International jobs in United States

Grade:

Parent Sector: Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement: [[filter13]]

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract: Non Staff

Duration of contract: From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to: External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 21-02-2026

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

We are looking for a Project Coordinator who will work from Paris to contribute to the operational management of the joint programs between UNESCO and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) aimed at promoting the roles of youth and women in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 2012 by artist, social activist, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace Forest Whitaker. WPDI is dedicated to fostering peace, gender equality, sustainability, and resilience in communities affected by violence, poverty, and marginalization. Operating across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America, WPDI implements diverse programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups—particularly youth and women—empowering them as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who drive positive transformation within their communities and beyond.

Under the direct supervision of the Liaison Officer for the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker, the consultant will contribute to the implementation of joint UNESCO and WPDI activities, with responsibilities including:

• UNESCO & UN Engagement – Collaborate in creating new synergies between WPDI and UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector. Strengthen ties between Forest Whitaker, in his role as UNESCO Special Envoy and SDG advocate, and UN agencies, ensuring effective participation in events and campaigns that align with WPDI’s mission.


• Project Coordination & Strategic Development – Coordinate the implementation and growth of joint UNESCO and WPDI’s peace and sustainable development projects across multiple regions.


• Communication & Strategic Messaging – Ensure that Forest Whitaker’s high-level communications related to his role as UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation effectively reflect UNESCO and SHS’s values and beliefs. Lead communication campaigns for UN international days and support outreach and visibility efforts to enhance WPDI’s impact.


• Event Planning & Representation – Assist in organizing WPDI-led events, including the annual charity gala in New York during UNGA. Provide logistical and strategic support for Mr. Whitaker and the UNESCO Liaison Officer’s official field visits.


• Partnerships & High-Level Engagement – Support WPDI’s partnership strategy by coordinating existing relationships and assisting with the identification of new opportunities to expand its impact.


• Administrative & Program Support – Assist the UNESCO Liaison Officer in managing program implementation, including HR, financial, and legal aspects, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.

• Monthly progress reports on the implementation of the tasks listed above.


• Final report at the end of the assignment on the completion of all the tasks listed above.

Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C). For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant area, e.g. Project management, Communications, International relations, Political science, or other related social science field.

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience in communications, print media, digital and social media, public relations or other relevant fields of work.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;


• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;


• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;


• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;


• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various applications of MS Office and Google Workspace, and programs such as Adobe XD, InDesign, MailChimp; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;


• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Strong command of English and French, both spoken and written. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.

Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now", then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

• A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;


• A written proposal comprising:
  
  
  
  1. An approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference;
  
  
  2. The amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars on a monthly basis, for an 11-month period.
  
  
  
  

Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the "My Employment History Form / My Documents" section of the online application form.

Applications should be completed in English. Please note that only applications with the above requested information will be considered. Please also note that applications cannot be edited once submitted. The evaluation of candidates will be based on the criteria detailed in this vacancy notice. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete further assessments and interviews. A reference check may be requested at a final stage of the selection process.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e‑mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non‑and under‑represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.