UNESCO has opened applications for a Programme Assistant position in Nairobi, Kenya, offering an opportunity for an experienced programme support professional to contribute to preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The position is offered under a six-month Service Contract at SC5 level and is open to external candidates. The successful candidate will be based on site in Nairobi and will provide administrative, programme, coordination and logistical support for the major international education conference.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
UN Agency
Work with UNESCO
International Conference
Support ESD World Conference
Professional Experience
Programme coordination
Nairobi Location
Work in Kenya
Career Development
UN system experience
About the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD
The position is directly connected to preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, which will take place in Nairobi from 13 to 15 January 2027. A Youth Conference will also be held on 12 January 2027.
The conference forms part of UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development: Towards achieving the SDGs (ESD for 2030) framework.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibility
Description
Participant Coordination
Follow up on invitation letters, communicate with participants
Registration Support
Support online registration through Indico platform
Travel Coordination
Arrange travel, collect documents, work with travel agencies
Logistical Support
Venue arrangements, accommodation, interpretation
Documentation
Prepare information notes, materials in English/French/Spanish
Risk Management
Identify risks and delays, flag to appropriate teams
On-Site Support
Provide coordination during the conference
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Requirements
Education
Bachelor's in Education, International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Administration
Experience
3+ years in project coordination, management, implementation
UN Experience
Advantage (UN agency or international organization)
Language
Excellent written and spoken English
Skills and Competencies
Skill
Description
Communication
Clear and professional communication
Accountability
Ownership of responsibilities
Innovation
Creative problem-solving
Planning & Organizing
Strong organisational skills
Results Focus
Deliver on objectives
Teamwork
Collaborate effectively
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Complete online UNESCO application
2
Prepare CV
3
Prepare cover letter (max 2 pages)
4
Provide 2 professional referees
5
Email to nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org
6
Subject: "UNESCO ROEA Vacancy Notice – ED World Conference on ESD"
The UNESCO Programme Assistant position provides an opportunity for an experienced programme support professional to contribute to an international conference focused on the future of sustainable education. With exposure to major UN initiatives and international event management, this role offers valuable experience in programme coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Programme Coordinators
Yes
Education Professionals
Yes
International Relations Graduates
Yes
Nairobi-Based Candidates
Yes
UN System Aspirants
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Career Growth
Very High
Learning Opportunity
Excellent
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for UNESCO Programme Assistant 2026 before 23 August 2026.
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