Project Assistant

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. More about G-4 contracts.

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PURPOSE OF POSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France.

The Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch (ESC) produces the WHO Classification of Tumours, the IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans, and the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention. For each volume, IARC convenes international, interdisciplinary Working Groups of expert scientists to systematically review the pertinent scientific literature and to develop consensus evaluations and classifications. IARC selects these experts based on their knowledge and experience and the absence of real or apparent conflicting interests

Under the managerial oversight of Head of the WHO/IARC Classification of Tumours Group (WCT) and in collaboration with a team of technical and administrative staff within the Evidence, Synthesis and Classification “ESC” Branch, the incumbent provides a wide range of general administrative and project management-related assistance in the implementation of projects and related activities towards the delivery of the branch’s work and mandate.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. General office management assistance

• Manage incoming/outgoing communication (information requests, phone calls, correspondence, and documents flow).
• Organize/support internal meetings (documentation, notes as needed, etc.) and manage schedules related to the project/s activities.
• Contribute to diverse internal corporate work (Committees and related) as required.
• Manage information/data (information research, documents repositories, updating).
• Submit documents for clearance using workflows
• Proofread studies guidelines and protocols as may be required.
• When required, support the production of scientific articles/websites (text/content checks, databases input, literature searches, etc.).

2. Specific projects management assistance

• Project (both grant and not grant funded) administration: Administrative assistance in project planning/implementation including all legal/administrative instruments (grant applications, Collaborative Research Agreements, Data Transfer Agreements, Methods of Procedures, Material Transfer Agreements, etc.).
• Budget oversight: Assist with the projects budgets preparation, implementation, review relevant information and/collate reports by collaborators for presenting to the funder serve as a coordination point vs. both SSR and partners/collaborators.
• Human resources: Oversee project workforce recruitment/procurement (consultants, ECVC, APW) in collaboration with other administrative colleagues in the Team/branch, and provide post-onboarding assistance/guidance.
• Project management: Assist the project manager/PI with aspects of the project work planning, monitoring, review, reporting, and evaluation including regular communication with stakeholders/partners as required.
• Events coordination and management: Provide an administrative overview and targeted logistic assistance in the context of training sessions, study visits, and meetings (preparation, documentation, travel, etc.), within/outside the duty station.

3. Other related tasks

• Some unforeseen tasks not fully captured by the above categories but related to them in terms of scope of work may be temporarily assigned to the incumbent by the supervisor/s (i.e. related to the absence of other Project Assistants in the Branch(s)/Team(s).

COVID-19 MEASURES

Due to the evolving situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, and depending on work requirements, this position may be partly occupied remotely, from the home of the candidate selected in the region Lyon, according to the teleworking clause for force majeure currently in force as part of the IARC teleworking policy during this pandemic period.

WHO COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Knowing and managing yourself

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential: Completion of secondary school education or equivalent in administrative training, recognized by a diploma/certificate of studies

Desirable: Post-secondary training in administrative office/project assistance, and/or project management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Essential:At least 3 years progressive administrative office work experience in an international environment institution, preferably in support of programs/projects.

Desirable: Experience in providing support to projects in the UN or WHO.

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent knowledge of English and/or French and working knowledge of the other language.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to deliver results within assigned timelines.
• Strong interpersonal communication and drafting skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint.
• Capacity and willingness to maintain effective work dialogue in a multicultural environment/team with sensitivity and respect for diversity and to establish effective working relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrated capacity to work proactively and effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while keeping the focus on work quality.
• Ability to maintain a professional and collegial working environment, with a focus on well/being of self and others.

REMUNERATION

The fixed remuneration for the above position currently amounts to EUR 3,196 per month, and is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include different types of leave and allowances for dependent family members.

Employment status is that of an international civil servant.

Note: due to the legal status of WHO/IARC as an international organization, its staff do not contribute to and do not generate benefits in French mandatory schemes for health insurance (“assurance maladie”), pension (“assurance vieillesse/retraite or unemployment (“Pôle-Emploi”) throughout their period of employment with the Agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons residing in the local commuting area of Lyon.
• We only accept applications submitted via our online recruitment tool (applications for this position should be filled out in English and include a cover letter in English). Application profiles should include the details of all work experiences to date (including paid internships).
• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or presentation may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. IARC/WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to IARC/WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• For information on IARC’S operations please visit: www.iarc.fr
• IARC/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• IARC/WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women are encouraged.