Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences

Rs.70,157/-
In-Office
26/07/2026

Full Time

26/07/2026

Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences (SHS), UNESCO New Delhi

UNESCO is recruiting a Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences for the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, India. The role sits within the Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) and supports the efficient management of programmatic and financial activities through administrative and operational assistance. The incumbent works under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and Chief of SHS. This is an on-site position open to external candidates, with a service contract duration of 12 months.

The post combines programme administration, financial tracking, procurement support, event logistics, travel coordination, and communications assistance. It is designed for someone who can manage multiple tasks carefully, maintain accurate records, and support both internal coordination and external-facing activities. The application deadline is 26 July 2026 at midnight, UTC−5, and the gross monthly salary is Rs. 70,157/-, inclusive of a 15% social security contribution. The role also includes annual leave and certified sick leave, making it a structured opportunity within UNESCO’s working environment.

Position overview and contract details

The position title is Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences, and the duty station is New Delhi, India. It is based in the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office and specifically aligned with the Social and Human Sciences Sector. The grade or level is SC4, and the contract type is a Service Contract. The duration runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.

This recruitment is open to external candidates, which means applicants outside UNESCO may apply if they meet the stated requirements. The role is on-site, so the work is expected to be performed in New Delhi rather than remotely. The salary is stated as a gross monthly amount of Rs. 70,157/-, and this includes a 15% social security contribution made up of 10% pension and 5% medical. These details define the administrative framework of the post and help set expectations for applicants reviewing the opportunity.

The application deadline is 26 July 2026 at midnight, UTC−5.

The position is part of UNESCO’s broader operational structure, where administrative support is essential for programme delivery. The incumbent contributes to the smooth functioning of the SHS Sector by helping manage budgets, documentation, meetings, and coordination tasks. Because the role touches several workstreams, it requires careful organization and consistent follow-through. The scope is practical and support-oriented, but it is also central to the day-to-day execution of sector activities.

Key position facts

Duty station: New Delhi, India
Sector/Unit: Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO South Asia Regional Office
Grade/level: SC4
Contract type: Service Contract
Duration: 12 months
Recruitment: External candidates
Deadline: 26 July 2026, midnight UTC−5

Main responsibilities across programme, finance, procurement, and coordination

The main responsibilities are broad and interconnected, with a strong emphasis on administrative support for programme delivery. In programme administration and project support, the incumbent provides comprehensive assistance for regular programme budgets and extrabudgetary projects in line with UNESCO rules and compliance. This includes maintaining project work plans, activity schedules, and implementation tracking documentation. The role also involves tracking contract deliverables and payment schedules, drafting and proofreading routine correspondence, and helping information flow between the SHS Sector and other UNESCO New Delhi units.

Another major area is financial tracking and reporting support. The Programme Assistant helps manage budgets and extrabudgetary funds using UNESCO systems, maintains budget records, and compiles expenditure information for supervisory review. The role supports financial progress reports, budget revisions, and statements prepared according to UNESCO requirements. It also includes reconciling project accounts, verifying the accuracy of financial data entry, and assisting with basic financial procedures, payment requirements, and banking provisions.

Procurement and contract administration is also part of the post. The incumbent supports vendor registration and maintains supplier information in UNESCO systems. The role includes formatting and reviewing Terms of Reference and procurement documents, processing vendor and contractor payment requests, and checking documentation. It also involves tracking deliverables and payment milestones under consultant and vendor contracts, which connects procurement administration directly to project implementation.

Event and meeting logistics form another important responsibility area. The Programme Assistant provides logistical support for SHS events, workshops, and consultations, and coordinates hospitality arrangements for international days and stakeholder meetings. The role also supports preparation of event materials, background documentation, and participant communications. In practice, this means helping ensure that meetings and events are organized, documented, and followed up properly.

Travel management is included as well. The incumbent supports preparation and updating of travel plans, makes travel arrangements, prepares travel requisitions, monitors travel budgets, and arranges accommodation according to UNESCO policies. Coordination with the Administrative Department is required to finalize requests and settle travel claims. This makes the role important for both planning and administrative closure of travel-related processes.

Communications and outreach support rounds out the responsibilities. In coordination with the Communication and Public Engagement Unit, the Programme Assistant supports communication activities by drafting and formatting social media content, newsletters, and event announcements. The role also includes maintaining SHS Sector web content, SharePoint sites, and institutional memory repositories. These tasks help keep information organized, accessible, and aligned with sector communication needs.

Responsibility areas at a glance

Programme administration: budgets, work plans, schedules, documentation, correspondence
Financial support: budget records, expenditure tracking, reports, reconciliations
Procurement support: vendor registration, Terms of Reference, payment requests
Event logistics: workshops, consultations, hospitality, participant communications
Travel management: requisitions, budgets, accommodation, claims
Communications support: social media, newsletters, web content, SharePoint

The responsibilities show that the role is not limited to one administrative function. Instead, it supports the full cycle of sector operations, from planning and documentation to financial follow-up and communication. The incumbent must therefore be comfortable moving between systems, documents, and coordination tasks. Accuracy and consistency are essential because many of the duties connect directly to compliance and reporting.

Required qualifications, experience, and skills

The required qualifications begin with education. Applicants need a minimum post-secondary qualification, such as a diploma, certificate, or university degree, in business administration, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. This educational background supports the administrative and coordination nature of the role. The requirement is broad enough to include several relevant academic pathways while still emphasizing a foundation in structured, professional work.

Work experience is equally important. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in programme or project administration, financial administration, procurement, or a related field. Experience is preferably within an international organization, UN agency, government institution, or NGO. The role also asks for demonstrated experience in financial monitoring, budget tracking, and/or procurement support, which reflects the practical demands of the post.

Additional experience requirements include preparing contracts, Terms of Reference, and professional correspondence. Applicants should also have experience organizing meetings, workshops, or similar events with logistical coordination. These expectations show that the position values both document handling and event support. The work environment requires someone who can manage recurring administrative tasks while also responding to operational needs as they arise.

The skills and competencies section highlights several core abilities. Strong organizational skills are needed to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines under general supervision. Attention to detail is important for financial data entry and record keeping. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as web-based collaboration platforms like SharePoint, is required. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary for working with staff at different levels and with external partners.

The role also calls for the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and under pressure. Language ability is clear and specific: applicants need excellent knowledge, written and spoken, of English. This language requirement supports the drafting, proofreading, coordination, and communication tasks described in the responsibilities. Together, these qualifications and skills indicate a position for someone who is organized, accurate, and comfortable in a collaborative administrative setting.

Required profile highlights

Education: post-secondary qualification in a relevant field
Experience: at least 2 years in administration, finance, procurement, or related work
Technical skills: Microsoft Office and SharePoint
Core abilities: organization, accuracy, communication, teamwork
Language: excellent written and spoken English

The combination of education, experience, and skills suggests a role that depends on reliability and practical administrative judgment. Because the incumbent supports budgets, contracts, events, and communications, the work requires both precision and flexibility. The position also benefits from someone who can work collegially and maintain professional standards across multiple tasks. These expectations are central to the role’s day-to-day effectiveness.

Desirable qualifications, competencies, and benefits

Several desirable qualifications can strengthen an application. Experience with UNESCO’s programmes and/or normative tools in Social and Human Sciences is an asset, as is experience with the United Nations system, multilateral settings, and development cooperation. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems is also desirable. In addition, knowledge of UNESCO’s work and SHS Sector activities, as well as knowledge of the geopolitical context of the region, may be helpful.

Knowledge of an official language of India is listed as an asset. While not required, this can support communication and coordination in the duty station context. These desirable elements do not replace the mandatory qualifications, but they may help a candidate stand out. They also reflect the operational environment in which the Programme Assistant will work, especially where regional awareness and institutional familiarity are useful.

The competencies listed align with the UNESCO Competency Framework. Core competencies include Communication, Accountability, Innovation, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement, Planning and Organizing, Results Focus, and Teamwork. These competencies reinforce the practical nature of the role and show that the position is expected to contribute to both efficiency and collaboration. They also connect directly to the administrative, financial, and coordination duties described in the post.

The benefits section provides clear employment details. The gross monthly salary is Rs. 70,157/-, including a 15% social security contribution made up of 10% pension and 5% medical. Annual leave is 2.5 days per month, and certified sick leave is 2 days per month. These terms give applicants a concise view of the contract’s leave and compensation structure.

Selection may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, panel interviews, reference checks, and requests for additional information. Shortlisted candidates may be added to talent pools, subject to their consent. This means the process may extend beyond a single interview stage and may involve several forms of evaluation. The recruitment approach is therefore structured to assess both qualifications and suitability for the role’s varied responsibilities.

Desirable and benefit highlights

Desirable experience: UNESCO, UN system, multilateral settings, development cooperation
Useful knowledge: SHS Sector activities, regional geopolitical context, official language of India
Competencies: communication, accountability, innovation, planning, results focus, teamwork
Salary: Rs. 70,157/- gross monthly
Leave: 2.5 days annual leave per month; 2 days certified sick leave per month

Important information: UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment, encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply, and treats all applications with the highest confidentiality.

How to apply and what to expect in the selection process

Interested candidates should apply online through the UNESCO Careers website and provide complete and accurate information before the deadline of 26 July 2026. The application must be submitted on time, and no modifications can be made after submission. This makes it important for applicants to review their information carefully before finalizing the application. The source and application link provided for the vacancy is the UNESCO Careers page for the New Delhi Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences role.

The selection process may include several stages. These can involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews, reference checks, and requests for additional information. Shortlisted candidates may also be added to talent pools, subject to their consent. The process is therefore designed to assess both technical suitability and overall fit for the position.

Applicants should also note the recruitment principles stated in the announcement. UNESCO does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment, and it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. The organization also encourages applications from individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. All applications are treated with the highest confidentiality.

The application process is straightforward in structure but requires care in preparation. Since no changes can be made after submission, accuracy matters from the start. Candidates should ensure that the information they provide reflects the required education, experience, and skills described in the vacancy. The process is built around transparency, confidentiality, and equal access to consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the title of this UNESCO vacancy?

The post title is Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences. It is part of the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, India, and is linked to the Social and Human Sciences Sector. The role supports administrative and operational work for the Sector’s programmatic and financial activities.

Where is the duty station for the position?

The duty station is New Delhi, India, and the role is on-site. It is based in the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office. The position is not described as remote, so the work is expected to be carried out in person.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 26 July 2026 at midnight, UTC−5. Candidates are asked to apply online through the UNESCO Careers website before that time. The announcement also states that no modifications can be made after an application has been submitted.

What experience is required for applicants?

Applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience in programme or project administration, financial administration, procurement, or a related field. Experience is preferably within an international organization, UN agency, government institution, or NGO. The role also values experience in financial monitoring, budget tracking, contract preparation, and event coordination.

What are the main duties of the Programme Assistant?

The main duties include programme administration, financial tracking, procurement support, event logistics, travel management, and communications support. The incumbent maintains work plans, tracks budgets and contracts, supports meetings and workshops, prepares travel arrangements, and helps manage web and social media content. These tasks support the overall functioning of the SHS Sector.

What benefits are mentioned in the vacancy?

The vacancy lists a gross monthly salary of Rs. 70,157/-, including a 15% social security contribution. It also states 2.5 days of annual leave per month and 2 days of certified sick leave per month. These are the benefits specifically mentioned in the announcement.

Conclusion

The UNESCO New Delhi vacancy for Programme Assistant – Social and Human Sciences is a structured administrative role that supports programme delivery, financial management, procurement, events, travel, and communications. It is based on-site in New Delhi, open to external candidates, and offered as a 12-month service contract. The post requires relevant education, at least two years of experience, strong organizational ability, and excellent English. For candidates with the right background and interest in UNESCO’s SHS work, the role offers a clear opportunity to contribute to operational support in a multicultural setting. Applications must be submitted online by 26 July 2026.

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