Admin & Logistics Assistant (Education)

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Logistics, procurement, commodities, Event organisation, protocol services

Application deadline: 12/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children. UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress. UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a "first call for children" and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families. UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities. UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Assignment context

Under the overall guidance of the UNICEF Sri Lanka Chief of Education, the UNV will provide coordination, operational, administrative and logistical support to facilitate the timely and effective implementation of Education Section activities.

Task description

1. Event and Meeting coordination
a. Support the planning and coordination of workshops, meetings and events.
b. Identify and liaise with venues and other vendors regarding availability, quotations and bookings.
c. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure the smooth execution of workshops, meetings and events.
d. Provide on-site coordination support as required.

2. Supply Management Support and Vendor Coordination
a. Follow up with the Supply Team on procurement requests within the section, including printing of resource materials.
b. Coordinate with programme teams and implementing partners on supply status tracking.
c. Maintain accurate records of requests, timelines and delivery status through appropriate tracking systems.
d. Facilitate communication between programme teams and the Supply Unit to avoid delays.

3. General Administrative and Logistical Support
a. Provide administrative and logistical support as required by the team.
b. Support improvements in coordination processes, follow-ups and tracking systems.

Skills and experience

• Minimum 1–2 years of relevant professional experience in administrative, coordination, logistics, or programme support roles.
• Experience in organizing events, meetings, or workshops and supporting procurement or supply tracking processes is desirable
• Familiarity with UN/UNICEF procedures and working with government or development partners is an advantage
• Strong organizational, coordination, and time management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, follow up proactively, and meet deadlines under pressure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with tracking tools is an asset
• Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil required; familiarity with both national languages an asset
• Basic understanding of supply and logistics processes, tracking tools, or procurement workflows is an asset.
• Familiarity with child development, curriculum implementation, and conducting research/surveys/census is beneficial.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to manage multiple tasks and work with tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other information‑management systems is an advantage.

Competencies and values

The core values of UNICEF of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability need to be maintained at all times.
The functional competencies required are:
• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical-awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others

Living conditions

Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the south coast of India. It’s home to an estimated population of over 21 million people. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi- religious country. It is a tropical country with moderate temperate and high humidity all throughout the year. The climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 32 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur. Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. The city is located on the west coast of the island, adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35km from Colombo and is served by the main international airlines. Sri Lanka currently has stable and safe living environment. Cost of living is relatively high with increased food and accommodation costs. The UN Volunteer will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Colombo is the administrative centre and offers a range of accommodation, transportation, medical, banking and other services. Sri Lanka is classified as a Family Duty Station. The security level in Colombo is UNDSS Level 1 (Low).

You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.”

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.