Programme Assistant (Windhoek, Namibia) contract

Post Number : 6NAED 0007PA

Grade : G-4

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Windhoek

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Namibian Time) : 11-DEC-2024

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

1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only candidates entitled to work in Namibia may apply for this position.

Context

Aligned with UNESCO’s Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education (2019-2025) and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNESCO has prioritized advancing girls’ participation, learning, and retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This focus is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive education systems that empower girls and women in STEM fields.

STEM education has led to significant advancements in various areas, such as health, well-being, infrastructure, and sustainable energy. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM studies and careers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this challenge, UNESCO is implementing the project “Accelerating African Girls’ Participation in STEM Education,” with a focus on Kenya and Namibia. The project aims to increase girls’ engagement in secondary-level STEM education by dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, changing norms, attitudes, and practices, and supporting their transition into STEM fields in higher education and the workforce.

The project will deliver the following outcomes:

•    Ministry of Education officials in charge of designing, implementing and evaluating the curriculum (curriculum actors) understand gender-related barriers and bottlenecks that impede girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education in their country and have recommendations to overcome them. 
•    Teacher training institutions and universities have strengthened capacity to provide teacher training that transforms gender stereotypes and norms, attitudes and practices and promotes equal learning pathways of girls and boys in STEM fields.
•    Knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and project documentation inform the creation of an enabling environment to foster girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education.
 

The three-year project will be implemented by UNESCO in partnership with Ministries of Education and affiliated
or partner institutions responsible for pre-service teacher training, curriculum development, textbooks and pedagogical tool design and development, inspectorates and pedagogical advisors, and departments responsible for evaluation and assessment, inclusive education and gender equality. It will also work closely with teacher training institutions and universities responsible for teacher capacity development, and national and regional civil society organizations for advocacy interventions. 

Overview of the functions of the post 

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Namibia, and with direct supervision of the National Programme Officer for STEM Education, the incumbent will be responsible for providing program support to the STEM project, including a range of office, administrative, and logistical functions. 

The incumbent will specifically support:

Coordination and Programme implementation

• Provide program support to ensure effective decision-making and smooth, efficient project implementation.
•  Assist in preparing, implementing, reviewing, and following up on work plans, and keep files, reference systems, and electronic filing up to date.
• Support the gathering of information, data, and documentation from various sources and in preparing documents such as reports, working papers, project proposals, presentations, correspondence and briefing notes.
• Provide financial management support, including contract management, in close coordination with the Finance and Administration Unit. Track expenditures, verify and reconcile financial data with allocated funds, alert the Administrative Unit to any errors, discrepancies, or budget issues, and undertake corrective actions as directed.
• Prepare public visibility and communication material for publication, on and off-line.
• Receive, analyze, register, and distribute incoming correspondence and other documents, determine their importance and priority, set deadlines for required actions, and ensure appropriate follow-up on deadlines and commitments.
• Support the drafting of concept notes and project proposals for stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization, as appropriate.
• Schedule and manage project meetings, including those with project partners, and take minutes and notes as required.
• Undertake other tasks as deemed relevant by the UNESCO Windhoek Head of Office. 

Travel Management

• Support the preparation and updating of travel plans, including preparing travel requisitions, monitoring budgets, and preparing mission travel materials. Arrange travel, hotel accommodations, and other logistics in accordance with UNESCO policies, procedures, and rules.
• Coordinate with the Administrative Unit to finalize travel requests and settle travel claims per UNESCO procedures.

Event Management

• Organize official meetings, events, and workshops for the project and office as needed, including booking venues, arranging equipment, and providing related logistical support.
• Provide administrative support for events, including informing participants, organizing travel and visa documentation, distributing materials, and collecting and preparing minutes and related documents.
   

Education 

•    Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school education.

Work Experience 
•    At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of administration/office management/ financial management/ education/social sciences at the national or sub-regional level.
•    Experience of working to support the implementation of national and/or sub-regional development projects, in the area of education, and social and human sciences.
•    Experience in using web-based information management systems.

Skills and competencies

•    Project support, organizational and coordination skills; ability to handle large volumes of work; establish priorities, monitor deadlines and perform multiple tasks and take initiatives.
•    Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team and multi-cultural environment.
•    Ability to draft high quality, clear, concise notes and documents.
•    Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software i.e. Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media.
•    Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.
•    Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organization and/or the UN system

Languages 
Excellent knowledge (oral and written) in English.
 

Education

•    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, science/STEM, social sciences, economics/statistics or relevant field.

Work Experience
•    Programme administrative support experience with the United Nations System, multilateral organizations or international development institutions.
 
Skills and Competencies
•    Good knowledge and understanding of UNESCO’s programmes and activities

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 307 533 NAD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.