Administrative Assistant

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Rome, Italy

Experience: 3 to 5 Years

Skill Required: Media and Communication

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) aims at building scientific capacity In developing countries. The TWAS Executive Director is the overall responsible officer for TWAS and the entire TWAS-IAP-OWSD Secretariat.
Under the overall authority of the TWAS Executive Director and the direct supervision of the IAP Programme Coordinator, the Incumbent will provide administrative and secretarial assistance in support of fundraising for the Science Education Programme’s objective of establishing science centres/museums in Africa and IAP’s contributions to the Science in Exile initiative (see: www.scienceinexile.org). A proportion of the Incumbent's time may also be required to assist with other general IAP administrative duties.
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
  • Provide administrative support to the pilot project aimed at establishing science centres in up to five African countries.
  • Maintain frequent communication with African partners (e.g. academies of science) that have been (or will be) selected as host organizations of the proposed science centre.
  • Provide administrative support to the Science in Exile project that advocates for and provides support to at-risk, displaced and refugee scientists. Science in Exile is also carried out in collaboration with TWAS and the International Science Council (ISC).
  • Act as an administrative liaison person for the project between IAP, TWAS and ISC.
  • Identify opportunities for additional collaborations, including presentations at conferences, webinars, etc.
  • Compile and format such presentations. Update, expand and maintain the Science in Exile database of partners/collaborators and re-activate the mailing list, including by compiling and circulating a (bi-) monthly newsletter.
  • Maintain the Science in Exile website, including the list of organizations and individuals signing up to the advocacy campaign/Science in Exile Declaration. 
Required Qualifications:
Education:
  • Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.
Work Experience:
  • Minimum three (3) years of relevant working experience in providing secretarial services.
Skills/competencies:
  • Excellent knowledge of modern office skills.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Good organizational and coordination skills.
  • Ability to ensure efficiency.
  • Flexibility to adjust to work schedules and priorities.
Languages:
  • Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.