Only candidates who are entitled to work in France may apply to this position

Duration of contract: 1 year with 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.

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.

Long Description

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:

• Provide logistical and administrative support for the preparations of the two in-person events planned in each annual cycle of the programme, including, but not limited to, overseeing the travel arrangements for the Young Leaders, experts and facilitators, and UNESCO staff.
• Liaising with the Kingold Group team on the logistical arrangements at the venue of the two events (Imperial Springs) to support arrangements for lodging, meals, ground transfers, and other technical preparations; and supporting protocol arrangements for high-level invitees.

• Support the procurement process for and oversight of contracted services, including but not limited to, the provision of research services for the two knowledge products to be developed in each annual cycle of the project; the development of the annual ‘insights report’; the development and maintenance of the online Global Intercultural Action Observatory; and the development and animation of the Alumni Network.
• Support the procurement process for the distribution of the grants to the 50 Young Leaders engaged in each annual cycle of the project, alongside the services to support the monitoring and support for their implementation.

• Provide support to the management of the budget for the project, including monitoring the financial status of the project (including budgetary transactions) using information systems and reporting.
• Assist and provide guidance in the preparation and follow up for official travel of the project team.
• Provide any other administrative support required to implement the project successfully, including the preparation of correspondence and memos and supporting the flow and organization of knowledge and information among the Project Staff.

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 or administrative/office support tasks or related tasks, preferably in an international environment.

Skills/Competencies

• Experience in providing programme and administrative support services.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including drafting skills.
• Solid computer skills, proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Capacity to handle information objectively, accurately 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 and in international organizations.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent copy-editing and proof-reading 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).