Project Assistant

Overview

Parent Sector: Field Office
Duty Station: Dar-es-Salaam
Job Family: Education
Type of contract: Non Staff
Level: Level 2
Duration of contract: 1 year
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time): 13-10-2025

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

Overview of the Functions of the Post

Background

UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, in partnership with Beijing Normal University (BNU) and the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), is implementing the project “Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Gender-Transformative Digital Skills Education for Women and Girls”. The project aims to enhance digital education opportunities for women and girls in Tanzania.

To support its smooth implementation, the Office is seeking to recruit a Project Assistant who will provide technical, administrative, and coordination support. Working under the overall authority of the UNESCO Head of Office and Country Representative, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Education Sector, the incumbent will contribute to the effective execution and monitoring of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programme Implementation and Administrative Support

• Facilitate day-to-day implementation of project activities, ensuring they align with expected results and approved workplans.
• Prepare detailed workplans, progress reports, and other project documents.
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of project outputs.
• Coordinate and participate in programmatic meetings with internal and external partners.
• Initiate and process payment requests upon satisfactory completion of activities and quality deliverable according to UNESCO rules and regulations.
• Prepare documentation for meetings, trainings, and workshops, ensuring participants have all necessary information and materials and Establish and maintain electronic and hard copy filing systems to ensure complete and accurate records for audit purposes.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Track and report on implementation of project activities, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for adjustment.

3. Financial Management

• Monitor and manage project expenditures, maintaining accurate financial records.
• Support the finance office in providing all relevant information and documentation for preparing financial reports and reconciliation in line with UNESCO’s financial rules and regulations.
• Ensure that all financial requests and reports are supported with original documentation and submitted in a timely manner.
• Liaise with the Finance and Administration Office to ensure timely closure of activities/contracts.

4. Communication and Visibility

• Develop content highlighting project achievements and milestones for UNESCO’s communication platforms.
• Support communication and visibility initiatives including workshops, seminars, and media engagements.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and identify strategies to improve project delivery.
• Act as a liaison between UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office, UNESCO HQ, BNU, and INRULED.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)

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

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in project implementation in areas of education, skills development, curriculum development, or sustainable development. Experience working with higher education is an asset.
• Languages: Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong coordination and interpersonal skills with proven capacity to build effective partnerships.
  • Excellent conceptual and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and manage tasks under pressure.
  • Capacity to work in a multicultural environment and to contribute to team objectives.

Desirable Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in project management, partnership building, and networking with UN agencies or other international organizations.
• Experience working with the UN and knowledge of UN regulations and procedures.
• Good understanding of UNESCO’s mandate, policies, and operational frameworks.
• Ability to engage effectively with government counterparts, local communities, and international partners.

Application 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. Only Tanzanian national are eligible to apply.

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.

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