Non-Staff Service Contract

Overview

Provide program support for culture projects and assist in day-to-day operations.

You have:

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, finance, or logistics.
• Fluency in Bangla and good working knowledge of English (oral and written).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to maintain digital filing systems.

Contract

This is a SC-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Service Board / Service Contract. It is normally only for nationals. More about SC-2 contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Culture and Science Duty Station: Dhaka Job Family: Culture and Science Type of contract : Service contract Level : SC-2 Duration of contract : 3 Months with possibility of extension Recruitment open to : Internal and external Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 11 January 2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- UNESCO Dhaka supports the Government of Bangladesh in advancing sustainable development across its mandated areas, including education, culture, natural sciences, and social and human sciences. Within this broader mandate, the Culture Sector and the Sciences sectors (Natural, and Social and Human Science) play a critical role in addressing national priorities such as heritage preservation, intangible cultural heritage, critical heritage conservation, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, social inclusion, youth empowerment, ethics of emerging technologies, and evidence-based policy development. To enhance program development, coordination, research, reporting, and communication capacities, UNESCO Dhaka seeks to recruit two Program Assistants. The positions will provide cross-cutting support for the Culture and Science sectors, while also contributing to the visibility and outreach of the Office’s work. Purpose of the Assignment: -------------------------- The purpose of the assignment is to provide timely and efficient program support for the implementation of culture projects and activities, as well as to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the culture team through administrative and logistics assistance. The personnel will the responsible for maintaining accurate records and support monitoring of budgets, contracts, procurement, and other finance/administrative processes. Duties and Responsibilities --------------------------- **Program Assistant – Culture** Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Culture Unit, the Program Assistant – Culture will perform the following duties: A. Program Support Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and events (in-person, online, and hybrid). Support the preparation, printing, and dissemination of documents, background notes, and reference materials. Maintain digital and hard-copy filing systems for projects and correspondence. Track deadlines, follow up on progress, and inform supervisors and team members of delays or issues. Provide administrative and logistical support to field offices, as required. B. Administrative and Logistics Support Arrange official travel, including tickets, clearances, and related payments. Prepare procurement requests for equipment, supplies, and services. Maintain administrative, personnel, finance, budget, and asset records. Draft routine correspondence and internal memos on administrative and financial matters. Support procurement processes by preparing purchase orders or contracts, liaising with suppliers, and tracking requisitions. Assist in organizing training sessions and internal capacity-building activities C. Financial Support Assist in the preparation of budgets, cost estimates, and financial reports. Monitor expenditures against approved allocations. Support staff on budget reallocations, account coding, and application of financial rules. Ensure compliance with internal control procedures for payments, cash management, and vendor transactions. D. Other Duties Perform any other duties as requested by the Supervisor or Head of Office. **Program Assistant – Science** Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Science Unit, the Program Assistant – Science will perform the following duties: A. Program Development and Technical Support Contribute to the preparation of project concept notes, proposals, work plans, briefing notes, and background documentation. Conduct research and compile information on thematic areas including climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, social inclusion, youth empowerment, ethics of emerging technologies, and evidence-based policy development. Support monitoring of project implementation by tracking deliverables, results indicators, and field activities. Assist in planning, coordinating, and documenting workshops, training sessions, field missions, stakeholder consultations, and technical meetings. Prepare summaries, analytical notes, and draft technical inputs for program development and reporting. B. Coordination and Partnership Engagement Liaise with government counterparts, UN agencies, academic and research institutions, NGOs, youth networks, and development partners. Maintain updated stakeholder databases, partnership matrices, and coordination logs. Prepare meeting minutes, action points, and follow-up communications. Facilitate coordination across sectors to ensure alignment and maximize cross-sectoral synergies. C. Communication, Knowledge Management, and Visibility Draft communication materials such as news stories, social media content, and knowledge products highlighting program results. Assist in designing presentations, infographics, brochures, and visibility materials in line with UNESCO branding. Support updates to the UNESCO Dhaka website and digital platforms. Contribute to field documentation, including photographs, captions, and short narratives. Maintain organized digital archives and documentation repositories for effective knowledge management. **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **For Program Assistant - Culture:** - **Education:** A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, or a related field. - **Experience:** At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, finance, or logistics. - **Languages:** Fluency in Bangla and good working knowledge of English (oral and written). - **IT Skills:** Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to maintain digital filing systems. **For Program Assistant - Science:** - **Education:** Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Development Studies, Environmental Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or related fields. - **Experience:** At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, finance, or logistics. - **Languages:** Fluency in Bangla and good working knowledge of English (oral and written). - **IT Skills:** Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to maintain digital filing system **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Professionalism (C) Teamwork (C) **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- 60,000 BDT per month + 15% Social Security Charge **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. *Interested candidates are invited to submit their application (UNESCO Personal History Form and Cover Letter) through the application portal by 11th January 2026. Please indicate “Program Assistant – Culture or Program Assistant - Science” in the subject line, based on the position the applicants are applying to.* 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 7 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org