Programme Assistant

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa's Communication and Information (CI) programme promotes Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and the Safety of Media professionals. It also focuses on Communication for Development, strengthening documentary heritage through the Memory of the World Programme, and leveraging ICT for digital innovation. The sector advocates for these principles, promotes media pluralism and gender-responsive communication, and supports digital transformation and media literacy initiatives across the region.

Job Purpose

The Programme Assistant will provide essential administrative and programmatic support to the Communication and Information (CI) programme within the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa. This role is crucial for the effective coordination and implementation of CI sector projects. The incumbent will contribute to project conceptualization, development, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as assist in drafting project documents, concept notes, and terms of reference. A key aspect of the role involves supporting resource mobilization efforts and liaising with National Commissions, partners, and donors to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and UNESCO standards. The position aims to enhance the visibility of the CI sector's work through content development for websites and social media, and by managing photo and video libraries for visibility products.

Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant will coordinate CI Sector projects, from conceptualization and development to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. This includes contributing to the design of project documents, conducting research, drafting concept notes, and terms of reference to support resource mobilization. The role involves liaising with National Commissions, partners, and donors, ensuring deliverables meet contractual terms and UNESCO standards for timely payments. Enhancing sector visibility through website content, social media management, and maintaining photo/video libraries for publications and documentaries is also a key responsibility. Furthermore, the assistant will coordinate sector events, workshops, and meetings, providing facilitation and logistical support, developing event visibility plans, and contributing to presentation content. This includes assembling pertinent information, initiating service procedures, providing administrative assistance during events, and documenting proceedings. The role may also involve responding to inquiries, managing correspondence, and providing informal translations. Additional tasks include supporting other sectors and the Director's Office as needed, and guiding sector interns and trainees.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is required. Experience working within an international and multicultural organization is considered an advantage.

Skills

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, planning, organizing, and results-focused skills are necessary. Experience in project delivery is advantageous. Proficiency in a local language is a plus.

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