Project Assistant

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Paris, France 🇫🇷

Post Number : SC/PA 047

Grade : G-5

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-APR-2023

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

Only candidates who are entitled to work in France 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

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division Water Sciences (DIR/SC/HYD), of the Chief of the Section on Groundwater Sustainability and Water Cooperation (GSW) and of the Chief Section Hydrological systems and climate change adaptation (HCA), and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge of Groundwater and Water Cooperation (GSW section), the incumbent shall provide administrative assistance to the implementation of the groundwater and water cooperation extrabudgetary projects coordinated and supported by the GSW and HCA Sections.

In particular, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:

  • Assist the coordination and implementation of the above-mentioned project activities and liaise with UNESCO field offices, UNESCO National commissions in the benefitting countries, with partner agencies and national implementing partners, including teams of national and international experts working on the projects; prepare drafts, review and edit project-related correspondence, documents, reports and briefings, prepare in-house communications and responses to queries in English and French;
  • Assist in the organization of national consultations, training workshops, internal and external meetings and teleconferences, preparation of minutes, training materials, progress reports, agendas of meetings and any other project materials including the preparation of contracts, organization of technical missions, preparation of experts contracts and their follow-up;
  • Assist the project coordinator in the use of all financial management systems applications; prepare funds authorizations to relevant field offices and budget requests when and as necessary, monitor project expenditures and budgetary commitments according to approved plans and funds distribution per budget lines and WBS; verify conformity of deliverables and prepare payment requests;
  • Perform any other duties as may be requested by the Director Division of Water Sciences and/or Chief of sections GSW and HCA.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Completed secondary, technical or vocational school.

Work Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience, including relevant experience in general administration functions.

Skills and competencies

  • Good planning and organizational skills;
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and deliver under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to communicate with various stakeholders;
  • Capacity for teamwork and ability to work in a multicultural environment;
  • Strong IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, data management..etc);
  • Experience supporting project administration;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in international relations, natural sciences, political science or related field would be an asset.

Work experience

  • Professional experience in the United Nations (UN) system and/or international organizations would be an advantage;
  • Knowledge of planning and financial tools, particularly in the UN system;
  • Proven experience in assisting implementation of mid scale projects;
  • Proven ability to design and monitor complex budgets;
  • Proven knowledge of Results Based Management and Budgeting.

Skills and competencies

  • Familiarity of the UN system and/or International organisations.

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.

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

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. 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.

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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.


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