National Programme Coordinator

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6MZSC 0001PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Maputo

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31-AUG-2022

 

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

 

Only nationals of Mozambique are eligible to apply for this position.

The contract duration is 12 months, renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

Natural disasters are a common occurrence in Southern Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in particular. In 2019, Mozambique was hit by severe flooding which also affected Zimbabwe and Malawi resulting in the loss of life and damaged infrastructure. In Mozambique more than in any other countries, the combined effects of the unprecedented ‘back-to-back two cyclones - Idai and Kenneth - in less than two months are still being part of the day-to-day major challenges. To address some of the challenges faced by Mozambique and Zimbabwe a project titled ‘A Community-focused Flood Early Warning System for the BuPuSa Transboundary River Basins’ was designed. The project seeks to reduce the vulnerability of communities and institutions in the Busi-Pungwe-Save (BuPuSa) Basins to floods, by providing an effective flood risk assessment, monitoring and early warning system and response through increased capacity and knowledge and inclusive communication strategy. The intervention will strengthen local capacities in flood monitoring, early warning and flood risk management and will participate in the national disaster prevention and response strategy.

 

The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Maputo Office, the technical supervision of the UNESCO Maputo Senior Programme Officer for High Education, Science and TVET, the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) and under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist responsible for implementing the project ‘A Community-focused Flood Early Warning System for the BuPuSa Transboundary River Basins’.

Long Description

To support the day-to-day implementation of the project, a Project Coordinator will be hired, that shall perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate the project implementation by providing technical and logistical assistance to the execution of the planned activities in the Buzi-Pungwe-Save River Basins of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, prepare quarterly work plans and support contracting processes by drafting any required terms of reference, advise on the development of procurement plans of goods and services according to UNESCO rules and regulations, monitor and report on budgets and financial aspects of the project implementation.
• Coordinate with the UNESCO ROSA and the project focal points in the different project locations, as well as with the national and international stakeholders, and to ensure smooth implementation of the planned activities and be the prime focal point for interaction with the Mozambique government, civil societies/Community based organizations, relevant UN agencies and other key stakeholders for effective coordination and implementation of all project activities.
• Help organize project related events such as stakeholder meetings, training workshops and (online) conferences and undertake project related missions to the field sites to support implementation and to track progress and to advise on any required adjustments.
• Participate in the design and lead the implementation of the project (activities and budget) and communication strategy, maintain fluid communication with all stakeholders, and support the development of the project website and data repository.

Long Description

• Support general monitoring and reporting on the activities with respect to the project implementation framework, update the project database and draft progress reports in liaison with UNESCO colleagues and project partners and maintain smooth and constructive relationship with the government, civil society organizations, the donor and other national and international development partners.
• Support the work of the UNESCO Natural Sciences sector in Maputo Office and in Natural Sciences unit in ROSA and contribute as team member to the activities. This includes identifying and proposing innovative approaches, building and promoting knowledge in the areas of Natural Sciences and Technologies, participating in resources mobilization in support to Maputo Office and ROSA.
• Be the UNESCO Mozambique and ROSA Focal Point to Mozambique for Natural Sciences and work closely with other programme sectors and advise the Government and other partners in areas pertaining to the sector which is under UNESCO leadership. This includes, where appropriate liaising with HQ relevant services when required.
• Participate in the Office work and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be requested by UNESCO Maputo Office and/or UNESCO ROSA.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (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 the field of natural sciences, hydrology or earth sciences.

Work Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in one or more of the following fields: water resources, environmental sciences, climate change and natural sciences.
• Experience with project management.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent report and technical writing skills with strong presentation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint..etc).
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence, multi-task, prioritize the workload and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Solid teamwork skills with an ability to work with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with networking and partnership-building experience, involving a wide range of partners, including high-level stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage and work efficiently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (Oral and written) of English or Portuguese and good knowledge (Oral and written) of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Academic qualifications

• Specialized courses or higher education diploma related to disaster risk prevention and management and/or climate change adaptation.

Work Experience

• At least one (1) year of experience in the United Nations system or Intergovernmental organizations.
• Experience in the use of hydrological modelling techniques and disaster risk prevention and management tools.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of computer applications, web skills and social media.

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 full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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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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 (last update here) 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.