Project Assistant for Education (Hanoi, Viet Nam) contract

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC6

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Hanoi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Ha Noi UTC+7 Time) : 07/06/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

UNESCO Hanoi Office is implementing a number of initiatives in the field of education to support the country’s priorities in transforming education. Key initiatives include the “Building Happy Schools for transformation of education and sustainable development in Viet Nam” and others that range from education system capacity strengthening to promotion of gender equality and comprehensive sexuality education.

UNESCO Hanoi Office is opening a position of Project Assistant for the Education Unit, to provide administrative, financial and logistical assistance to the implementation of key projects of the Education Unit, as well as  to support the overall coordination and implementation of the Building Happy Schools project. The Building Happy Schools project (2026-2028) pilots and adopts a localized Happy Schools model in Viet Nam, drawing on UNESCO’s global Happy School framework and supported by development of practical tools, teacher capacity development and a robust monitoring framework.

Under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Hanoi Office and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the Incumbent is expected to undertake the following assignments:

1. Administrative, financial and logistical support the Education Unit projects

Provide administrative, financial, and logistical support to key extrabudgetary projects within the Education Unit, in collaboration with responsible Project Officers, including:

• Supporting the management of financial and administrative aspects of projects, including budgeting and budget revisions; assisting with procurement and contracting processes; contributing to the drafting of terms of reference (TORs) for agreements, contracts, and consultants; liaising with the Administrative Unit to ensure compliance with administrative and financial requirements in preparing and settling contracts; monitoring progress and coordinating the preparation of required supporting documentation;
• Providing logistical and organizational support for project implementation, in close coordination with government counterparts and partners, including the organization of missions, meetings, and events at both central and provincial levels; organize the translation, printing, dissemination of materials;

Key projects include the Building Happy Schools project; the Global Partnership for Education System Capacity grant; and other projects related to gender equality in education, comprehensive sexuality education and safe learning environments.   

2. Building Happy Schools project-specific responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Education in coordinating the implementation of project activities towards the achievement of approved project objectives, and support the timely delivery of outputs and deliverables in line with the project document and work plans;
• Assist in monitoring and reporting on the progress of activities and expenditures; and contribute to the preparation of progress reports, including compiling and presenting ;
• Maintain regular communication with partners on matters related to contracts and partnership agreements, as well as with the donor and UNESCO Offices; support the organization of coordination meetings and assist in preparing summaries and follow-up notes from discussions;
• Contribute to enhancing the visibility of the project and related work by working closely with the Communication Officer and relevant partners to support media coverage, advocacy and outreach initiatives.
• Maintain the project filing, communications materials, project documentation and related databases;

3. Perform any other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Head of Office and/or the Chief of Education.  

Duration of contract: 1 year (possible extension subject to availability of funds and performance)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in education, economics, social sciences, developmental studies, public administration, business, management, finance and/or other relevant fields

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in programme/project support, financial, and/or administrative service
• Experience working at an international organization/environment, in particular in the field of education, is an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent ICT skills proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related programs)
• Demonstrated ability in working with established data management tools (spreadsheet, excel sheet. etc.).
• Good organizational, coordination and filling skills; 
• Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
• Highly organized and self-motivated;
• Capacity to deal with people of different cultural backgrounds efficiently and tactfully

LANGUAGES

• Excellent English and Vietnamese

• The position is for Vietnamese nationality only and will work on fulltime basis at UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The position level is at SC 6 and will possibly be extended upon fund availability and the SC holder’s performance.
• UNESCO’s salaries are paid in local currency (VND)

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.