UNESCO Project Assistant – South Africa (Apply Before 4 November 2025)
Organization: UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Duty Station: Pretoria, South Africa
Grade: Administrative Support (GS-1) – Locally Recruited
Contract Type: Non-Staff (1 Year Fixed Term)
Sector: Culture Sector (CLT)
Closing Date: 4 November 2025
Eligible Applicants: South African Nationals Only
About the Role
The UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa invites qualified South African nationals to apply for the position of Project Assistant under the project titled “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa.”
This project, funded by the European Union (EU), aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism while strengthening cultural production capacities across six Southern African countries — Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The initiative focuses on promoting regional integration, sustainable economic growth, and stronger social connections through the development of heritage-based itineraries that highlight local culture, attract responsible tourism, and encourage longer, more meaningful visits.
Job Summary
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and direct supervision of the Head of the Culture Unit, the Project Assistant will provide administrative, logistical, and operational support to ensure the smooth execution of the project across all participating countries.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Project Coordinator and team.
- Assist in planning and organizing meetings, workshops, conferences, and events related to the project.
- Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for service providers and consultants.
- Prepare payment requests and follow up to ensure timely processing of funds.
- Develop and maintain a tracking system for contracts and deliverables.
- Follow up with implementation partners on budgets, work plans, and procurement schedules.
- Take minutes during meetings and workshops for proper record keeping.
- Support project communication and visibility efforts, including drafting brochures, reports, and other materials.
- Maintain organized digital and paper filing systems in compliance with UNESCO’s records management policy.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor to ensure project efficiency and compliance.
Core Competencies
- Accountability
- Communication
- Innovation
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
- Planning and Organizing
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Professionalism
For more details, please review the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications
- Education: Completed secondary, technical, or vocational education.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in project management, office administration, or development work.
- Skills:
- Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
- Ability to handle workload under pressure with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills within a multicultural environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general IT tools.
- Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Desirable Qualifications
- Previous experience working on EU-funded projects.
- Prior experience with United Nations agencies or international organizations.
Contract Details
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Duration: 1-year contract (renewable based on performance and funding availability)
- Recruitment Type: Local (open to South African nationals only)
- Contract Level: Level 1 – General Service
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit an online application via the UNESCO Careers Portal. Applicants should ensure that all required information and documents are accurate and complete before submission. No modifications can be made once submitted.
Application Deadline: 4 November 2025 (Midnight, Pretoria time)
Selection Process:
- Assessment of applications based on vacancy criteria.
- Written test and/or interview for shortlisted candidates.
- Final candidates subject to reference checks.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and under-represented groups are strongly encouraged.
- No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
- UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.
Why Join UNESCO?
Working for UNESCO offers a unique opportunity to contribute to international development through education, science, culture, and communication. As a Project Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism in Southern Africa — helping bridge communities and build a future rooted in shared culture and sustainability.
Quick Links
- UNESCO Careers Portal
- UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa
- Wikihii Africa — Find latest job and bursary opportunities across South Africa.
- Jobs Connect ZA — Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant updates on UNESCO and other UN jobs in South Africa.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Project Assistant position in Pretoria is a valuable opportunity for South African professionals interested in contributing to cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable development in the region. If you have administrative and project coordination experience — and a passion for culture and development — apply before 4 November 2025 to be part of a global organization shaping a better future through culture and education.
Stay updated on similar job openings through Wikihii Africa or join our WhatsApp community Jobs Connect ZA for daily verified job alerts and career news in South Africa.
