Project Coordinator

**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
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 21-02-2026
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
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.
Background
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.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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: Long Description
a. 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.
b. Project Coordination & Strategic Development - Coordinate the implementation and growth of joint UNESCO and WPDI’s peace and sustainable development projects across multiple regions.
c. 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.
d. Event Planning & Representation - Assist in organizing WPDI-led events, including the annual charity gala in New York during UNGA. Provide logístical and strategic support for Mr. Whitaker and the UNESCO Liaison Officer’s official field visits.
e. 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.
f. Administrative & Program Support - Assist the UNESCO Liaison Officer in managing program implementation, including HR, financial, and legal aspects, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.
**DELIVERABLES**:

- 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. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) 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. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

**Education**:
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.
**Experience**:
Minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience in communications, print media, digital and social media, public relations or other relevant fields of work.
**Skills and Competences**:

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

**Languages**:

- Strong command of English and French, both spoken and written. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
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