Junior Conference Assistant (Updated)

Assist in planning and supporting the Governing Bodies' documentation and sessions.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Monday 25 Aug 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in planning and supporting the Governing Bodies' documentation and sessions.

You have:

  • Completed secondary, technical or vocational school.
  • Relevant professional experience in administrative and logistical support tasks in an international environment/organization/institution.
  • Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English or French and good knowledge of the other.
  • Knowledge of other official UNESCO language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

Contract

This is a G-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 3 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-3 contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : GBS 015 Grade : G-3 Parent Sector : Secretariat of the Governing Bodies (GBS) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: General Administrative Support Type of contract : Fixed Term Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25-AUG-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***Only candidates who are entitled to work in France may apply to this position*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the authority of the Director of the Governing Bodies and the supervision of the Deputy Secretaries of the Executive Board and the General Conference, the Junior Conference Assistant functions are directly linked to the work of the Governing Bodies. The incumbent is in direct contact with Permanent Delegations and staff members. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: Long Description ---------------- - Assist in planning the documentation workflow of the Governing Bodies’ sessions: liaise with printing shop, document planification and control; request printing of documents via Gdoc. - Ensure the smooth running of General Conference and Executive Board distribution of documents to Member States; serve as focal point for the Documentation Reception Desk for the Member States. Manage the database of delegations wishing to receive paper versions of documents and the database of notices of receipt of all confidential documents (Excel table mastery). - Assist with logistical and technical aspects of the sessions and meetings; arrange for meeting facilities and equipment; receive and dispatch the official speeches; assist in the coordination of the workroom clerks hired for the session. - Maintain various manual and computerized information and reference systems; file and archive General Conference and Executive Board documentation. - During the General Conference session: support specific meetings and the organization of elections. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - Completed secondary, technical or vocational school. ***Work Experience*** - At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administrative and logistical support tasks in an international environment/organization/institution. Long Description ---------------- ***Skills & Competencies*** - Sense of responsibility and excellent organization skills - Physical capacity for document distribution - Ability to respond efficiently to volume requirements, and to effectively manage deadlines - Good IT skills, capacity to use UNESCO applications related to printing of documents (gDocs) and MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) - Ability to strictly follow existing administrative rules, established procedures, practices and technical requirements - Initiative and readiness to provide quality and timely support and services to the President of the General-Conference and the Chairperson of the Executive Board - Strong interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy to effectively interact with diplomatic officials ***Languages*** - Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English or French and good knowledge of the other **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***Languages*** - Knowledge of other official UNESCO language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish). **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 35 529 Euro €/US $. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits](https://unesco.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HRMTeam/ESzDuIMSjEtIqYwVozjc3I8Bb5Kj-P0DrTgbm4BIjD17nQ?e=41cm7D). **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.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) 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](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) 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.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to manage multiple deadlines. How did you ensure all tasks were completed on time? The interviewer wants to assess your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks under pressure. Discuss a specific instance where you effectively managed your time and resources to meet all your deadlines.
Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced while working with a diverse group of individuals? This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work within a multicultural environment. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication with team members and stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you took the initiative to improve a process or service at work. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure accuracy and adherence to administrative procedures when distributing confidential documents? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In your opinion, what are the key qualities of a successful administrative assistant? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would handle a situation where a last-minute change occurs during an important meeting or session. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools and software are you familiar with that can assist in document management and logistical support? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org