Senior Programme assistant (ED)

The Senior Programme Assistant will support the effective delivery of the ITALEEM project and the Education Unit portfolio by coordinating programme operations, ensuring timely implementation and systematic follow-up across projects and activities. The role involves linking programme requirements with administrative, financial, procurement, contractual, and logistical processes and facilitating coordination among various stakeholders. Responsibilities Support integrated planning and operational follow-up for assigned projects and activities, translating approved work plans into coordinated administrative, financial, procurement, contracting, travel and logistical actions. Support budget monitoring and expenditure information in UNESCO’s corporate systems; monitoring contracts; following up payments and obligations; and supporting reconciliation and review in close coordination with programme and administrative colleagues. Ensure compliance by preparing and reviewing administrative and contractual documentation, verifying completeness and consistency of supporting records, maintaining structured project files, and supporting the review of financial submissions and related documentation required for agreements, payments and closure. Coordinate routine operational interfaces with implementing partners, consultants, contractors, suppliers and government counterparts, as appropriate; support procurement and contracting processes, monitor delivery against agreed requirements and timelines, verify invoices and supporting documentation against contractual provisions, and facilitate timely follow-up with responsible units. Coordinate the administrative and logistical arrangements for missions, workshops, consultations, meetings and other programme activities, ensuring alignment with approved plans, timely engagement of participants and service providers, availability of required documentation, and systematic capture and filing of key records and follow-up actions. Provide timely management and coordination support through concise correspondence, meeting records, status updates, reports, and responses to routine enquiries; help maintain effective knowledge management and filing of project documentation in share folders to ensure information flows across the ITALEEM project and Education Unit, escalating issues. Perform other duties as needed to ensure successful implementation of the project and functioning of the unit. Requirements A university degree in a relevant field, preferably in business administration, project management, finance and accounting, procurement, social sciences, development studies, technical and applied fields, or other related disciplines. Minimum five (5) years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in programme/project support, administration or a related assistant function; experience within a UN agency is highly relevant. Experience supporting financial and activity monitoring of implementing partners, including re