Project assistant (ED) -SC 5/1-BAG-26-ED-0001 BAG (Baghdad, Iraq) contract Temporary

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  5

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Baghdad

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 5 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 16/02/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and the direct supervision of the Project Officer “Equitable Quality Education in Iraq: Improved Teaching and Learning and Enhanced Educational Management (ITALEEM)” based in Baghdad, the incumbent will be responsible for providing assistance through the delivery of a range of office, financial and administrative activities in support of the project. This is a short-term position for 4 months only.

1. Document Preparation and Budget/Work Plan Support

Draft documents, letters, and correspondence from provided texts.
Search, compile, review, and update information used for documents, work plans, and budgets.
Enter and update approved work plan and budget data in automated systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Generate system reports to support regular or ad‑hoc financial/budget updates, programme/project delivery reporting, statistics, and projections for managers.

2. Administrative Documentation and Procedure Follow-up

Prepare administrative documents using templates and examples.
Initiate administrative procedures and ensure follow‑up, including payment tracking with the Administrative Unit.
Inform team members about administrative steps to ensure timely planning and coordinated work execution.
Alert colleagues of pending obligations, deadlines, and bottlenecks.

3. Organization of Meetings, Events, Workshops, and Travel

Organize official meetings, events, and workshops: book venues, arrange equipment, and provide logistical support.
Arrange official travel linked to events/meetings: book travel, prepare itineraries/agendas, provide information, and prepare required documentation.
Provide administrative event support: format final documents, notify participants, distribute materials, collect minutes and documentation, and prepare related files.

4. Correspondence Management and Document Handling

Receive, analyse, register, and distribute incoming correspondence and documents.
Determine priority and importance of incoming items.
Draft replies and provide requested information on programmes/activities with supporting documents.
Verify invoices against contract terms; prepare contract amendments and payment requests.
Conduct informal translation when needed.

5. Enquiry Response and Internal Coordination

Respond to enquiries and follow up on outstanding routine matters.
Route questions and information appropriately; provide updates to supervisors and colleagues.
Schedule appointments, receive visitors, answer phone calls, and address or refer enquiries to relevant specialists.
Liaise with internal services for additional information or clarifications.

6. General Administrative Support

Provide logistical support as required.
Prepare necessary documentation for missions.
Draft minutes of meetings.
Offer comprehensive administrative support to the project team.

7. Additional Tasks

Perform other duties as needed to ensure successful implementation of the project and functioning of the unit.

Short-term for 4 months

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

•    A university degree in business administration, project management, finance and accounting, procurement or other related field .

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience and progressively responsible work experience in programme management and/or assistant function in a UN agency. 
•    Experience in monitoring financial and activity reporting of implementing partner.
•    Experience in monitoring the key performance indicators of partners and preparing the acceptance notes with the supporting documents to release payments.
•    Highly desktop competent with experience in the usage of corporate financial systems and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Teams, etc.) 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
•    Good organizational and coordination skills.
•    Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools.
•    Ability to take initiatives, establish priorities and monitor own work plans.
•    Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
•    Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
•    Excellent knowledge of standard office software.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing), and sensitivity to the local context.
•    Excellent skills in implementing project activities.
•    Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization. 
•    Commitment to UN values of non-discrimination on the basis of race, gender, economic status or religion.

LANGUAGES

•    Fluent in Arabic – oral, written, comprehension
•    Fluent in English – oral, written, comprehension

EDUCATION

Specialized training or certificate in one or more of the following disciplines: administration, finance, accounting and/or procurement.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Previous relevant experience in UN organizations in the same field an advantage.
Experience in project support and management an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

LANGUAGES

Other benefits include 2.5 days per month annual leave.

Please note that UNESCO is a no-smoking Organization.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.