Project Assistant – Education (New Delhi, India) contract

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC3

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : New Delhi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 28/04/2026

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

India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) plays a critical role in improving learning outcomes, strengthening cognitive development and preserving India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

In 2025, UNESCO New Delhi developed the State of Education Report for India (SOER 2025) on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education. Following the release of the national report, UNESCO will organize state-level dissemination and launch events to promote dialogue, policy uptake, and stakeholder engagement at sub-national levels. UNESCO will also develop state-specific project proposals to further the engagement of MTB-MLE.

To support the effective organization of the SOER 2025 state launches and the development of state-specific project proposals and to provide programme implementation, administrative, and logistical support to follow-up actions related to SOER 2025, the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia will engage a Project Assistant on Service Contract for 6 months.

Under the authority of the Director, the supervision of the Programme Specialist of the Education Sector, and the overall guidance of the National Programme Officer of UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia in New Delhi, the Project Assistant shall undertake the following:

1. Provide Programme and Event Management support for UNESCO 2025 SOER launches in several Indian States
   • Support the planning and organization of state-level launch events for the UNESCO 2025 State of Education Report on MTB-MLE, particularly in Telangana and Odisha. Provide administrative and logistical assistance before, during, and after the events. This includes coordinating participants’ travel, liaising with venues and vendors, and helping prepare and organize event materials.
   • Coordinate with State Education Departments, SCERTs, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners for state-level launch events.
   • Provide support to incorporate gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in the planning, implementation, and documentation of SOER 2025 state-level launch events .
   • Assist in preparing background notes, concept notes, agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and talking points for SOER 2025 state launch events.
   • Provide support for post-launch follow-up activities, including helping document discussions, prepare summary notes, and capture key recommendations and stakeholder commitments.
   • Support proper filing and archiving of documentation related to state launches.

2. Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

1. • Provide support in engaging with linguistic experts, education officials, teachers’ organizations, civil society actors, and community representatives.
   • Provide support for visibility, outreach, and dissemination of outcomes from state launch events.

3. State-Level Project Proposal Development for Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education

1. • Provide administrative and basic research support for preparing project proposals and concept notes to advance Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) initiatives in selected states in India.
   • Participate in discussions and undertake necessary travel to support consultations with State Education Departments, SCERTs, and other relevant stakeholders to identify state priorities, needs, and opportunities related to MTB-MLE implementation.
   • Assist in preparing technical narratives, implementation frameworks, and indicative budgets for state-level MTB-MLE proposals, in line with UNESCO programme priorities.

4. Monitoring, Documentation, and Knowledge Management on MTB-MLE

1. • Assist in documenting best practices, state-specific insights, and success stories related to MTB-MLE implementation.
   • Help maintain organized records of activities, participants, reports, and correspondence in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
   • Assist in compiling periodic progress updates for reporting and donor communication.

5. Support to UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia’s activities

1. • Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Director and the Education Programme Specialist of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, notably on education.
   • Contribute to office-wide activities and events

The duration of the contract is expected to be for six 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

Bachelor’s/University undergraduate level degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of six months of relevant prior experience in specialized, comprehensive support work in education programmes, development projects, event coordination, or related fields, especially on mother tongue based multilingual education;
• Experience supporting conferences, workshops, or large-scale dissemination events; and
• Exposure to UNESCO, UN agencies, or international development organizations for a minimum of 6 months.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with education systems and policy processes in India
• Ability to draft clear reports, correspondence, and event documentation
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with experience in supporting multi-stakeholder activities;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and team-spirit.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, International Relations or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of one year’s relevant prior professional experience in education programmes, development projects, event coordination, or related fields;
• Exposure to UNESCO, UN agencies, or international development organizations for 6 months or more.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) is an asset;
• Knowledge of gender equality, inclusion, and equity approaches in education.

LANGUAGES

• Working knowledge of Hindi and/or other Indian languages is desirable.

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.