Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : SC PA/033

Grade : P-2 

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment (80%)

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-OCT-2020

 

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

 

This is a part time post (80%)

Initial duration of contract is 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall supervision of the Director a.i of the Division Water Sciences (HYD), and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section on Groundwater Systems and Settlements (GSS), the incumbent will support the project “UNESCO activities implemented within the UN WATER framework”, and more specifically the “UN-Water Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6” 2019-2022 “phase 2” (IMI-SDG6). The goal of this project is the monitoring of the indicator 6.5.2 as well as contributing to an acceleration of the achievement of SDG 6 on water and sanitation through evidence-based policies, regulations, planning and investments. UNESCO contributes to this initiative as co-custodian agency with the UNECE for the SDG indicator 6.5.2 “Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation” with the objective to support Member States to improve their capacity of assessment of transboundary waters with particular focus on groundwater resources and transboundary aquifers.

The Project Officer will provide technical support to the Chief of section for the preparation and implementation of the UN-WATER IMI-SDG6 IMI project activities, regarding the indicator SDG 6.5.2 and coordination with other UN agencies. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Long Description

• Support the Division of Water Sciences to coordinate with UNECE for the 6.5.2 indicator monitoring activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of an SDG indicator 6.5.2 UNESCO data base in cooperation with UNECE.
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the annual workplan of the “IMI-SDG6 initiative”, including activities related to the implementation and monitoring of SDG indicator 6.5.2 on transboundary cooperation.
• Coordinate the validation and analysis of SDG 6.5.2 data reported by Member States during the second reporting period 2020-2021, and the preparation of analyses and recommendations as inputs to the UN-Water SDG 6 synthesis report, and for the publications dedicated to indicator 6.5.2. These documents will be used as part of a global advocacy strategy targeting platforms like the High Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development.
• Provide technical support to Member States regarding the transboundary aquifer component of SDG 6.5.2 indicator during the validation process of the reports presented during the second reporting, in case complementary information is needed to validate SDG 6.5.2 indicator value.
• Contribute to the preparation of capacity-building workshops  and  webinars (on line or presential depending on the evolution of Covid-19 situation) and training material.

Long Description

• Coordinate the preparation of inputs required by the UN Statistical Division in terms of annual updating of national values of SDG indicator 6.5.2., considering the adequate disaggregation level, and of contribution to the annual SDG report.
• Enhance awareness of Member States on the results of the reporting on SDG 6.5.2 in view of the next round of reporting (planned every 3 years).
• Contribute to the dissemination of analyses and recommendations through various types of outreach to different audiences at different levels.
• Assist in the preparation of requested documents for the reporting to UNOPS and UN-Water.
• Assist in the budget management of the project.
• Set up, maintain and upgrade outreach and communication tools, including the production of key publications and documents.

• Provide support in the monitoring and reporting on the activities through UNESCO’s SISTER, by providing assistance on the gathering of information, the updating of the project database.
• Secure coordination with  UNESCO field offices and relevant stakeholders to the extent necessary within the preparation of the above-mentioned activities.
• Coordinate and contribute to other relevant project activities and other project documents related to transboundary groundwater governance and SDG 6 as necessary.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of Groundwater Resources Management, Hydrogeology.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, of which preferably 1 year acquired at international level, in the areas of water resources research and hydrogeology, particularly focusing on transboundary aquifers and groundwater and climate change.
• Significant work experience dedicated to groundwater resources development.
• Experience in project management.

 

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent communication, coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
• Close attention to detail and quality of work, and ability to manage heavy workloads.
• Ability to collect, consolidate, synthesize and analyse information from various sources.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills, including organizing international seminars and conferences.
• Excellent writing skills, including ability to draft, edit and produce reports on relevant issues.
• Strong IT skills, including with Microsoft Office software.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good working knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• PhD in Hydrogeology/Groundwater

Work Experience

• Experience within the United Nations.
• Proven ability in planning and setting up meetings.

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with the UN system, and procedures.
• Knowledge of UNESCO – IHP and knowledge of UNESCO management and administration systems.
• Knowledge of UNESCO rules and procedures.
• Proven ability in planning and setting up meetings.

Languages

• Knowledge of Spanish or other UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

 

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

 

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

 

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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