Programme Assistant

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : CULTURE

Duty Station: NEW DELHI REGIONAL OFFICE

Job Family: CULTURE

Type of contract : SERVICE CONTRACT

Level : SC 6 - LEVEL 2

Duration of contract : ONE YEAR INCLUDING THREE MONTHS PROBATION

Recruitment open to : LOCAL NATIONAL STAFF

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 21 JULY 2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the general authority and direct supervision of the Chief of Culture, New Delhi the incumbent will be responsible for the overall administrative function of the culture sector for the Regular and Extra-Budgetary Programme of UNESCO Office for the South Asian region.

In addition to the regular programme of UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, there are few extra-budgetary projects, which are being implemented across few states in India. He/She will assume, tasks of the progamme assistant and will adhere to the laid down administrative processes for smooth operations of the activities of the Office, within the specified timeline. The incumbent will ensure smooth functioning of the administrative requirements and support the sector in achieving the desirable outcomes of the programmes and projects.

Long Description

Sector Administrative Planning and Reporting:
• Support the Culture Sector in preparing and updating activity plans and trackers.
• Facilitate coordination between intra and inter sectoral in day-to-day activities.
• Support the CLT sector in maintaining data and information of CLT sector.
• Assist the sector in providing records and information for reporting.

Long Description

Finance and Procurement Accountabilities:
• Assist and inform the supervisor on the financial status using management information systems and reporting.
• Verify and process payments of vendors and contractors.
• Assist the sector on basic financial procedures, payment requirements, banking and currency provisions.
• Keep track of budget levels and alert the supervisor and concerned managers to avoid potential shortfalls in funds (validating information and identifying any errors or irregularities).
• Assist in preparing, estimating, and finalizing procurement plans for the sector.
• Carry out preliminary analysis of budgets and request budget revisions, if required, cross-check the consistency of budgetary figures.
• Identify any other anomalies, alert the supervisor, and undertake transactions/actions to correct errors/omissions.
• Ensure adequate reporting of the projects/programmes regularly in line with UNESCO’ s established practices.

Short Description

Contract Management:
• Support the Culture Sector preparing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for consultants/contactors and follow the UNESCO procedures for final contract approval.
• Ensure the process of contract management is followed as per the standard procedures of UNESCO.
• Prepare the final contract for the Culture Sector, as per the financial rules and regulations of UNESCO.

Travel Management:
• Support the Culture Sector in the preparation and updating of travel plans; make travel arrangements; prepare required travel requisitions and monitor the budget; prepare materials for mission travel; arrange hotel accommodations and other related logistics following UNESCO's policies, procedures, and rules.
• Support the Culture Sector to coordinate with Administrative Department in finalizing travel request and settle travel claims as per the set process of UNESCO.
• Perform any task requested either by the Programme Specialist or Director of the Office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic
• A minimum of high school degree.

Work Experience
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in finance, administration, economics, social sciences, culture or related area.

Languages
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

Long Description

Skills and Knowledge
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; strong service orientation and ability to deal efficiently with partners at different levels.
• Ability to analyze, interpret financial data, and monitor budgets.
• Good organizational and coordination skills; ability to take initiatives, establish priorities and monitor own work plans.
• Ability to manage heavy workloads and meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Ability to work as part of a team, and provide efficient, quality and timely support and capacity to work efficiently with complex and sensitive situations.
• Sense of integrity and confidentiality.

IT Skills:
• Good knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and database packages.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, social sciences or related field.

Work Experience
• Work experience in the UN system.
• Relevant experience in the field of civil society or government organization in India.

Skills and Competencies
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with external agencies and vendors.
• Knowledge of project related to culture sector.
• Knowledge of UN administrative and financial processes.

Languages
• Good knowledge of French is desirable.

Long Description

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Duration of contract

The duration of the contract is 1 year with a probation period of 3 months, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds and the performance of the candidate.

Assessment

An assessment exercise may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

Benefits and Entitlement

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, 24 days certified sick leave etc.

The approximate monthly starting salary for this post is 134,646 INR (including 15% social security with 10% representing Pension and 5% representing Medical).

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 an 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.

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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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

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