Junior Programme Assistant: Education for Health and Wellbeing (EHW)
About the host organization (UNESCO ZAF) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to peace and sustainable development by promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication and information. In South Africa, UNESCO works closely with government, development partners and civil society to strengthen education systems, promote health and well-being, advance gender equality, support youth empowerment, and foster inclusive and sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its Education for Health and Well-being (EHW) programme, UNESCO supports evidence-based policies, capacity development, and partnerships that improve the health, well-being and educational outcomes of children and young people. Context The Junior Programme Assistant will support the implementation of UNESCO South Africa's Education for Health and Well-being (EHW) portfolio by providing administrative, operational and project coordination support to the programme team. Working under the guidance of the Senior Programme Specialist for Education for Health and Well-being, and in close collaboration with the National Programme Officer and Associate National Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the efficient planning, coordination and delivery of programme activities. The assignment provides an excellent opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience within the United Nations system while strengthening competencies in project administration, programme coordination, financial and procurement processes, records management, stakeholder engagement and reporting. Through structured mentoring and workplace learning, the UN Volunteer will contribute to ensuring that programme activities are effectively coordinated, properly documented and implemented in accordance with UNESCO administrative procedures, donor requirements and approved work plans. Task description Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist, Education for Health and Well-being (EHW), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support programme coordination and implementation ● Support the planning, coordination and implementation of UNESCO's Education for Health and Well-being (EHW) programme and related education initiatives. ● Assist with coordinating programme activities, meetings, workshops, consultations and field missions, ensuring effective logistical and administrative support. ● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of programme outputs. 2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms ● Support UNESCO’s active participation in UNCT thematic and inter-agency mechanisms, particularly the Gender Theme Group and Youth Theme Group, including preparation of substantive inputs, coordination of follow-up actions and contributions to joint initiatives. ● Support digital communications and visibility for UNESCO’s contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including developing online content, documenting programme results and promoting joint UN campaigns and activities. ● Contribute to the development and implementation of joint UN initiatives on gender equality, youth empowerment, digital engagement and other relevant UNESCO programme priorities. ● Identify opportunities for collaboration among UN agencies, government institutions, civil society organizations and youth networks to strengthen the reach and impact of UNESCO’s programmes. 3. Strengthen youth and learner engagement in SRGBV programming ● Coordinate UNESCO’s engagement with youth networks, learner organizations and youth-led groups working on gender equality, violence prevention, online safety and safe learning environments. ● Support meaningful participation of young people in the design, implementation and review of SRGBV programmes, campaigns and advocacy initiatives. ● Assist with organizing youth consultations, dialogues, peer-learning activities and other platforms through which learners and young people can share their experiences and propose solutions. ● Document youth perspectives and recommendations and support their integration into UNESCO programme activities, policy engagement and communication products. 4. Support advocacy, digital engagement and programme visibility ● Develop and compile accessible content on SRGBV prevention, gender equality and safe learning environments for UNESCO’s websites, social media platforms, newsletters, presentations and other communication channels. ● Support digital campaigns and online engagement addressing SRGBV, gender norms, technologically facilitated gender-based violence and the safe use of digital platforms by learners and young people. ● Document programme activities, results, good practices and human-interest stories through written summaries, photographs, short videos and other appropriate