UNESCO Associate Project Officer (Social & Human Sciences) – 2026 | $89,057 Annual Salary
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Are you passionate about social and human sciences, international development, and project management? Do you have a strong commitment to cultural and linguistic initiatives, and want to contribute to global programs that make a real difference? UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is offering an exciting opportunity for talented professionals to join its Paris headquarters as an Associate Project Officer (P-2) in Social and Human Sciences.
This role is a project appointment for one year, renewable based on performance and availability of funds. The position is ideal for professionals with international project experience, strong coordination skills, and a desire to support initiatives that promote cultural diversity, knowledge exchange, and the Arabic language globally.
About UNESCO and the Role
UNESCO is renowned for its work in fostering international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. The Associate Project Officer will operate under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, the Director of the Division for Social Policies, and the Chief of the MOST Section (SHS/MOST). The successful candidate will contribute to the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic Language (Phase II), overseeing analytical, technical, and project management aspects of day-to-day operations.
This role requires careful planning, monitoring, and coordination of multiple workstreams, including initiatives related to:
- World Arabic Language Day (WALD) – celebrating and promoting Arabic worldwide
- AI and digital content initiatives – supporting research and innovation in Arabic digital knowledge
- “Arab Latinos!” project – exploring cultural and linguistic connections
- Silk Roads / Arab-Asian linguistic heritage initiative – preserving and promoting historical knowledge
The Associate Project Officer ensures that projects align with UNESCO’s regulations and approved workplans, maintaining high standards of professional integrity, coordination, and reporting.
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Key Responsibilities
The Associate Project Officer will play a pivotal role in project coordination, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement. Core responsibilities include:
- Programme Coordination
- Support overall programme alignment across multiple workstreams
- Consolidate contributions from different teams for briefings and management updates
- Maintain structured programme documentation and tools for decision-making
- Project Implementation
- Oversee day-to-day activities of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme
- Coordinate events, digital initiatives, and collaborative projects
- Ensure activities meet timelines, objectives, and deliverables
- Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Contribute to annual and semi-annual workplans
- Track progress against performance indicators
- Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Research and Knowledge Production
- Facilitate studies on Arabic digital content and AI models
- Coordinate expert groups and peer review processes
- Prepare publications and knowledge products for dissemination
- Events and Meetings
- Organize high-level events, roundtables, consultations, project launches, trainings, and conferences
- Collaborate with field offices, partners, and UNESCO units to ensure smooth execution
- Stakeholder Liaison
- Maintain regular communication with partners, academic institutions, youth networks, and UN agencies
- Support joint activities, follow-ups, and collaborative initiatives
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Required Qualifications
UNESCO seeks candidates with strong educational backgrounds, professional experience, and specific skills:
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, or communication and information
Work Experience:
- Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in developing and implementing international projects
- Preferably, at least one year at an international level
Skills and Competencies:
- Project development and management, including partnerships, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- Coordination skills for projects with multiple streams, partners, and deadlines
- Ability to build effective multicultural working relationships
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences
- Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Excellent English; working knowledge of French
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience within the UN system or international organizations
- Familiarity with UNESCO’s MOST programme
- Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian)
Core and Managerial Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate both core and managerial competencies, including:
- Communication, accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing, planning, results focus, and teamwork
- Building partnerships, strategic thinking, driving and managing change, quality decision-making, performance management, and leading and empowering others
Benefits and Entitlements
The position comes with a competitive annual starting salary of $89,057 USD, along with UNESCO benefits, which may include:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Family allowance
- Medical insurance
- Pension plan
Additionally, UNESCO offers a supportive international work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and engagement in meaningful global initiatives.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must complete an online application and submit accurate information by midnight Paris time on 30 March 2026. The recruitment process may include:
- Pre-recorded video interviews
- Written assessments
- Panel interviews and reference checks
Short-listed candidates may also be added to UNESCO Talent Pools, subject to consent. All applications are treated with strict confidentiality, and UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
Candidates must provide recognized higher education qualifications and may require medical clearance and a visa for international appointments. UNESCO does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.
Why This Opportunity is Exceptional
Joining UNESCO as an Associate Project Officer offers unique professional and personal benefits:
- Global Impact – Contribute to projects that influence cultural preservation and linguistic development worldwide
- Networking – Collaborate with international experts, academic institutions, UN agencies, and youth networks
- Professional Growth – Gain experience in high-level project management, research, and policy development
- Knowledge Production – Engage in studies, publications, and knowledge dissemination initiatives
- Dynamic Environment – Participate in high-profile events, conferences, and regional consultations
This is an exceptional chance to combine passion for social and human sciences with practical project management experience at one of the world’s leading international organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Position: Associate Project Officer (Social and Human Sciences, P-2)
- Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
- Salary: $89,057 USD per annum
- Contract Type: Project appointment, 1 year, renewable
- Application Deadline: 30 March 2026
- Education: Master’s or equivalent in UNESCO programmatic domains
- Experience: Minimum 2 years (preferably 1 year international)
- Languages: English (excellent), French (working knowledge)
The role is designed for candidates with a strong commitment to UNESCO’s values of integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, and dedication to cultural and educational development.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an online application through the UNESCO Careers website. Ensure all qualifications, experience, and supporting documents are accurate. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews, and the selection process emphasizes efficiency, competence, and integrity.
If you are driven to make an international impact, support linguistic and cultural initiatives, and develop your career at the heart of UNESCO, this opportunity is for you. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to meaningful projects and join a globally recognized organization committed to education, science, and culture.
