PROJECT ASSISTANT FOR SCIENCES

Organizational Context

UNESCO is a specialized international agency founded in 1945, contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through its work in education, social and natural sciences, culture, and communication. The Natural Sciences Sector focuses on freshwater, marine, ecological, earth, and basic sciences, promoting innovation and capacity-building. In Vietnam, UNESCO implements the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) Phase IX, aiming to strengthen national capacity in water security and climate change adaptation.

Job Purpose

The UNESCO Hanoi Office seeks a Project Assistant for the Sciences Unit to support the implementation of projects within the Natural Sciences Sector. This role is crucial for assisting with water and disaster risk reduction initiatives, including the "Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia - Mekong river Delta Aquifer" project funded by GEF and a Japan-funded project on early warnings and disaster preparedness. The Project Assistant will provide specialized and comprehensive support to programme implementation, ensuring timely and accurate execution in line with UNESCO's rules and regulations. This position requires a high degree of attention to detail and proactive engagement to facilitate project activities and administrative processes.

Responsibilities

Provide daily support to the program/project team in planning, preparing, and implementing project activities in Vietnam. Manage correspondence and documents by receiving, analyzing, sorting, registering, filing, and distributing them. Assist in project administration, including procurement, recruitment, contracting, and logistics. Draft and follow up on correspondence and memos. Prepare and organize events, meetings, and workshops, taking notes and preparing minutes. Arrange missions and travel, and provide interpretation and translation support. Handle procurement and contracts, manage contract administration and tracking, and provide input for reports. Collect relevant information and literature for projects. Maintain project filing systems (hard and soft copies) and databases for planning, analysis, and evaluation. Collaborate with national/provincial partners to ensure effective project activity implementation according to UNESCO procedures. Assist in communicating with service providers, coordinate document translation, and provide interpretation during meetings. Record and compile statistics, M&E data, and analysis for monitoring project implementation and reporting. Support the tracking of project expenditure for internal monitoring and financial reporting. Coordinate the editing, design, printing, and dissemination of publications, and participate in advocacy and communication activities. Perform other appropriate tasks as assigned.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in program/project support, financial, or administrative services at the national level, preferably in natural resources, water, climate change, or environment-related projects. Alternatively, one year of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree. Experience in water/natural resources/environment projects and knowledge of major development issues in these areas in Vietnam are desirable.

Skills

Excellent IT skills, particularly proficiency in MS Office Suite. Demonstrated ability in data management tools. Strong organizational, coordination, planning, communication, and filing skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, good judgment, and the ability to interact tactfully with diverse cultural backgrounds. High level of organization, self-motivation, and teamwork. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Fluency in English and Vietnamese is essential.

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