Project Assistant (Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: ED/PA 261

Grade: G-4

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: General Administrative Support

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 09/09/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

INSTRUCTIONS

 Only candidates who are entitled to work in France may apply to this position.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director of the Division for Education 2030, and direct supervision of the Head of the Unit for Associated Schools Network (ED/E30/ASP), the incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient management of the Unit’s programmatic and financial activities:

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Receive, analyse, register and distribute mail, correspondence and other documents; monitor deadlines  and follow up on  required actions; prepare routine correspondence and responses to requests for information, attaching relevant documentation as needed; review outgoing correspondence and documents in English and/or in French and make or recommend changes to format, style, spelling or grammar; provide informal translation as required. Maintain information systems, databases and distribution lists in both physical and electronic formats; process requests for data and reports, and assist in the preparation of presentations and other communication materials using appropriate software.

2.    Prepare draft contracts and enter contract details into FABS as approved by the responsible officer, follow up on contract processing and payments. Inform team members of relevant administrative processes and related procedures to support  effective work planning and implementation. Perform general administrative tasks including leave and attendance recording; and maintain Unit’s files and  databases.

3.    Search, compile, review and update information and data used in the development of documents, work plans and budgets to support reporting on programme and activity implementation in accordance with  standards and formats. Enter data in and run reports from, automated systems in order to support the preparation of regular and ad hoc budgetary updates. 

4.    Proofread, edit and  finalize formatting using standard office software (e.g. MS Word, PowerPoint etc.).Collect, organize and present information and data related to ASPnet's programmes and activities from a variety of sources (Internet, Intranet, office files, records, etc.).

5.    Assist in the organization of virtual and in -person meetings, workshops, seminars and other events, including logistical arrangements and follow up activities working in close cooperation with UNESCO Programme Sectors, PAX, Field Offices and UNESCO Networks. 

6.    Support ASPnet’s digital outreach activities by drafting content for its communities of practice and  leveraging social media and other online tools to foster engagement among ASPnet members.

7.    Liaise with the PAX entity coordinating UNESCO Networks to ensure effective information exchange and support ASPet’s contribution to Organization-wide coordinated efforts involving these networks.

8.    Support the processing of new school applications, by reviewing, analyzing and assessing ASPnet candidacies to determine compliance with UNESCO’s established criteria.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational education.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in administrative and/or secretarial tasks.
•    Experience in programme support preferably in an international environment.
•    Experience in providing administrative and organizational support for meetings, workshops, or similar events.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collegially with staff at different levels
•    Good organizational and coordination skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, and meet deadlines under general supervision.
•    Discretion, good sense of judgement and capacity to deal efficiently with external partners, in particular ASPnet members.
•    Ability to work as part of a team and to provide quality and timely support and services.
•    Proficiency in standard office software (Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and web-based collaboration platforms (e.g. SharePoint).
•    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and under pressure.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills of English or French and good working knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Previous experience with UNESCO and understanding of the Organization, including its administrative procedures and financial process.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Knowledge of UNESCO rules, integrity, professionalism, administrative procedures and standard practices.

LANGUAGES

•    Knowledge of other UNESCO Official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 39 422 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• 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. UNESCO 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)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.