The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced an exciting career opportunity for professionals interested in advancing social development, gender equality, and human rights through international cooperation. Applications are now open for the Project Associate – Social and Human Sciences position based in New Delhi, India, offering successful candidates the opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that empower communities and promote inclusive development.
This position is hosted by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector, one of the organization’s key programme areas dedicated to promoting social inclusion, ethics, gender equality, youth empowerment, human rights, and peaceful societies. The successful candidate will support the implementation of the UNESCO–NIKE “Kickstart Her Future – India” Project, alongside other extra-budgetary initiatives within the SHS Sector.
The appointment is offered under a Service Contract (SC6) for an initial duration of 12 months, with the duty station located in New Delhi, India. The vacancy is open to external candidates, providing professionals from relevant backgrounds with an opportunity to join one of the world’s leading United Nations agencies.
About UNESCO
UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and the social and human sciences. Through its programmes, UNESCO supports sustainable development, promotes human rights, strengthens education systems, preserves cultural heritage, and advances scientific collaboration across the globe.
About the Project
The selected Project Associate will play an important role in supporting the implementation of the UNESCO–NIKE “Kickstart Her Future – India” initiative. The project focuses on empowering women and girls by strengthening opportunities for participation, leadership, and social inclusion through collaborative programmes and partnerships.
Working under the supervision of the Programme Specialist and Chief of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, the successful candidate will provide programme, administrative, financial, procurement, and coordination support to ensure successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Successful applicants will contribute to several important functions, including:
- Supporting programme planning and implementation.
- Coordinating project activities and monitoring progress.
- Assisting with financial administration and budget tracking.
- Supporting procurement processes and contract administration.
- Organizing workshops, stakeholder consultations, meetings, and project events.
- Preparing reports, correspondence, presentations, and project documentation.
- Maintaining project records and ensuring timely reporting.
- Liaising with government institutions, implementing partners, NGOs, consultants, and other stakeholders.
- Supporting communication among project partners.
- Performing other administrative and coordination duties assigned by supervisors.
Why You Should Apply
Working with UNESCO provides professionals with an opportunity to contribute directly to international development while building valuable experience within the United Nations system.
Some of the advantages of this position include:
- Opportunity to work with a globally respected UN agency.
- Professional experience in international development programmes.
- Exposure to large-scale gender equality and social inclusion initiatives.
- Collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
- Development of project management, financial management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Opportunity to contribute to projects supporting women and youth empowerment.
- International networking opportunities with development professionals.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A university degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Administration, Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Finance, Commerce, or related disciplines.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in programme management, project administration, finance, procurement, coordination, or related work.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and multicultural teams.
Core Values
UNESCO seeks candidates who demonstrate its core organizational values:
- Commitment to the Organization
- Integrity
- Respect for Diversity
- Professionalism
Contract Details
The successful candidate will receive:
- Position: Project Associate – Social and Human Sciences
- Contract Type: Service Contract (SC6)
- Duration: 12 months
- Duty Station: New Delhi, India
- Work Arrangement: On-site
- Hiring Unit: Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
26 July 2026 (Midnight UTC−5).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNESCO Careers portal before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the job description, eligibility requirements, and required application documents before submitting their applications on official website.
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