UNESCO has opened applications for a Programme Assistant position in Nairobi, Kenya, offering an opportunity for an experienced programme support professional to contribute to preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The position is offered under a six-month Service Contract at SC5 level and is open to external candidates. The successful candidate will be based on site in Nairobi and will provide administrative, programme, coordination and logistical support for the major international education conference.
The application deadline is 23 August 2026 at midnight UTC+3.
UNESCO Programme Assistant Opportunity at a Glance
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.
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Programme Assistant |
| Organization | UNESCO |
| Contract | Service Contract |
| Level | SC5 |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work arrangement | On site |
| Contract duration | 6 months |
| Experience | At least 3 years |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Language | Excellent English |
| Application deadline | 23 August 2026 |
About the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development
The position is directly connected to preparations for the 2027 UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, which will take place in Nairobi from 13 to 15 January 2027. A Youth Conference will also be held on 12 January 2027.
The conference forms part of UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development: Towards achieving the SDGs (ESD for 2030) framework, which was launched to strengthen the contribution of education to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The 2027 conference will mark an important midpoint in the implementation of the ESD for 2030 framework. It is expected to examine emerging priorities including climate change, green skills, digital transformation in education and social-emotional learning.
The event will also explore the future of education for sustainable development and the role of greening education through 2030 and beyond.
For the first time, the UNESCO World Conference on ESD will be hosted in the Global South, with Nairobi serving as the venue.
Key Responsibilities
The Programme Assistant will provide practical support across the planning and implementation of the conference.
A major component of the role will involve coordinating participants and helping ensure that logistical arrangements are completed efficiently.
Responsibilities will include:
- Following up on invitation letters sent to conference participants.
- Communicating with invited participants through email and telephone.
- Liaising with UNESCO headquarters and the National Planning Committee.
- Supporting participants with online registration through the Indico platform.
- Coordinating participant travel arrangements.
- Collecting required travel documents.
- Creating vendor accounts where necessary.
- Working with travel agencies to arrange tickets.
- Preparing logistical and information notes for participants.
- Sharing travel information, itineraries and guidance.
- Supporting visa-processing arrangements.
- Preparing information materials in English, French and Spanish where required.
The Programme Assistant will also support the wider logistical preparation of the conference, including venue arrangements, interpretation services, accommodation, conference packages and related documentation.
Conference Logistics and Coordination
The successful candidate will work closely with the National Planning Committee and UNESCO teams to support the operational requirements of the event.
This will include assisting with the creation of contracts for services such as:
- Hotel accommodation
- Interpretation
- Food and beverages
- Transportation
- Other conference-related services
The Programme Assistant will also maintain records of relevant conference information and data, develop follow-up tools and track progress on preparatory activities.
An important aspect of the role will be identifying potential risks or delays and ensuring that they are flagged to the appropriate teams in good time.
During the conference itself, the Programme Assistant will provide on-site coordination support to help ensure that the event runs effectively.
Who Can Apply?
UNESCO is looking for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in education, international relations, social sciences, public administration or a related field.
Applicants must also have at least three years of relevant professional experience supporting project coordination, management, implementation and monitoring.
Experience working for a UN agency or international organization will be considered an advantage.
The role requires strong organizational and coordination abilities because the successful candidate will be expected to manage multiple administrative and logistical tasks while working with participants, UNESCO headquarters, travel providers and other stakeholders.
Skills and Competencies
UNESCO identifies several core competencies for the position.
These include:
- Communication
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
- Planning and organizing
- Results focus
- Teamwork
Strong written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an added advantage.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable communicating with international stakeholders and coordinating activities across different teams and institutions.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the online UNESCO application and provide complete and accurate information.
In addition, candidates are required to submit the following documents to [email protected] using the subject line “UNESCO ROEA Vacancy Notice – ED World Conference on ESD”:
- A current CV clearly outlining relevant qualifications and experience.
- A cover letter of no more than two pages explaining suitability for the assignment.
- Contact details for two professional referees.
All required materials must be submitted by 23 August 2026.
UNESCO notes that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This UNESCO Opportunity Matters
The Programme Assistant position provides an opportunity for an experienced programme support professional to contribute to an international conference focused on the future of sustainable education.
The conference will bring together high-level government representatives, education stakeholders, civil society organizations, academia, private-sector representatives and young people.
For professionals interested in education, sustainable development, international development, conference coordination or multilateral organizations, the assignment offers exposure to a major UNESCO initiative with a regional and international focus.
The role may also provide valuable experience in international event management, stakeholder coordination, participant logistics and programme implementation.
Equal Opportunity and Recruitment Information
UNESCO encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups. Individuals from minority and Indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
The organization states that applications are treated confidentially and that it does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews and reference checks.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application through the UNESCO Careers portal and submit the required supporting documents before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that their CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate their experience in programme coordination, project implementation, logistics, stakeholder communication and monitoring.
Position: Programme Assistant
Organization: UNESCO
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract: Service Contract, SC5
Duration: 6 months
Work arrangement: On site
Minimum experience: 3 years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Deadline: 23 August 2026
