Non-Staff Service Contract

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture and Science 

Duty Station: Dhaka

Job Family: Culture and Science 

Type of contract : Service contract 

Level : SC-2

Duration of contract : 3 Months with possibility of extension

Recruitment open to : Internal and external

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 11 January 2026

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO Dhaka supports the Government of Bangladesh in advancing sustainable development across its mandated areas, including education, culture, natural sciences, and social and human sciences. Within this broader mandate, the Culture Sector and the Sciences sectors (Natural, and Social and Human Science) play a critical role in addressing national priorities such as heritage preservation, intangible cultural heritage, critical heritage conservation, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, social inclusion, youth empowerment, ethics of emerging technologies, and evidence-based policy development.

To enhance program development, coordination, research, reporting, and communication capacities, UNESCO Dhaka seeks to recruit two Program Assistants. The positions will provide cross-cutting support for the Culture and Science sectors, while also contributing to the visibility and outreach of the Office’s work.

Purpose of the Assignment:

The purpose of the assignment is to provide timely and efficient program support for the implementation of culture projects and activities, as well as to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the culture team through administrative and logistics assistance. The personnel will the responsible for maintaining accurate records and support monitoring of budgets, contracts, procurement, and other finance/administrative processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Assistant – Culture
Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Culture Unit, the Program Assistant – Culture will perform the following duties:
A. Program Support
Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and events (in-person, online, and hybrid).
Support the preparation, printing, and dissemination of documents, background notes, and reference materials.
Maintain digital and hard-copy filing systems for projects and correspondence.
Track deadlines, follow up on progress, and inform supervisors and team members of delays or issues.
Provide administrative and logistical support to field offices, as required.

B. Administrative and Logistics Support

Arrange official travel, including tickets, clearances, and related payments.
Prepare procurement requests for equipment, supplies, and services.
Maintain administrative, personnel, finance, budget, and asset records.
Draft routine correspondence and internal memos on administrative and financial matters.
Support procurement processes by preparing purchase orders or contracts, liaising with suppliers, and tracking requisitions.
Assist in organizing training sessions and internal capacity-building activities

C. Financial Support

Assist in the preparation of budgets, cost estimates, and financial reports.
Monitor expenditures against approved allocations.
Support staff on budget reallocations, account coding, and application of financial rules.
Ensure compliance with internal control procedures for payments, cash management, and vendor transactions.

D. Other Duties

Perform any other duties as requested by the Supervisor or Head of Office.

Program Assistant – Science

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Science Unit, the Program Assistant – Science will perform the following duties:

A. Program Development and Technical Support

Contribute to the preparation of project concept notes, proposals, work plans, briefing notes, and background documentation.
Conduct research and compile information on thematic areas including climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, social inclusion, youth empowerment, ethics of emerging technologies, and evidence-based policy development.
Support monitoring of project implementation by tracking deliverables, results indicators, and field activities.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and documenting workshops, training sessions, field missions, stakeholder consultations, and technical meetings.
Prepare summaries, analytical notes, and draft technical inputs for program development and reporting.

B. Coordination and Partnership Engagement

Liaise with government counterparts, UN agencies, academic and research institutions, NGOs, youth networks, and development partners.
Maintain updated stakeholder databases, partnership matrices, and coordination logs.
Prepare meeting minutes, action points, and follow-up communications.
Facilitate coordination across sectors to ensure alignment and maximize cross-sectoral synergies.

C. Communication, Knowledge Management, and Visibility

Draft communication materials such as news stories, social media content, and knowledge products highlighting program results.
Assist in designing presentations, infographics, brochures, and visibility materials in line with UNESCO branding.
Support updates to the UNESCO Dhaka website and digital platforms.
Contribute to field documentation, including photographs, captions, and short narratives.
Maintain organized digital archives and documentation repositories for effective knowledge management.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

For Program Assistant - Culture:

• Education: A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, finance, or logistics.
• Languages: Fluency in Bangla and good working knowledge of English (oral and written).
• IT Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to maintain digital filing systems.

For Program Assistant - Science:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Development Studies, Environmental Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or related fields.
• Experience: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, finance, or logistics.
• Languages: Fluency in Bangla and good working knowledge of English (oral and written).
• IT Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to maintain digital filing system

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

60,000 BDT per month + 15% Social Security Charge 

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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