Associate Project Officer (Social and Human Sciences)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : SHS/PA 045
Grade : P-2
Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Social and Human Sciences
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-NOV-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives. The Organization comprises 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members and employs over 2,300 staff members from 170+ nationalities at its Headquarters and 54 field offices worldwide.
This position is located in UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS), which strives to accomplish a fundamental humanist mission by enhancing efforts against violence, racism and discrimination, combatting gender stereotypes, deploying the power of sports for social inclusion, promoting intercultural dialogue and supporting youth, women and people with disabilities.
SHS collaborates with Member States to protect and trust scientists through UNESCO's 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers and enhance the science-policy nexus. SHS also focuses on fostering inclusive societies and ensuring the ethical development of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in line with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
Sport integrity is at the core of SHS's mandate, as it contributes to sustainable development through social inclusion, educational, socio-cultural and economic benefits, as well as ethical and human values. In this regard, SHS hosts the Secretariat serving the International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005) represents the only global legal instrument engaging public authorities in the protection of sport values, ethics and integrity, counting with 192 States Parties
Effective coordination (internal and external) is paramount to implement the decisions taken by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport and to ensure the timely delivery of the tasks required from the Section. This coordination involves harmonizing the various activities and initiatives within the Section and aligning them with the broader objectives of the Sector. Additionally, seamless collaboration with other UNESCO Sectors and engagement with external stakeholders, both public and private, are essential to leverage multidisciplinary approaches and resources.
The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, the direct supervision and executive management of the Executive Secretary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport, Chief of the Section for the Elimination of Doping in Sport. In close cooperation with team members, s/he will support, as Associate Liaison Officer, the planning and coordination of activities required for the work of the Section in particular for the implementation of relevant decisions taken by the ninth session of the Conference of Parties (COP9) in view of submitting the expected outcomes to COP10 (October 2025).
In this context the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Programmatic Coordination: Synthesize Section-wide inputs for strategic programme documents and those submitted to UNESCO’s Governing Bodies. Support senior management in developing strategic documents and external communications, aligning with the Medium-Term Strategy and Programme Budget (C/5). Tasks include coordinating and finalizing documents, ensuring quality control, drafting substantive inputs, editing texts, and researching, fact-checking, and analysing data. Prepare information and briefing materials for senior management as required.
Planning and Coordination: Contribute to the planning and preparation of concept notes, project documents, and reports for diverse stakeholders (private and public, external and internal). Such planning and coordination encompass the effective liaison with relevant Sectors, Bureaus, and Units within the Social and Human Sciences Sector at Headquarters, Field Offices, other Programme Sectors, and central services, as well as with stakeholders and donors. Support planning of Section activities, including task division and leave coordination, to ensure timely delivery.
Liaison and Operational Support: Assist in organizing meetings for all initiatives under the Convention, including preparing documents and background information and taking notes for reporting purposes. Plan and organize the tenth session of the Conference of Parties (COP10, October 2025), managing logistics and contributing to COP10 documentation. Liaise with relevant services to finalise and publish documents as needed.
Follow-up on COP-Approved activities: Provide assistance in the implementation of follow-up activities of COP9, where relevant and required by the Executive Secretary, for the purpose of advancing the Section’s activities and portfolio, as well as new prospects to address challenges pertaining to the global sport ecosystem.
Training and Capacity Building: Provide operational support to States Parties eligible for funding through the Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport and a new dedicated funding category for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Communication and Visibility: Assist with visibility and communication efforts for the Anti-Doping Convention, including updates on the UNESCO website, COP10 webpage, and in the Anti-Doping infoletter. Draft correspondence, briefings, notes, and reports on the Anti-Doping Convention, supporting the team as needed for Convention implementation.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of Social and Human Sciences, Law, International Relations public Affairs and/or a related area.
Work Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in developing and implementing international projects, of which preferably one (1) year acquired at international level.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust-based relationships with colleagues at all levels and with partners.
- Excellent organizational and coordination abilities; able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders within and outside of the Organization.
- Proficient in written and verbal communication with proven ability to draft clear and concise documents and briefing notes.
- Team-oriented, adaptable to a multicultural environment, and able to work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
- Solid understanding of SHS programmes and approved priorities.
- Excellent analytical skills, problem solving and solution oriented.
- Strong sense of ethics, integrity, tact, discretion and diplomacy.
- Proficient in MS Office.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Experience in providing advice to Senior Management.
- 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 with sport and antidoping work at the international environment.
Skills and Competencies
- Experience in working in the United Nations system.
- Knowledge of the Anti-Doping Convention and its monitoring framework.
Languages
- Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.
- Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic Chinese, Russian).
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 82 165 US $.
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 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.