Job Opportunity for Programme Assistant at UNESCO in New Delhi, India

## Programme Assistant Communication and Information Sector

 

**Job Location:** New Delhi, India

 

**About UNESCO:**

 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes international collaboration through education, science, culture, and communication. With a mission to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, culture and communication, UNESCO works towards building peace, eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and fostering dialogue among civilizations.

 

**Job Description:**

 

UNESCO’s New Delhi Regional Office is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Programme Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the Communication and Information (CI) Sector. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the Sector’s operational activities, communications initiatives, and financial management. 

 

**Key Responsibilities:**

 

* Provide programmatic support to CI Sector colleagues, including effective decision-making processes and smooth implementation of the CI program.

* Schedule and manage CI Sector team meetings, take minutes, and prepare notes.

* Facilitate the flow of knowledge and information between the CI Sector and other Sectors within the office.

* Enhance the unit’s communication and outreach capacity targeting the public, development partners, and the donor community.

* Assist in planning and implementing internal, collaborative, and external events.

* Develop social media strategies to enhance the CI Sector’s online presence.

* Plan and carry out communication campaigns to promote CI Sector reports, materials, and events.

* Keep track of media coverage and public opinion and propose recommendations to improve communication strategies.

* Assist the CI Sector on financial management of its regular budget and extrabudgetary funds.

* Support the CI Sector in the preparation and updating of travel plans, making travel arrangements, and preparing travel requisitions.

* Identify cost-effective vendors and suppliers for various operational requirements.

* Assist in completing the process of vendor registration and manage accurate and updated vendor information.

* Support the preparation of Terms of Reference (TORs) and draft contracts for vendors and consultants.

* Verify and process payments of vendors or contractors.

* Assist in contract management, including the preparation of contracts, following up with vendors on deliverables, and processing payments.

* Maintain information systems and databases by recording, updating, and retrieving information, documentation, and data.

* Undertake other tasks as requested by the Advisor for CI.

 

**Required Qualifications:**

 

* A minimum of high school degree.

* Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in communication, information sciences, media management, international relations, or closely related disciplines.

* Experience working in the implementation of national and/or sub-regional projects in the area of communication and information.

* Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization, and establishing and maintaining relations with donors.

* Experience using web-based information management systems.

* Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

* Proven organizational and coordination skills, ability to take initiative, establish priorities, monitor own work plans, and report on actions and projects.

* Strong project management skills, ability to deal efficiently with partners at different levels.

* Ability to participate effectively in negotiations.

* Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.

* Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.

* Excellent knowledge management with an understanding of emerging communication and information technologies.

 

**Desirable Qualifications:**

 

* A bachelor’s degree/specialized training/certification in communication, information, media, international relations, or related field.

* Experience in UNESCO programs and/or normative tools in the field of Communication and Information.

* Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation, and development.

* Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the United Nations System.

* Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP).

* Excellent knowledge of other UN official languages including French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese.

* Good knowledge of UNESCO work and familiarity with Communication and Information activities.

* Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the region.

 

**Benefits and Entitlements:**

 

UNESCO salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits, including:

 

* 15% social security (10% pension and 5% medical)

* 30 days annual leave

* 24 days certified sick leave

* 6 days uncertified sick leaves per year

* Monthly gross starting salary of INR 69,098/-

 

**Selection and Recruitment Process:**

 

* All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information.

* 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.

* Only selected candidates will be further contacted, and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks.

 

**Note:**

 

* 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.

* Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and 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.