UNESCO is Hiring a Programme Assistant in Nairobi: Apply by August 23 & Help with Preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Overview
UNESCO is recruiting a Programme Assistant in Nairobi, Kenya, to help prepare the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The post sits in UNESCO's Education Sector and supports the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa. It is a six-month Service Contract at SC5 level, open to external candidates, and the work is done on site in Nairobi.
The conference will take place in Nairobi from 13 to 15 January 2027, with a Youth Conference on 12 January 2027. It marks the midpoint of the ESD for 2030 framework and is expected to look at climate change, green skills, digital transformation in education and social-emotional learning. It will be the first time the event is hosted in the Global South.
What you get
The assignment offers hands-on experience in international event management, participant coordination and programme implementation within a multilateral organization.
Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in education, international relations, social sciences, public administration or a related field, plus at least three years of relevant experience supporting project coordination, management, implementation and monitoring. Experience with a UN agency or international organization is an advantage. Strong written and spoken English is required, and knowledge of another UN official language is an asset. Core competencies are communication, accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, planning and organizing, results focus and teamwork.
The assistant will follow up on invitation letters, communicate with participants by email and telephone, work with UNESCO headquarters and the National Planning Committee, support online registration, coordinate travel and visa arrangements, prepare information notes in English, French and Spanish, help draft contracts for hotels, interpretation, catering and transport, track progress and risks, and provide on-site support during the conference.
How to apply
Candidates complete the online UNESCO application and also send a current CV, a cover letter of no more than two pages and contact details for two professional referees by email, using the subject line UNESCO ROEA Vacancy Notice - ED World Conference on ESD. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. Selection may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews and reference checks. UNESCO encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups and states it charges no fees at any stage.
Key dates
The deadline is 23 August 2026 at midnight UTC+3.