Team Assistant

Host entity: ESCWA

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Legal affairs

Application deadline: 29/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development.

ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.

ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.

ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Assignment context

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the Arab region, ESCWA has been implementing programmes in Syria since 2012 through its National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) initiative. Over the years, ESCWA's work in Syria has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from diverse backgrounds and political perspectives, providing a unique space for Syrians to identify and assess the country's policy priorities and institutional needs for a post-conflict future. Drawing on this engagement, ESCWA programmes in Syria produces policy research, supports institutional recovery, develop analysis and practical tools that reflect Syrian perspectives and support evidence-based policymaking and parliamentary institution, while generating knowledge and methodologies that are applicable to other conflict-affected and transition contexts across the Arab region. This assignment will support the implementation of ESCWA's programme on Syria as well as other research, policy and technical assistance activities led by the Programme Management Officer on conflict, governance, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery in the region.

Task description

16. Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Economic Affairs Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Team Assistant will:

1. Provide administrative, programme coordination and operational support to facilitate the effective implementation of programme activities.
2. Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of programme workplans, ensuring timely follow-up on activities, deliverables, milestones and reporting requirements.
3. Contribute to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) by maintaining programme monitoring tools, tracking progress against workplans and contributing to progress reports and other M&E products.
4. Conduct background research and compile information from a variety of sources to support programme implementation, reports, briefing materials and meetings.
5. Maintain programme documentation, electronic filing systems, databases and contact lists, ensuring effective knowledge management and compliance with organizational standards.
6. Coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, steering committee meetings, consultations and other programme events, including logistical arrangements, preparation of documentation, participant coordination and follow-up on agreed actions.
7. Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, summaries and action points, and monitor implementation of follow-up actions.
8. Assist in expanding and maintaining the programme's network of experts and support coordination with partner institutions and consultants.
9. Monitor developments in Syria and the wider region through regular media and policy monitoring, preparing concise summaries and briefing notes for the programme team.
10. Support the preparation of communication materials, presentations and outreach products, and assist in maintaining programme web content and knowledge products.
11. Provide administrative support related to travel, procurement, consultant recruitment, meetings and other operational requirements in accordance with United Nations policies and procedures.
12. Perform other related duties assigned by the Programme Manager

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of experience in the related area is desirable
• Good communication and teamwork skills. Previous experience and knowledge of United Nations Rules and Procedures is desirable.
• Prior UN experience or prior knowledge of the host entity’s internal systems is an asset.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism

Living conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Beirut is a unique duty station, and Lebanon is a unique operational environment. It offers a rich cultural experience, dynamic social life, and the opportunity to work in a highly diverse setting. At the same time, personnel should be prepared for a degree of unpredictability related to security situation, economic conditions, infrastructure challenges, and impact of regional developments. Flexibility, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances are essential.

Benefits Package:

• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): USD 1,606.08
• Danger and Hardship Differential depending on the hardship classification and family/non-family status of the duty station.
• Free access to UNV's learning and career development resources

For more information on please visit the Entitlements Calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

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