Apply Today! UNESCO: Associate Project Officer | Paris, France (2025)
Apply Today! UNESCO: Associate Project Officer | Paris, France (2025)
🌐 About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stands as one of the world’s most respected institutions, leading international efforts to promote peace, social justice, and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. With headquarters in Paris and field offices worldwide, UNESCO champions global initiatives that uphold equality, inclusivity, and human rights.
UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) plays a vital role in shaping policies that promote inclusive societies, social innovation, and evidence-based decision-making. The SHS sector works closely with governments, research institutions, and civil society to advance sustainable social development, ethics, and global cooperation.
As part of this mission, UNESCO seeks a dedicated Associate Project Officer (P-2) to contribute to its innovative policy programs and strengthen the bridge between research, knowledge, and policy implementation.
💼 About the Role: Associate Project Officer (P-2)
Based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the Associate Project Officer will support the coordination and implementation of a multi-country project designed to enhance in-house consulting capacities in six UNESCO Member States. The position involves close collaboration with national authorities, regional offices, and international partners to ensure effective delivery and scaling of results.
Working under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), and under the guidance of the Director for Social Policies, the Associate Project Officer will directly report to the Senior Project Officer. This role requires a strong background in social sciences, project coordination, research, and international collaboration.
This is a project-based role with an initial one-year appointment, renewable based on performance and funding availability.
🧭 Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Project Officer will:
- Support the coordination and implementation of the project at global and national levels, ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s strategic priorities, the approved Description of Action (DoA), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Conduct high-quality research and prepare policy-oriented documentation, including analytical reports, reform blueprints, and technical briefs.
- Provide technical and operational support to national teams in the six participating Member States.
- Organize and facilitate project events, including advisory meetings, national workshops, missions, and coordination sessions.
- Maintain effective communication with national authorities, project partners, and internal UNESCO teams.
- Support the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project results, ensuring compliance with donor and institutional requirements.
- Assist in resource mobilization, partnerships, and project scale-up to additional countries.
- Contribute to the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab, integrating project findings into the broader policy innovation framework.
- Help curate and expand the EU Expert Network linked to the project, fostering cross-country learning and professional collaboration.
🎯 Core Focus Areas
The role aligns with UNESCO’s broader strategic frameworks, including:
- UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4)
- Approved Programme and Budget (C/5)
- 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Through this project, UNESCO aims to strengthen national capacities, enhance evidence-based policymaking, and promote inclusive, data-driven governance across Member States.
🧩 Key Competencies
UNESCO seeks a motivated professional who embodies the organization’s core values and competencies:
Core Values
- Commitment to UNESCO’s Mission and Mandate
- Integrity and Professional Ethics
- Respect for Diversity and Inclusion
- Professionalism and Accountability
Core Competencies
- Results Focus: Ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
- Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate across multicultural environments.
- Planning and Organizing: Effective time and resource management.
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or French.
- Innovation: Ability to propose creative, practical solutions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Commitment to continuous learning and collaboration.
🎓 Required Qualifications
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social and Human Sciences, International Relations, Social Innovation, or related disciplines.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 1 year at the international level.
- Demonstrated experience in social policy development, research, or innovation, preferably within multilateral or public institutions.
- Proven record of supporting program design and implementation, particularly multi-country or EC-funded initiatives.
- Experience engaging with government stakeholders and development partners.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent drafting, research, and presentation skills.
- Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
- Familiarity with UNESCO’s or UN system project management approaches.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
Languages:
- Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and/or French, with good knowledge of the other.
🎓 Desirable Qualifications
- Postgraduate specialization in Social Innovation, Policy Design, or Public Sector Innovation.
- Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations.
- Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian).
💰 Salary and Benefits
UNESCO offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the organization’s international standing and commitment to employee well-being.
Estimated Annual Salary:
Approximately USD 86,881 (inclusive of base salary and post adjustment).
Benefits and Entitlements:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Family allowance (if applicable)
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Pension plan participation
- Relocation and repatriation support (as per contract conditions)
UNESCO also promotes work-life balance, diversity, and career development, offering a global platform to build a meaningful, impactful career in international public service.
🕊️ Equal Opportunity Statement
UNESCO is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity within its workforce.
Applicants from underrepresented Member States, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
All applications are treated with strict confidentiality, and UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse of authority.
🧩 Selection and Recruitment Process
The selection process includes several stages designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based evaluation:
- Online Application Submission via the UNESCO Careers Portal.
- Eligibility Screening based on qualifications and experience.
- Technical and Competency Assessments, which may include written tests and interviews.
- Reference and Background Checks.
- Final Selection and Offer based on performance and fit with UNESCO’s mission.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified and may be invited to participate in virtual interviews or video-conference assessments.
🔗 How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNESCO Careers Portal before 12 November 2025 (Midnight Paris Time).
Application Steps:
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and professional details.
- Attach your updated CV and motivation letter, highlighting your relevant experience and alignment with UNESCO’s mission.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Ensure that your profile includes full details of education, employment, and language proficiency.
- APPLY HERE.
📌 Important: Only online applications submitted through the UNESCO recruitment system will be considered.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
YOU CAN CHECK OTHER JOBS HERE!
🛑 Important Notices
- UNESCO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- All degrees must be obtained from institutions recognized by UNESCO/IAU (listed in the World Higher Education Database).
- Employment is subject to medical fitness, security clearance, and residency authorization (where applicable).
- UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.
🌍 Why Work for UNESCO?
Joining UNESCO means becoming part of a global movement for peace, equality, and sustainable development. As an Associate Project Officer, you will:
- Collaborate with top-tier experts and policymakers.
- Contribute to inclusive, evidence-based policy innovation.
- Help design frameworks that shape social and human development worldwide.
- Gain exposure to multilateral partnerships and global best practices.
- Work in the heart of Paris—an international hub for diplomacy, culture, and education.
This is your chance to impact lives, influence global policy, and build a career that matters.
Join UNESCO and contribute to shaping inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable social policies for a better world.
