Programme Assistant

Overview

Support STEM project implementation in education for girls in Namibia.

You have:

• Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school education.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of administration/office management/financial management/education/social sciences at the national or sub-regional level.
• Experience of working to support the implementation of national and/or sub-regional development projects, in the area of education, and social and human sciences.
• Experience in using web-based information management systems.
• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) in English.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team and multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to draft high quality, clear, concise notes and documents.
• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software i.e. Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media.
• Project support, organizational and coordination skills; ability to handle large volumes of work; establish priorities, monitor deadlines, and perform multiple tasks and take initiatives.
• Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.

Contract

This is a G-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 4 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,557 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 6NAED 0007PA Grade : G-4 Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Windhoek Job Family: Education Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Namibian Time) : 11-DEC-2024 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.*** ***Only candidates entitled to work in Namibia may apply for this position.*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **Context** Aligned with UNESCO's Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education (2019-2025) and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNESCO has prioritized advancing girls' participation, learning, and retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This focus is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive education systems that empower girls and women in STEM fields. STEM education has led to significant advancements in various areas, such as health, well-being, infrastructure, and sustainable energy. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM studies and careers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this challenge, UNESCO is implementing the project "Accelerating African Girls’ Participation in STEM Education," with a focus on Kenya and Namibia. The project aims to increase girls' engagement in secondary-level STEM education by dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, changing norms, attitudes, and practices, and supporting their transition into STEM fields in higher education and the workforce. The project will deliver the following outcomes: • Ministry of Education officials in charge of designing, implementing and evaluating the curriculum (curriculum actors) understand gender-related barriers and bottlenecks that impede girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education in their country and have recommendations to overcome them. • Teacher training institutions and universities have strengthened capacity to provide teacher training that transforms gender stereotypes and norms, attitudes and practices and promotes equal learning pathways of girls and boys in STEM fields. • Knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and project documentation inform the creation of an enabling environment to foster girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education. Long Description ---------------- The three-year project will be implemented by UNESCO in partnership with Ministries of Education and affiliated or partner institutions responsible for pre-service teacher training, curriculum development, textbooks and pedagogical tool design and development, inspectorates and pedagogical advisors, and departments responsible for evaluation and assessment, inclusive education and gender equality. It will also work closely with teacher training institutions and universities responsible for teacher capacity development, and national and regional civil society organizations for advocacy interventions. **Overview of the functions of the post** Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Namibia, and with direct supervision of the National Programme Officer for STEM Education, the incumbent will be responsible for providing program support to the STEM project, including a range of office, administrative, and logistical functions. The incumbent will specifically support: Long Description ---------------- **Coordination and Programme implementation** - Provide program support to ensure effective decision-making and smooth, efficient project implementation. - Assist in preparing, implementing, reviewing, and following up on work plans, and keep files, reference systems, and electronic filing up to date. - Support the gathering of information, data, and documentation from various sources and in preparing documents such as reports, working papers, project proposals, presentations, correspondence and briefing notes. - Provide financial management support, including contract management, in close coordination with the Finance and Administration Unit. Track expenditures, verify and reconcile financial data with allocated funds, alert the Administrative Unit to any errors, discrepancies, or budget issues, and undertake corrective actions as directed. - Prepare public visibility and communication material for publication, on and off-line. - Receive, analyze, register, and distribute incoming correspondence and other documents, determine their importance and priority, set deadlines for required actions, and ensure appropriate follow-up on deadlines and commitments. - Support the drafting of concept notes and project proposals for stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization, as appropriate. - Schedule and manage project meetings, including those with project partners, and take minutes and notes as required. - Undertake other tasks as deemed relevant by the UNESCO Windhoek Head of Office. Long Description ---------------- **Travel Management** - Support the preparation and updating of travel plans, including preparing travel requisitions, monitoring budgets, and preparing mission travel materials. Arrange travel, hotel accommodations, and other logistics in accordance with UNESCO policies, procedures, and rules. - Coordinate with the Administrative Unit to finalize travel requests and settle travel claims per UNESCO procedures. **Event Management** - Organize official meetings, events, and workshops for the project and office as needed, including booking venues, arranging equipment, and providing related logistical support. - Provide administrative support for events, including informing participants, organizing travel and visa documentation, distributing materials, and collecting and preparing minutes and related documents. **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 and/or vocational school education. **Work Experience** • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of administration/office management/ financial management/ education/social sciences at the national or sub-regional level. • Experience of working to support the implementation of national and/or sub-regional development projects, in the area of education, and social and human sciences. • Experience in using web-based information management systems. **Skills and competencies** • Project support, organizational and coordination skills; ability to handle large volumes of work; establish priorities, monitor deadlines and perform multiple tasks and take initiatives. • Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team and multi-cultural environment. • Ability to draft high quality, clear, concise notes and documents. • Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software i.e. Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media. • Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure. • Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organization and/or the UN system **Languages** Excellent knowledge (oral and written) in English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Education** • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, science/STEM, social sciences, economics/statistics or relevant field. **Work Experience** • Programme administrative support experience with the United Nations System, multilateral organizations or international development institutions. **Skills and Competencies** • Good knowledge and understanding of UNESCO’s programmes and activities **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 307 533 NAD. 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 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. **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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