UNESCO is Hiring a Senior Programme Assistant with Annual Salary of €53,842. Apply Now
UNESCO has re-advertised an exciting career opportunity for the position of Senior Programme Assistant (Social and Human Sciences) based at its Headquarters in Paris. This role is central to UNESCO’s mission of promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and human rights. The selected candidate will work within the Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue Section, supporting the administration of one of UNESCO’s most prestigious cultural awards — the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture.
UNESCO is Hiring a Senior Programme Assistant with Annual Salary of €53,842. Apply Now
About the Role
The Senior Programme Assistant will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth delivery of the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture. This award celebrates outstanding individuals, organizations, or institutions that contribute significantly to the promotion and appreciation of Arab culture worldwide.
In this role, the Programme Assistant will manage day-to-day coordination activities related to the Prize, supporting both internal and external stakeholders. The responsibilities include organizing meetings, managing communications with jury members, handling inquiries, and coordinating with various UNESCO offices and partners.
A major component of the job involves preparing, reviewing, and processing official documents. This includes drafting circulars and communications for the annual call for nominations, supporting applicants during submission, and ensuring entries are complete and compliant. The candidate will also consolidate nomination files, prepare evaluation sheets for jury members, and support the entire selection process.
The position requires handling sensitive information, preparing briefing notes, drafting talking points, translating documents when necessary, and coordinating logistics for high-level meetings, including those linked to the Executive Board or UNESCO’s General Conference. Strong proofreading and quality-control skills are essential, as the role requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to UNESCO’s editorial and procedural standards.
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Qualifications and Skills Required
Candidates must have at least 10 years of relevant experience in administrative or secretarial functions, preferably within international organizations or culturally focused institutions. Completion of secondary education or technical/vocational training is required, and experience in programme coordination, cultural events, diplomatic environments, or multilateral agencies is considered an asset.
Applicants must demonstrate strong communication and drafting skills in English, along with a working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Arabic or another UNESCO official language (Spanish, Chinese, or Russian) is an advantage. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to handle confidential information, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Computer proficiency — particularly in Word, Excel, Outlook, and other office applications — is essential.
Key competencies include teamwork, accountability, innovation, results-orientation, planning and organizing, professionalism, and effective communication.
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Contract Details and Benefits
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding availability and performance. The estimated annual starting salary for the position is €53,842, along with UNESCO’s standard employee benefits. These include approximately 30 days of annual leave, family allowances where applicable, a pension plan, and comprehensive medical insurance.
Candidates must already be legally eligible to work in France, as UNESCO does not sponsor work authorization for this post.
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Why This Opportunity Matters
This position is ideal for professionals passionate about culture, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. It offers the chance to work directly on a high-profile global cultural award, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to UNESCO’s mission of fostering mutual understanding between cultures.
For experienced administrative professionals, this role offers significant global exposure, career growth, and the opportunity to support meaningful cultural initiatives on an international stage.
