Project Assistant ( Social and Human Sciences )
OVERVIEW
Post Number : SHS/PA 047
Grade : G-4
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) : 23-JAN-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
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
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 enhancing cross-cultural understanding. 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 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.
The Inclusion, Rights, and Intercultural Dialogue Section is at the core of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO and manages a cross-cutting portfolio of research, capacity-building, and advocacy to help build more inclusive and sustainable communities.
Long Description
The Project Assistant will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences ; guidance of the Chief of the Inclusion, Rights, and Intercultural Dialogue section and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist overseeing the project.
In close cooperation with team members, the incumbent will support the implementation and coordination of the work of UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme which seeks to empower Young Leaders (25 to 40 years old) and to advance impactful local actions in favor of intercultural dialogue for peace allowing them to leverage their experience and expertise in order to advocate for meaningful structural and policy improvements which favor more effective intercultural exchange.
In this context the candidate will perform the following tasks:
Long Description
- Oversee the call for applications and selection process for the identification of the 50 Young Leaders in each annual cycle of the programme.
- Assist with the development of the programme for the Residential Training Programme, and Global Youth Dialogue for Peace, including the preparation of materials and support to the administrative and logistical aspects.
- Provide assistance for the establishment and oversight of contracts for the development of the two research-led knowledge products (guidelines, toolkits, or research reports) related to the annual theme of the project, as well as the annual 'Insights Report' to capture the lessons learnt from the community projects implemented by the Young Leaders.
Long Description
- Assist with the oversight of the training, support, and mentoring offered to Young Leaders as they work to implement community projects, powered by the grants distributed, working closely with the contractors engaged, and maintaining contact with the Young Leaders to identify at an early point any challenges with the implementation of their projects.
- Provide administrative oversight of the contractors engaged to develop and implement both the Global Intercultural Action Observatory and Alumni Network, ensuring their compliance with contractual requirements, and supporting them with data and information needed to complete their work.
- Assist with the implementation of communications efforts for the project, in close cooperation with the Department for Communications and Public Engagement, including preparing the biographies of selected Young Leaders for the project website, and supporting the drafting of human-interest stories on the work undertaken through their community projects.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Completed secondary education or vocational education.
Work Experience
- Minimum (3) years of relevant work experience in secretarial, and administrative support tasks or related tasks preferably in an international level.
Skills and Competencies
- Experience in providing programme and administrative support services.
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including drafting skills, and social media communications skills.
- Solid computer skills, proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Capacity to handle information objectively,precisely and confidentially.
- Ability to perform tasks in an autonomous matter.
- Flexibility in adjusting to work schedules and setting priorities for efficient task management.
- Ability to show tact and discretion in dealing with high-ranking officials and with confidential matters and materials.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Specialized training/certification in secretariat/administration.
Work Experience
- Familiarity with UNESCO’s processes and procedures.
- Experience in providing programme and administrative support services.
- Relevant work experience in an international environment/organization/institution.
- Experience in administration.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent copy-editing and proofreading skills.
- Ability to prepare documents, letters and reports in accordance with the appropriate format, style or content of documents ensuring compliance with UNESCO procedures.
Languages
- Knowledge of Chinese.
- Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Spanish, 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 39 442 Euro €.
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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.