UNESCO is recruiting a Programme Assistant (G-7) for the Social and Human Sciences Sector in Paris with an annual salary of €53,842. Open to eligible candidates authorized to work in France. Learn more about duties, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply before 15 December 2025.
Overview: UNESCO Programme Assistant (Social and Human Sciences)
UNESCO has opened applications for a Programme Assistant (G-7) within the Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) based at its Paris Headquarters. This fixed-term, full-time position supports the administration and coordination of the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, one of UNESCO’s leading cultural awards recognizing global contributions to Arab arts, knowledge, and intercultural dialogue.
The role offers an annual starting salary of €53,842, along with UN benefits including family allowances, medical insurance, and 30 days of annual leave. The appointment is initially for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Post Number: SHS 901
Grade: G-7
Duty Station: Paris, France
Contract Type: Fixed Term (1 year)
Deadline: 15 December 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)
Eligibility: Only candidates authorized to work in France may apply.
About the Role
The Programme Assistant plays a central role in coordinating the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture. The position requires advanced administrative expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle confidential, diplomatic, and culturally sensitive information.
The Assistant serves as the primary focal point for prize applicants, jury members, donors, external stakeholders, and internal UNESCO units—including Legal Affairs, Communication and Public Engagement, Field Offices, and the Bureau of Digital Business Solutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Prize Coordination and Administration
- Manage all operational elements of the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture.
- Coordinate communications, workflow, timelines, and participation of the Chief of Section.
- Liaise with members of the international jury, providing guidance during evaluation stages.
2. Application and Evaluation Support
- Draft and issue official circular letters for calls for applications.
- Guide applicants on using the digital submission platform.
- Verify the completeness and eligibility of applications.
- Analyse, pre-evaluate, and prepare candidate assessment files for jury review.
3. Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the first point of contact for inquiries from internal and external partners.
- Arrange appointments, manage agendas, screen calls, and receive high-level visitors.
- Draft, edit, and quality-check official correspondence and reports.
- Coordinate sensitive communications in collaboration with the Communication and Public Engagement (CPE) team.
4. Research and Information Management
- Compile briefing materials, background notes, and talking points.
- Monitor developments in Arab culture and intercultural dialogue.
- Support preparations for UNESCO Executive Board and General Conference meetings.
5. Documentation, Reporting and Quality Control
- Review staff reports, correspondence, briefing notes, and outgoing documents.
- Proofread for accuracy, alignment with UNESCO standards, and appropriate protocol.
- Prepare informal translations as required.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Completed secondary education, technical, or vocational studies.
Work Experience
- Minimum 10 years of relevant administrative or secretarial experience.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong coordination and organizational abilities.
- Excellent drafting skills, especially for letters and internal reports.
- Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in multicultural environments.
- Flexibility to manage shifting priorities and schedules.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English.
- Good working knowledge of French.
Desirable Qualifications
- Specialized training in administration or secretariat duties.
- Experience with the UN System or multilateral organisations.
- Familiarity with UNESCO procedures and intergovernmental processes.
- Knowledge of Arabic or another official UNESCO language (Chinese, Russian, Spanish).
Benefits
UNESCO offers a competitive UN package including:
- Annual salary: €53,842
- 30 days of annual leave
- Pension plan
- Medical insurance
- Family allowances (if eligible)
- Opportunities for career mobility within the United Nations
Full details are available in the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the UNESCO Careers Portal:
- Create or log into your UNESCO e-recruitment profile.
- Complete all sections of the online application with accurate information.
- Upload relevant documents.
- Submit before 15 December 2025 (Midnight Paris Time).
Applications cannot be modified after submission.
Summary Table | UNESCO Is Hiring a Programme Assistant
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Programme Assistant (Social and Human Sciences) |
| Grade | G-7 |
| Duty Station | Paris, France |
| Salary | €53,842 annually |
| Contract Type | Fixed Term, 12 months |
| Deadline | 15 December 2025 |
| Eligibility | Must be authorized to work in France |
| Languages | English (excellent), French (good) |
| Required Experience | 10 years administrative/secretarial |
| Post Number | SHS 901 |
FAQs
1. Is this role open to international applicants?
Only candidates already eligible to work in France may apply.
2. Is knowledge of Arabic required?
Not required, but considered an asset.
3. Can I apply without 10 years of experience?
No. This is a strict minimum requirement for G-7 positions.
4. Is the position renewable?
Yes, subject to performance and funding.
5. Does UNESCO charge application fees?
No. UNESCO never charges any fees at any recruitment stage.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Programme Assistant (Social and Human Sciences) role is an excellent opportunity for experienced administrative professionals seeking to support intercultural dialogue and global cultural initiatives in a prestigious UN agency. With a competitive salary of €53,842, comprehensive UN benefits, and the chance to contribute to one of UNESCO’s signature cultural programmes, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
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