UNESCO Programme Assistant. UNESCO has announced an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals through its Programme Assistant position in Nairobi, Kenya. The role offers candidates an opportunity to contribute to preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), a major international event focused on the future of sustainable education.
The position is offered under a six-month Service Contract at SC5 level and is open to external candidates. The successful applicant will work on site in Nairobi and provide administrative, programme coordination, participant support, and logistical assistance for the upcoming international conference.
The application deadline is 23 August 2026 at midnight UTC+3, so eligible candidates should prepare their applications well before the closing date.
UNESCO Programme Assistant Jobs 2026
The Programme Assistant will work within UNESCO’s Education Sector and support the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in preparing and delivering the 2027 World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development.
Job Details
- Position: Programme Assistant
- Organization: UNESCO
- Contract: Service Contract
- Level: SC5
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Work Arrangement: On site
- Contract Duration: 6 months
- Minimum Experience: 3 years
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Required Language: Excellent English
- Application Deadline: 23 August 2026
About the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on ESD
The Programme Assistant position is directly connected to the preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 13 to 15 January 2027. A Youth Conference is also scheduled for 12 January 2027.
The event is part of UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development: Towards achieving the SDGs (ESD for 2030) framework. This initiative aims to strengthen the contribution of education to sustainable development and support progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2027 conference will represent an important midpoint in implementing the ESD for 2030 framework. Discussions are expected to focus on major emerging issues such as climate change, green skills, digital transformation in education, social-emotional learning, and greening education.
Another important feature of the event is that it will be hosted in the Global South for the first time, with Nairobi serving as the host city.
Key Responsibilities of the Programme Assistant
The selected candidate will provide administrative, coordination, and logistical support throughout the preparation and implementation of the conference.
One major responsibility will be supporting invited participants. This can include following up on invitation letters, communicating with participants by email and telephone, and helping them complete online registration through the Indico platform.
The Programme Assistant will also coordinate with UNESCO headquarters, the National Planning Committee, travel agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the event.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Following up with invited conference participants
- Supporting online participant registration
- Collecting required travel documents
- Coordinating participant travel arrangements
- Working with travel agencies to arrange tickets
- Supporting visa-processing arrangements
- Preparing travel and logistical information
- Sharing itineraries and guidance with participants
- Creating vendor accounts when required
- Liaising with UNESCO headquarters and local committees
- Maintaining conference records and databases
- Tracking preparation activities and deadlines
- Identifying potential logistical risks and delays
- Providing on-site support during the conference
The Programme Assistant may also assist with information materials in English, French, and Spanish, where required.
Conference Logistics and Event Support
The successful candidate will contribute to the operational planning of the conference. This may involve assisting with arrangements for accommodation, interpretation, transportation, food and beverages, conference packages, and other event-related services.
The role requires strong attention to detail because the Programme Assistant will need to maintain accurate records, monitor progress, follow up on pending activities, and communicate issues to the appropriate UNESCO teams.
During the conference, the selected professional will provide on-site coordination support to help ensure that participants and service providers receive the necessary assistance.
UNESCO Programme Assistant Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree in education, international relations, social sciences, public administration, or another relevant field.
Applicants must also have at least three years of relevant professional experience in programme or project coordination, implementation, management, and monitoring.
Previous experience with a United Nations agency or international organization is considered an advantage.
Because the position involves managing several activities simultaneously, applicants should demonstrate strong organizational, communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Required Skills and Competencies
UNESCO identifies several competencies that are important for the position. These include:
- Communication
- Accountability
- Planning and organizing
- Teamwork
- Results focus
- Innovation
- Knowledge sharing
- Continuous improvement
Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language can provide an additional advantage.
Candidates should be comfortable communicating with international participants, government representatives, organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders.
Documents Required to Apply
Applicants should complete the online UNESCO application and provide accurate information about their education and professional experience.
Candidates are also required to submit supporting documents, including:
- An updated CV highlighting relevant experience
- A cover letter of no more than two pages
- Contact details for two professional referees
The required documents should be submitted to [email protected] using the subject line:
“UNESCO ROEA Vacancy Notice – ED World Conference on ESD”
All application materials should be submitted before 23 August 2026.
Why Apply for This UNESCO Opportunity?
The Programme Assistant position offers valuable professional exposure for candidates interested in education, sustainable development, international development, programme management, event coordination, and multilateral organizations.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to support a major UNESCO conference involving government representatives, education experts, civil society organizations, academia, private-sector stakeholders, and young people.
The assignment can provide practical experience in international conference management, stakeholder engagement, participant coordination, logistics, and programme implementation.
How to Apply for UNESCO Programme Assistant Jobs 2026
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNESCO Careers portal and carefully review all vacancy requirements before submitting an application.
Applicants should make sure their CV clearly demonstrates relevant experience in programme coordination, project implementation, logistics, stakeholder communication, and monitoring. The cover letter should explain why the candidate is suitable for the position and how their previous experience matches the requirements.
Deadline: 23 August 2026
Conclusion
The UNESCO Programme Assistant Jobs 2026 in Nairobi provide an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to preparations for the 2027 World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development.
The six-month SC5 Service Contract is particularly suitable for candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s degree, at least three years of professional experience, excellent English communication skills, and an interest in international development and sustainable education.
Candidates should not wait until the final day to apply. Before submitting an application, carefully review the official UNESCO vacancy notice, prepare an updated CV and cover letter, and ensure that all required documents are submitted before the 23 August 2026 deadline.
