PROJECT ASSISTANT
Provide overall administrative and logistical support to the project.
Overview
Provide overall administrative and logistical support to the project.
You have:
- Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational education.
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of project management, office administration, development work or related field.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
- Good IT skills.
- Excellent command in English (both written and spoken).
- Previous experience in working on EU-funded projects is an added value.
- Work experience with the UN is an added advantage.
Contract
This is a G-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education.
Salary
The salary for this job should be more than 1,049 USD.
Salary for a G-1 contract in South Africa
The salary of a G-1 depends on the duty station. The minimum salary there is 17,143 ZAR (~1,049 USD) Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.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.
More about G-1 contracts.**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT) Duty Station: South Africa Job Family: Culture Type of contract : Non Staff Level : Level 1 Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 04-NOV-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Only Nationals of South Africa can apply for this position.** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The project, “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa” funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa project aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism and strengthen cultural production capacities in six Southern African countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It will promote regional integration, foster sustainable social and economic development, and build bridges between the people and communities of Southern African countries through the development of attractive and meaningful culture and heritage-based itineraries. These itineraries will attract visitors and encourage responsible travel while fostering longer stays in destinations, encouraging travellers to experience the local culture and history, and promoting a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the values associated to these destinations. Long Description ---------------- UNESCO is seeking a Project Assistant to provide overall administrative and logistical support for the smooth implementation of the project in close collaboration with all key partners, particularly the EU Delegations in the 6 countries, national authorities and local communities. Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and Representative for Southern Africa, the direct supervision of the Head of Culture Unit, the Project Assistant will provide overall administrative and logistical support to the project team. This post will be based in Pretoria, South Africa and specific tasks and responsibilities will include the following: 1\. Provide administrative support to the Project Coordinator and the Project Communication and M&E Officer to effectively implement the project in the 6 participating countries. 2\. Assist in planning and organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events relating to project, ensuring that all logistics such as hotel and conference bookings as well as transportation are in place. 3\. Prepare draft TORs for various contracts for service providers supporting Projects. 4\. Prepare payment requests and follow-up to ensure that service providers receive their funds on time. 5\. Develop and implement a tracking system for all contracts to ensure that deliverables are submitted on time and report any delays to the Supervisor on time. 6\. Follow-up with implementation partners to ensure timely delivery of work plans, budgets, and procurement plans for the project. 7\. Participate in Project meetings and workshops and take Minutes for proper record keeping. 8\. Support communication and visibility efforts for the project by assisting in the production of communication materials publications brochures etc. 9\. Maintain e-files as well as paper files for the Project in compliance with the Organization's records management policy and for audit and evaluation purposes. 10\. Undertake any other relevant activities as deemed necessary for the proper operation of the project. 11\. Undertake any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Long Description ---------------- - 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 education. **WORK EXPERIENCE** - A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of project management, office administration, development work or related field. **SKILLS/COMPETENCIES** - Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills. - Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. - Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment. - Good IT skills. **LANGUAGES** - Excellent command in English (both written and spoken). **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- - Previous experience in working on EU-funded projects is an added value. - Work experience with the UN is an added advantage. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates applying for tihis post must be **nationals of South Africa.** 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
| Can you describe your experience in project management and how it relates to cultural projects? | This question assesses the candidate's relevant experience and understanding of project management within a cultural context. | Highlight specific projects you've managed, particularly those related to culture or tourism. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing a heavy workload? | This question explores the candidate's organizational skills and ability to work under pressure. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to work with a multicultural team. What challenges did you face? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and quality in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss your experience with communication and visibility efforts in past projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle delays in project deliverables? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role do you believe culture plays in promoting sustainable tourism? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How comfortable are you using different IT tools for project management? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |