Associate Project Officer
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Service contract
Level : 4 A
Duration of contract : 6 months, with possibility to renewal up to 24 months based on satisfactory performance and funds availability
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 07-NOV-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only candidates who are entitled to work in France can apply to this position
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Section for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education under the Future of Learning and Innovation Division, Education Sector, is responsible for supporting Member States’ efforts to leverage technological innovation to support the achievement of SDG 4 and enable the futures of learning. The main areas of work of the Section include AI and education, national ICT in education policies, and open educational resources (OER), as well as steering the use of emerging technology as a public good for education.
The Section is implementing a project funded by the European Commission to support the ethical, meaningful, and safe integration of AI in school education across six education systems: Belgium (Flanders and the French-speaking Community), Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia), Ireland, Luxembourg, and Sweden. The project seeks to help education authorities adopt or update strategies that provide coherent, evidence-informed guidance on the use of AI in schools. It will also equip schools with practical resources, including change management tools, practice-oriented toolkits, and professional development opportunities for teachers. In addition, the project will foster stronger cooperation with stakeholders to ensure the safe deployment of AI systems and their integration into existing learning resource platforms.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the guidance of the Director of the Future of Learning and Innovation Division and Chief of Section for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education (ED/FLI/ICT), and the immediate supervision of the Project Officer, the incumbent will support the implementation of this project by carrying out the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Project Coordination Support
- Assist the Project Officer in day-to-day management of project activities.
- Assist the monitoring of project workplans, timelines, and deliverables, and track progress against milestones.
- Support coordination with six Beneficiary Authorities, EU counterparts, UNESCO relevant departments, and local experts.
- Prepare briefing notes, background materials, and draft reports for meetings and missions.
- Support the organization of Steering Committee meetings as well as bilateral meetings with Beneficiary Authorities, including preparing for agendas, PPTs, minutes, and follow-up actions.
2. Administrative and Logistical Support
- Provide substantive support for the coordination of missions, workshops, and events.
- Liaise with service providers (translation, layout, event services, etc.) to ensure timely and quality delivery of project deliverables.
- Maintain project files, documentation, and correspondence in accordance with UNESCO standards.
- Assist with procurement processes by preparing Terms of Reference, request documents, and supporting bid evaluations.
- Monitor contracts, payments, and budget execution in line with UNESCO and EU requirements.
- Undertake any other tasks relevant to the effective implementation of the project.
3. Communication and Knowledge Management Support
- Assist in coordinating with designers, translators, and layout providers to ensure high-quality publications.
- Support the development and dissemination of communication materials, including newsletters, event announcements, web updates, and social media content.
- Support the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, good practices, and project results.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
-
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international relations or a related field.
Work experience:
- Less than 2 years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, administration, or related functions, preferably in international organizations or multi-country projects.
- Knowledge of technology and emerging trends in AI in education, with the ability to apply this understanding to project activities and stakeholder engagement.
Language skills:
- Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) is required.
Other skills and Competencies
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
- Excellent ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
- Excellent drafting, editing, and communication skills (written and oral).
- Ability to work independently while also contributing to a multicultural team in a constructive and professional manner.
- Good understanding of financial and administrative processes.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Additional training or certification in project management, financial management, or communications would be an asset.
Work experience:
- Experience in procurement, contracting, or financial monitoring is desirable.
- Familiarity with EU-funded projects, UNESCO, or UN system procedures would be an advantage.
- Experience in organizing meetings, workshops, and missions, including logistical and protocol arrangements.
Language skills:
- Good working knowledge of French, Dutch or German is highly desirable.
Salary - Social security - Taxes
The approximate gross monthly base starting salary for this post is EUR 3,528. The Contract Holder is affiliated to the French social security scheme (régime général de sécurité sociale et de prestations familiales). Consequently, the employees’ social contributions to this scheme will be deducted from the base salary. The remuneration paid to the Contract Holder under this contract is not exempt from any income taxes which may be levied by French or any other tax authorities.
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.
Footer
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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.