UNESCO Is Hiring a Programme Assistant to Support STEM Education Across the Pacific

UNESCO Is Hiring: Apply Now for the Programme Assistant Role  to Support STEM EducationUNESCO is recruiting a Programme Assistant , Samoa, to support its STEM Education project across Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This one-year contract offers a unique opportunity to contribute to quality education and sustainable development in the Pacific region.

Background & Job Description

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is offering a project-based opportunity for a Programme Assistant (G-5 level) to support its “Fostering STEM Education in Africa and SIDS” initiative. This full-time role is based at the UNESCO office in Apia, Samoa, and is open to candidates legally entitled to work in Samoa.

The position is part of a larger global effort to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with a special focus on equity, inclusion, and national capacity development. The project is currently being implemented in Mali, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Uganda, where UNESCO is working with local partners to develop context-specific STEM education models. These models aim to improve employment prospects, support technological innovation, and contribute to sustainable development.

Despite growing awareness of its importance, STEM education remains unequal across genders, regions, and communities. Girls, in particular, are less likely to pursue careers in science and technology, even when their academic performance matches or surpasses that of boys. UNESCO’s project seeks to address these disparities by making STEM education more accessible and inclusive in target regions.

The Programme Assistant will be responsible for supporting the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities in Samoa and Solomon Islands, working under the supervision of Programme Specialists and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States.This article is published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with UNESCO and are simply promoting this opportunity for interested jobseekers.

Tasks

As Programme Assistant, you will play a key role in the administrative and operational aspects of the STEM Education project. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the implementation of the project in line with national priorities, UNESCO’s goals, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Assisting with monitoring and evaluation, ensuring project activities are tracked and documented accurately

• Helping prepare financial reports, tracking expenditure, and ensuring compliance with UNESCO financial procedures

• Supporting procurement activities, including preparing necessary documentation and following up on payments and orders

• Assisting in the preparation of progress reports and donor reporting requirements

• Reviewing and processing purchase order requests from project partners and vendors

• Preparing travel and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) requests, following up on payments and clearances

• Collecting, organizing, and disseminating relevant project data and information

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records and documentation

• Drafting routine correspondence, concept notes, and administrative documents

• Organizing logistics for events and workshops, including preparing agendas and reports

• Following up on specific tasks within the Samoa and Solomon Islands workplans

• Performing other duties as requested by supervisors

This role is ideal for someone with strong coordination and communication skills who enjoys supporting project implementation at both national and regional levels.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• A completed secondary education is required.

• Additional vocational training or certification in administration, development studies, project management, or education would be an asset.

Experience

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in administration, project coordination, or financial management at the national or sub-regional level

• Experience working on development projects or programs, particularly in education or youth empowerment, is highly desirable

• Experience implementing STEM-related projects is considered a plus

• Prior work with UNESCO, the UN system, or international development organizations is an added advantage

Additional Information

• Position Title: Programme Assistant – Fostering STEM Education in Africa and SIDS

• Post Number: 4WSED 0001PA

• Grade Level: G-5

• Contract Type: Project Appointment

• Duration: One year, renewable depending on performance and funding availability

• Duty Station: Apia, Samoa

• Annual Starting Salary: Approximately 31,457 WST, plus benefits as applicable

• Application Deadline: 01 May 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)

• Eligibility: Open only to applicants who are legally eligible to work in Samoa

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of English, both oral and written

• Very good knowledge of the Samoan language is also required

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and planning skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under pressure

• Respect for diversity and a high level of professional integrity

Benefits and Entitlements

UNESCO offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, which includes:

• 30 days of annual leave

• Medical insurance

• Pension plan

• Family allowances (if applicable)

• Additional benefits based on eligibility and organizational policies

For full details, consult the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete an online application via the official UNESCO Careers Portal. Ensure that all details are complete and accurate before submission, as changes cannot be made once the application is submitted.

The selection process may include written tests, interviews, and reference checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNESCO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring processes. The organization encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented member states.

UNESCO enforces a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in recruitment. It does not charge any fees at any stage of the application or hiring process.

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