Project Assistant (South Africa, South Africa) contract

Post Number : 6ZACLT0035PA

Grade : G-4

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Pretoria

Job Family: General Administrative Support

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-APR-2025

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

Only Nationals of South Africa or those with a legal right to live and work in South Africa can apply for this position.
 

The project, “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa” funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa project aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism and strengthen cultural production capacities in six Southern African countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It will promote regional integration, foster sustainable social and economic development, and build bridges between the people and communities of Southern African countries through the development of attractive and meaningful culture and heritage-based itineraries. These itineraries will attract visitors and encourage responsible travel while fostering longer stays in destinations, encouraging travellers to experience the local culture and history, and promoting a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the values associated to these destinations. 

UNESCO is seeking a Project Assistant to provide overall administrative and logistical support for the smooth implementation of the project in close collaboration with all key partners, particularly the EU Delegations in the 6 countries, national authorities and local communities. 

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and Representative for Southern Africa, the functional guidance of the Head of Culture Unit  and the direct supervision of the Project Officer, the Project Assistant will provide overall administrative and logistical support to the project team.  Specific tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

1.    Provide administrative support to the Project Coordinator and the Project Communication and M&E Officer to effectively implement the project in the 6 participating countries.
2.    Assist in planning and organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events relating to project, ensuring that all logistics such as hotel and conference bookings as well as transportation are in place.  
3.    Prepare draft TORs for various contracts for service providers supporting Projects. 
4.    Prepare payment requests and follow-up to ensure that service providers receive their funds on time. 
5.    Develop and implement a tracking system for all contracts to ensure that deliverables are submitted on time and report any delays to the Supervisor on time. 
6.    Follow-up with implementation partners to ensure timely delivery of work plans, budgets, and procurement plans for the project. 
7.    Participate in Project meetings and workshops and take Minutes for proper record keeping.  
8.    Support communication and visibility efforts for the project by assisting in the production of communication materials publications brochures etc. 
9.    Maintain e-files as well as paper files for the Project in compliance with the Organization’s records management policy and for audit and evaluation purposes. 
10.   Undertake any other relevant activities as deemed necessary for the proper operation of the project.  
11.   Undertake any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor. 

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

Work Experience
•    A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of project management, office administration, development work or related field.  

Skills and competencies 
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
•    Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
•    Good IT skills.

Language
•    Excellent command in English (both written and spoken).

•    Previous experience in working on EU-funded projects is an added value.
•    Work experience with the UN is an added advantage.

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 337999 ZAR.

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