Programme Assistant - Social and Human Sciences

JOB DETAILS Type of contract : Service Contract Level : SC4 Hiring Unit : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) Duty Station : New Delhi Work location : On site Duration of contract : 12 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 26/07/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and Chief of Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector, the incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient management of the Sector’s programmatic and financial activities. MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES Programme Administration and Project Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support to the SHS Sector’s regular programme budget and extrabudgetary projects, ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s rules, regulations, and administrative procedures. Assist in maintaining project work plans, activity schedules and implementation tracking tools. Maintain records of contract deliverables and payment schedules and follow up on documentation requirements. Draft, format, and proofread routine correspondence, internal memoranda, and project-related documentation under the guidance of the supervising Programme Specialist. Facilitate the flow of information and documentation between the SHS Sector and other units of the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office, including the Finance and Administration Unit and the Communication and Public Engagement Unit. Assist in the organisation of Sector meetings, consultations, workshops, and events, including preparation of meeting notes, agendas, logistical arrangements, and follow-up action tracking. Undertake other tasks as requested by the Director or the Programme Specialist of the SHS Sector, as required. Long Description Financial Tracking and Reporting Support: Assist the SHS Sector in financial management of its regular programme budget and extrabudgetary funds, using UNESCO’s information management and reporting tools. Maintain budget tracking records and compile expenditure information for review by the supervisor. Assist in identifying discrepancies and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor. Support the preparation of financial progress reports, budget revisions, and financial statements in accordance with UNESCO’s accounting and reporting requirements. Assist in the reconciliation of project accounts and verify financial data entries for accuracy and compliance with UNESCO procedures. Assist the sector in basic financial procedures, payment requirements, and banking and currency provisions, with support from the Administrative Services unit. Long Description Procurement and Contract Administration: Support vendor registration processes and maintain vendor and supplier information in UNESCO systems in accordance with established procedures. Support the process of vendor registration and maintain accurate and updated vendor information in UNESCO’s systems in accordance with standard procedures. Assist in the formatting, processing and administrative review of Terms of Reference and related procurement documentation. Process vendor and contractor payment requests; verify supporting documentation for completeness and compliance; liaise with the Finance and Administration Unit as necessary. Track deliverables and payment milestones under consu tant and vendor contracts; follow up with contractors on outstanding submissions and ensure timely closure of contracts. Event and Meeting Logistics: Provide logistical support for the planning and implementation of SHS Sector events, including workshops, steering committee meetings, stakeholder consultations, and other programmatic gatherings. Coordinate hospitality arrangements for international days, official events, and external stakeholder meetings, in line with UNESCO New D