description
- Serve as a focal point for administrative coordination of programme implementation activities assigned to the incumbent, establish and manage relationships with internal counterparts to support effective collaboration, and inter-program links.
- Alert supervisor on issues of compliance with administrative/ financial rules and regulations.
- Receive, analyse, register, and distribute incoming correspondence and other documents; determine the importance and priority of documents received and establish deadlines for required action or reply.
- Answer and screen call with tact and discretion.
- Performs other related duties as required, including providing support to other areas of work as assigned.
Position Related Skills and competencies
- Ability to perform a broad range of administrative and financial activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning of the office .
- Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work within tight deadlines.
- Analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize, organize and perform multiple tasks
- Interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.
- Excellent drafting skills
- Strategic thinking in related areas of work
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
- Excellent IT skills
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in administration, and/or accounting/finance.
Work Experience
- At least 8 years of programme administrative and finance experience preferably in an international development body.
- Experience in the use of computer applications and software packages as well as web-based management systems.
Languages
- Fluency in Hindi and excellent English, both oral and written.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- University degree
- Specialized training/certification in the administrative, finance or accounting field.
Work Experience
- Experience in providing project/programme administrative and finance support at the international level, within the United Nations system, or in an international organization/institution.
Languages
- Working knowledge of other UNESCO Official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Russian).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits, which may include, if applicable: 30 days annual leave, reimbursement of medical insurance (up to 5% of base salary), pension plan (up to 10% of base salary), etc. The monthly base salary of G6 R1 is INR 93,107 (Negotiable). The salary for service contract are taxable and it is the responsibility of the contract holder to pay the taxes.
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 a competency-based 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.