Title: PROGRAMME ASSISTANT

Post number: BEJ/ADM/2021/06

Type of Contract: Service Contract

Grade: L-5 (SB3/1)

Organizational Unit: UNESCO BEIJING OFFICE (NATURAL SCIENCES UNIT)

Primary Location: BEIJING

Recruitment open to: Only locally resident Chinese candidates may apply for this post 

Duration of the Contract: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Deadline (midnight, local time): 30 June 2021

Overview of the functions of the post 

Description of Responsibilities:

Under the authority of the Director, UNESCO Beijing Office, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences, the incumbent shall provide administrative and secretarial assistance, and carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide necessary administrative support with respect to project implementation, monitoring & evaluation, budget control, reporting and update of relevant databases within the framework of UNESCO’s programmes;

Assist in the preparation of contracts, prepare and monitor payments, oversee budget situation, communicate and follow up with project partners, supervise the work of interns, to ensure smooth implementation of programme activities and related contracts.

Assist in the preparation of UNESCO work plans, project proposals for mobilization of funds from EXB sources, reporting and update of relevant databases within the framework of UNESCO’s regular programme and extra-budgetary activities.

Assist in organizing events, seminars, workshops and trainings and provide support as planned by the Unit and undertake missions as requested by the Head of Unit.

Assist in preparing various kinds of reports, communications and correspondence such as periodic reports on the implementation of the programme, country briefings, UN reporting, meeting minutes, inputs to office publications and social medias, website update, speeches, presentations, memos, letters and other correspondence, and provide translation and interpretation (Chinese – English) when needed.

Assist in maintaining contacts with UNESCO National Commissions, line ministries, UN agencies, development agencies, donors and NGOs in the Cluster countries.

Undertake any other assignments requested by the Director or the Programme Specialist.      

Required qualifications

EDUCATION 

University degree, secondary, technical and/or vocational training. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 5 years of relevant job experience. 

Experience in the area of project management, coordination and implementation.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;

Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;

Self-development, initiative-taking;

Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;

Creating synergies through self-control; 

Managing conflict; 

Capacity to work in a team as well as independently; 

Operates in compliance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations. 

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of English and Mandarin (oral and written).

Desirable qualifications 

EDUCATION

Specialized training/certification in Administration, Management, Public Relations, International Relations and/or Languages.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Of the 5 years relevant experience, at least 2 years working experience in the area of international organizations or diplomatic bodies;

Relevant professional experience in project administration as well as communication with partners.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of UNESCO administrative guidelines and informatics tools (iRIS, SISTER, DUO, etc.).

LANGUAGES

Good knowledge of French.

Benefits and entitlements 

Benefits include: 2.5 days of leave per month, up to 15% of the basic salary for medical insurance and pension plan.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

A WRITTEN EXAMINATION MAY BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF CANDIDATES.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit their application letter and CV in English to UNESCO Beijing office jobvacancy@unesco.org using UNESCO CV form available on this link: https://share.weiyun.com/yQVrnA1D. The deadline is 30 June 2021 at midnight (local time).