JOB DETAILS
Type of contract: Service Contract
Level: SB2
Hiring Unit: Sciences Sector (SCS)
Duty Station: Doha
Work location: On site
Duration of contract: 12 months
Hiring open to: External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time): 30/11/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The United Nations in Kuwait is implementing a joint programme entitled “Promoting Inclusive Employment and Empowerment” under the One UN approach and in alignment with Kuwait’s national development priorities.
The project brings together two complementary programme components implemented by multiple UN agencies:
- A joint UNESCO–ILO component focused on strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the world of work through improved policies, inclusive education and training, employer engagement, media inclusion, and data systems.
- A WHO–UNODC component focused on strengthening Kuwait’s national response to substance use through rehabilitation and reintegration services.
The UNESCO–ILO component will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), the Public Authority for Disability Affairs (PADA), the Human Capacity Building Society for Social Development (HCBSSD) as well as other civil society organizations, employers’ organizations, training institutions, media institutions, and other national stakeholders.
The project aims to strengthen institutional capacities, improve enabling environments for inclusive employment, and enhance evidence-based policymaking through improved disability-inclusive data systems.
To support the implementation of the project, UNESCO seeks to recruit an Administrative Assistant based in Doha-Qatar, to provide administrative, operational, logistical, financial, and coordination support to the project team for the implementation of project activities in Kuwait.
MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, direct supervision of the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Programme Specialist, and in collaboration with the Project Coordinator, the incumbent shall support the implementation of the joint project on disability inclusion and empowerment in Kuwait.
In particular, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Provide administrative and operational support for the effective implementation of project activities and workplans.
- Assist in budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and preparation of financial information related to project implementation.
- Support procurement and contractual processes, including preparation and follow-up of contracts, purchase requests, consultants’ documentation, and payment requests in compliance with UNESCO rules and procedures.
- Assist in organizing meetings, consultations, workshops, trainings, missions, and public events related to project implementation.
- Coordinate logistical arrangements for project activities, including venue arrangements, participant coordination, travel arrangements, accessibility requirements, and communication with stakeholders.
- Support the preparation and maintenance of project files, records, databases, and documentation systems.
- Assist in monitoring project timelines, deliverables, and administrative follow-up actions to support timely implementation.
- Draft routine correspondence, meeting notes, emails, and administrative documents in English and, where applicable, Arabic.
- Support communication and coordination with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, experts, and implementing partners.
- Assist in the preparation of narrative and financial reports, presentations, briefing notes, and visibility materials related to project implementation.
- Support mission planning and travel arrangements for project personnel and consultants, including preparation and follow-up of travel authorizations and mission documentation.
- Ensure proper filing and archiving of administrative, procurement, contractual, and financial documentation.
- Provide support for monitoring and evaluation activities and project visibility initiatives.
- Perform any other related duties as required by the supervisor for the successful implementation of the project.
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
This post is for part time with 50% work schedule, with 12 months contract duration, renewable subject to availability of funding and satisfactory performances.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- 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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the field of finance, banking, business management, or any other relevant field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in administration, finance, operations, project coordination, or programme support.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Integrity, reliability, and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
- Excellent coordination and organizational skills.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads, and meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
- Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software.
- Sensitivity to the local context.
LANGUAGES
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Experience supporting donor-funded projects and multi-stakeholder initiatives is desirable.
- Experience within the United Nations system or other international organizations would be an advantage.
- Experience in organizing workshops, meetings, and events is desirable.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and action will be an advantage.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO Salaries in Qatar are paid in Qatari Riyals; the annual remuneration for the post is QAR 97,502.00 The service contract holder will benefit 15 days of annual leave as well as a contribution to pension scheme and health insurance upon proof of inscription.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Candidates with valid Qatar ID are eligble to apply for this post.
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).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- 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.
