PROGRAMME ASSISTANT

Assist in administrative and secretarial tasks to support project implementation.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 1 month ago: Sunday 25 May 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in administrative and secretarial tasks to support project implementation.

You have:

  • University degree, secondary, technical and/or vocational training
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
  • Experience in project management, coordination and implementation
  • Excellent knowledge of English and Mandarin (oral and written)
  • Knowledge of UNESCO administrative guidelines and informatics tools (iRIS, SISTER, DUO, etc.)
  • Good knowledge of French (desirable)

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 : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Beijing Classification of duty station: \[\[filter12\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement : \[\[filter13\]\] Job Family: Programme Coordination Type of contract : Non Staff Level : Level 2 Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25-May-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the authority of the Director, UNESCO Beijing Office, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences, the incumbent shall provide administrative and secretarial assistance, and carry out the following duties and responsibilities: 1\. Provide necessary administrative support with respect to project implementation, monitoring & evaluation, budget control, reporting and update of relevant databases within the framework of UNESCO’s programmes; 2\. Assist in the preparation of contracts, prepare and monitor payments, oversee budget situation, communicate and follow up with project partners, supervise the work of interns, to ensure smooth implementation of programme activities and related contracts. 3\. Assist in the preparation of UNESCO work plans, project proposals for mobilization of funds from EXB sources, reporting and update of relevant databases within the framework of UNESCO’s regular programme and extra-budgetary activities. 4\. Assist in organizing events, seminars, workshops and trainings and provide support as planned by the Unit and undertake missions as requested by the Head of Unit. 5\. Assist in preparing various kinds of reports, communications and correspondence such as periodic reports on the implementation of the programme, country briefings, UN reporting, meeting minutes, inputs to office publications and social medias, website update, speeches, presentations, memos, letters and other correspondence, and provide translation and interpretation (Chinese – English) when needed. 6\. Assist in maintaining contacts with UNESCO National Commissions, line ministries, UN agencies, development agencies, donors and NGOs in the Cluster countries. 7\. Undertake any other assignments requested by the Director or the Programme Specialist. Long Description ---------------- Long Description ---------------- Long Description ---------------- **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- EDUCATION - University degree, secondary, technical and/or vocational training WORK EXPERIENCE - A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience - Experience in project management, coordination and implementation SKILLS/COMPETENCIES • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity; • Demonstrating corporate knowledge and sound judgment; • Self-development, initiative-taking; • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively; • Creating synergies through self-control; • Managing conflict; • Capacity to work in a team as well as independently; • Operates in compliance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations. LANGUAGES - Excellent knowledge of English and Mandarin (oral and written) **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- EDUCATION - Specialized training/certification in Administration, Management, Public Relations, International Relations Languages and/or a discipline in Natural Sciences. WORK EXPERIENCE - Of the five years relevant experience, at least two years working experience in an international organization or diplomatic bodies - Relevant professional experience in project administration as well as communication with partners SKILLS / COMPETENCIES - Knowledge of UNESCO administrative guidelines and informatics tools (iRIS, SISTER, DUO, etc.). LANGUAGES - Good knowledge of French. **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- Benefits include: 2.5 days of leave per month, up to 25% of the basic salary with proof of enrolment in a medical insurance and pension plan. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. A WRITTEN ASSESSMENT MAY BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF CANDIDATES. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Interested candidates should submit their application letter and CV in English to UNESCO Beijing office [email protected] using UNESCO CV form available on this link: . The deadline is 25 May 2025 at midnight (local time). 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 situation where you had to manage a project from start to finish. What were the biggest challenges you faced? The interviewer wants to assess your project management skills and problem-solving abilities. Provide a specific example that outlines your role, challenges, and the resolution.
How do you ensure effective communication within your team? This question evaluates your communication skills and teamwork approach. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a time you had to prepare a report or presentation? What was your process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell me about a time you faced a conflict in a team setting. How did you handle it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to adapt to changes in a project unexpectedly. How did you respond? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to maintain a good relationship with stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain the importance of monitoring and evaluation in project management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: careers.unesco.org