Project Assistant - Science

Contract

This is a G-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 3 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,119 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** ------------ ​ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Windhoek Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Level : Level 3 Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-JULY-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Only candidates entitled to work in namibia can apply to this position** **Duration of contract: 1 Year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Namibia is one of the beneficiary countries of the project **“Strengthening Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa”**, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) for two years. The project aims at strengthening STI systems and governance in selected African countries towards the achievement of the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Development Agenda. The overall implementation of the project is coordinated jointly by the UNESCO programme Sectors in charge of Natural Sciences (SC) and the Social and Human Sciences (SHS). Hence, UNESCO Office Windhoek is engaged with national partners to develop the effective strategies and plans to implement the project in Namibia in close coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) and National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST), and other relevant STI stakeholders. Under the authority and overall supervision of the UNESCO Representative and Head of the Office and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer for the Natural Sciences Sector, the Project Assistant provides a wide range of administrative and management support to the effective implementation of the project. S/He is required to work as Team member with the Programme Officers in Sciences and other staff of the Office, including the those involved in the implementation and coordination of the project at UNESCO Headquarters for guidance and inputs as required. The duties associated with this position will be carried out within a framework of Temporary engagement under a Service Contract. Extension of contract is subject to availability of project funds and satisfactory performance. **Duties and responsibilities** ------------------------------- In particular the incumbent will undertake the following broad-based tasks as follows: - Assist in the preparation, implementation, review and follow-up of the project workplan and maintain the files and reference systems, as well as electronic filing up to date, through close and regular coordination with the National technical team comprising of representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Information (MHETI) and National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST), and other relevant STI stakeholders. - Provide similar administrative and management support to the effective implementation of the Natural and Social and Human Sciences programme activities of the office. - Support drafting concept notes and project proposals for stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization as appropriate. - Support the project team to collect information, data and documentation from different sources and to prepare various types of documents (i.e reports, working documents, project proposals, presentation, briefing notes, among others) - Provide support in communications and follow up with the project and office team as appropriate. - Provide financial management support in project management, including contract management, in close coordination with the Finance and Administration unit of the office. Track expenditure on errors, dicrepancies, omissions observed and any budget issues that may require attention, and undertake corrective action as directed. - Compile information and data and prepare regular and ad-hoc budgetary/financial reports, updates, statistics and/or projections for use and scrutiny by UNESCO project staff as appropriate. - Assist in the design, implementation and reporting of coordination and communications initiatives in close coordination with the Programme Coordination and Visibility Associate and other Programme staff in the office. - Assist in the logistics, administrative and technical preparation and organization of onsite and online meetings, workshops, seminars, and national level events organized by the Science Programme team and prepare the respective narrative reports highlighting main outcomes and conclusions. - Ensure planning and travel arrangements (booking arrangements, travel orders, travel records for staff, calculate travel costs) for the organization of missions, training activities or expert meetings organized by the Science programme officers and funded by UNESCO. - Undertake other tasks as deemed relevant by the UNESCO Representative and Head of the Office and/or National Professional Officers for the Natural Sciences sector. **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** - Secondary, technical and/or vocational education **WORK EXPERIENCE** - Minimum 5 (five) years of relevant work experience in project/programme administrative and/or secretarial tasks. **SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES** - Excellent coordination and communication skills. - Excellent drafting skills in English (preparation of letters and communications, reports, presentations). - Ability to take initiative and to provide quality and timely support and services. - Good interpersonal skills and politeness in dealing with various organizations and individuals; - Excellent IT skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel. PowerPoint). - Capacity to work under pressure and flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities; - Discretion and capacity to deal efficiently and tactfully with people of different cultural backgrounds; **LANGUAGES** - Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **EDUCATION** - Specialized training/course in one or more of the following disciplines: Project Management, administration, procurement or related areas. **WORK EXPERIENCE** - Relevant experience in providing programme or administrative support at international level or within the United Nations system or in an international organization/institution. **LANGUAGES:** - Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish); **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 applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) 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.