Programme Associate

Host entity: UNESCO Nepal

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Community development, Education

Application deadline: 23/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNESCO contributes to peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. In the Natural Sciences, UNESCO advances climate action, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, water security and disaster risk reduction, while strengthening international cooperation in science, technology and innovation. It does so by generating and sharing scientific knowledge, reinforcing science-policy interfaces and building institutional and technical capacities. In Nepal, UNESCO works with government institutions, academia and research organizations, UN entities, civil society, communities and development partners to translate this mandate into national action, including on water and climate resilience, science, technology and innovation evidence and reporting, biodiversity and ecosystems, local and Indigenous knowledge, and intersectoral climate and sustainability education. This includes the start of work with Nepal’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation on adequate indicators for reporting, with attention to gender perspectives in science and innovation evidence.

Assignment context

The UNESCO Office in Nepal is co-implementing the UN Joint SDG Fund Programme, “Enhancing Tourism Sector Jobs and Social Protection in the Greater Lumbini Area,” in partnership with UNDP and ILO, and in close collaboration with government counterparts. The programme aims to strengthen employment opportunities, skills development, social protection, and sustainable tourism within the Greater Lumbini Area. The programme requires sustained coordination and implementation of UNESCO-led interventions related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), market-responsive, gender-responsive and green skills development for heritage-based tourism through enhanced curricula, training providers and employer partnerships, while ensuring strong complementarity with the World Bank-supported Greater Lumbini Area Development Project (GLAD).

Based in Lumbini, the UN Volunteer will provide field-level support for UNESCO’s contribution to the programme.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the UNESCO National Professional Officer (Culture Unit) and the overall guidance of the UNESCO Representative to Nepal, the UN Volunteer will support programme delivery across the municipalities of Lumbini Sanskritik, Ramgram, Kapilvastu, and Devdaha in the Greater Lumbini Area.
Working closely with UNDP, ILO, government, and other programme stakeholders, the UN Volunteer will:
• Support work planning and implementation of UNESCO-led TVET and skills development activities, including curriculum enhancement and engagement with training providers and employers.
• Facilitate coordination, partnerships, and effective communication among implementing partners, government institutions at local, provincial, and national levels, the Lumbini Development Trust, CTEVT, training providers, employers, private sector organizations, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Assist in organizing missions, consultations, meetings, workshops, training programmes, and policy dialogue platforms with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide substantive support for the development and implementation of capacity-building initiatives for local partners and beneficiaries, complementing logistical support for programme events.
• Contribute to programme monitoring through data collection, documentation of results, evidence generation, and preparation of progress reports and briefs.
• Support knowledge management, visibility, and communications by documenting lessons learned and best practices, and preparing success stories and materials highlighting programme achievements.
• Contribute to ensuring synergies and coordination between the Joint SDG Fund Programme and the World Bank-supported Greater Lumbini Area Development Project and other relevant initiatives.
• Undertake missions to Kathmandu and neighbouring districts and provide operational and administrative support as required for programme implementation

Skills and experience

• Relevant professional experience in project coordination, programme implementation, and monitoring is required.
• Strong analytical, writing, reporting, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work effectively with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and local communities.
• Experience related to skills development and TVET is desirable.
• Experience related to tourism or cultural heritage will be an asset.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently in a field-based environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital collaboration tools is required.
• Experience in data collection, documentation, and knowledge management will be an asset.
• Familiarity with the Greater Lumbini Area and experience working in Lumbini Province, particularly in Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, or Nawalparasi districts, would be an advantage.
• Candidates from the programme’s target areas and with established networks and understanding of the local context will be given preference.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism and Respect to Diversity

Living conditions

Lumbini, in Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts the Lumbini Development Trust, a monastic zone with temples from many countries, and a growing number of hotels and visitor services. Local government offices, development partners, NGOs and community organizations operate in the area, with the nearby towns of Bhairahawa and Butwal providing most administrative, commercial and logistical support. Accommodation, food, water, electricity, banking, medical services and communications are generally available in Lumbini, Bhairahawa and Butwal, though standards are more basic than in Kathmandu and services within Lumbini itself are more limited. Short power outages, internet disruptions and seasonal heat, monsoon flooding and mosquito-borne diseases may occur. Air and road connectivity is generally available through Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and the highway network, while travel to outlying districts through road. As an international sacred site, Lumbini offers a peaceful and culturally rich working environment.

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