Social and Human Sciences Programme Assistant
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences
Duty Station: Windhoek
Job Family: Social and Human Sciences
Type of contract : Service Contract
Grade : Level 5
Duration of contract : 10 months (extension possible subject to satisfactory performance and funding)
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19 March 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Windhoek Office and working in close collaboration with the Chief of the Social and Human Sciences sector in the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Social and Human Sciences programme carried out by the UNESCO Windhoek Office. Activities conducted will contribute to implementation of the UNESCO Country Strategy for Namibia 2025-2029, Namibia’s National Development Plan (NDP), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Namibia, 2025-2029, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Agenda 2063.Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Windhoek Office and working in close collaboration with the Chief of the Social and Human Sciences sector in the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Social and Human Sciences programme carried out by the UNESCO Windhoek Office. Activities conducted will contribute to implementation of the UNESCO Country Strategy for Namibia 2025-2029, Namibia’s National Development Plan (NDP), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Namibia, 2025-2029, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Long Description
More specifically, the incumbent will:
1. Programme and Project Support
- Contribute technical inputs for the development, administration and implementation of programmes and projects in the Social Science areas of the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the Management of Social Transformation, the fight against Racism and Discrimination, and the promotion of Youth engagement.
- Contribute to situational analyses, and compile data and inputs for concept notes, publications, briefings and documents.
- Provide logistical and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events and missions.
- Monitor, track and report on regular and extra budgetary project implementation and outputs within the Field Office, including using relevant tools such as the Core Manager.
- Draft budgets, reports, concept notes, correspondence, public visibility material, social media and website content and ad hoc documents.
2. Collaboration and Communication
- Participate, as required, in meetings of UNESCO, the UNCT, UN Agencies, donors and other external development partners as required.
- Provide inputs for the Field Office’s contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Common Country Assessment (CCA), Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Action Plan (CAP) and to other relevant national planning exercises.
- Liaise with colleagues within the Social and Human Sciences sector and in other Sectors, in the Field and Headquarters to promote intra and inter sectoral collaboration.
- Ensure knowledge management, websites and information systems are up to date with relevant Social and Human Sciences information.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Anthropology, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformations, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. A combination of a first university degree with four years of work experience in the Social Sciences, Development Studies, Digital Transformations or Artificial Intelligence may be substituted for the desired qualifications.
Work Experience
- At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in one or several subject areas mentioned above.
- Experience in planning, coordinating and managing projects
- Strong English language drafting skills (reports, articles, publications, briefings, etc.).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Competencies
- Good written and oral communication skills, human relations and team building.
- Ability to interact with people from different disciplines, and with varying degrees of technical experience.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
Salary is calculated according to the UN salary scale for Locally Recruited Staff.
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.
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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.
