Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6SNSC0006RP

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Dakar

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-MAY-2023

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General of the Natural Sciences Sector (ADG/SC), and the direct supervision of  the Director of the UNESCO Multi-Sectoral Regional Office in Dakar, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring the development, coordination and implementation and management of programmes, projects and activities related to biodiversity, ecology, ecosystem management in the sub-region. S/he will coordinate and ensure to strengthen collaborative relationships with National Commissions and Member States’ relevant ministries, promoting Science for Sustainable Development within the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and biosphere reserves and strengthen the collaboration with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) on the management and preservation of marine and coastal environments. S/he will contribute to the inter sectoral collaboration for Sciences Sector.

In line with the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), the MAB and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves strategy and related operational implementation plan and global development plans such as the Agenda Africa 2063, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strategy in relation to natural resources as well as Science and Technology, 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals the incumbent will deliver visible and high-quality results to Member States by defining priorities, designing relevant strategies and policies as well as mobilizing partnerships and extrabudgetary resources.

Long Description

In particular, the incumbent will: 

• Design, coordinate, implement and monitor programme and project activities in the areas of natural sciences focusing in the fields of ecological and earth sciences including, inter alia, biodiversity, ecology, ecosystem management . and potential geoparks, policy research and sector studies within the framework of the MAB and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves strategy.  
• Build human and institutional capacities in the region with particular focus to issues such as sustainable natural resources management, water security, biodiversity conservation, as well as ecosystem and protected area management using the biosphere reserves in the region as experimental sites for research and learning sites for sustainable development.
• Provide support in the implementation of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) with a focus on the ecohydrology component.
• In collaboration with the relevant programme specialists at Headquarters, and with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC); implement and coordinate events and other undertakings including capacity building in environmental, water sciences, earth sciences and STEM in the region.
• Contribute to the coordination and monitoring of the development of a natural science programme and strategy for the sub-region and prepares inputs for the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and the Programme and Budget document (C/5) and related workplans and draft relevant contributions to the Report of the Director General on the activities of the Organization (C/3).
• Working with the Natural Sciences Sector Focal Point for the UNESCO Dakar office, provide advice and expertise in supporting Member states to identify, formulate and implement Natural Sciences resources initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other United Nations Agencies, Multilateral and Bilateral Development Agencies particularly such as the World Bank, regional funds and development banks (African Development Bank), the European Commission, IGOs, NGOs in order to foster opportunities for joint programming activities related to Natural Sciences, for the sub-region within the context of the UN Reform, "Delivering as One" approach, and the United Nations Common Country Analysis and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CCA/UNSDCF) processes.
• Initiate, coordinate and mobilize and raise extrabudgetary resources to support regular programme activities for natural sciences program in the region.

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) Building partnerships (M) Making quality decisions (M) Leading and empowering others (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of Environmental engineering, Ecology, water sciences, geology or in a related field of natural sciences.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the areas of environmental engineering, ecology, biodiversity and/or natural resources management of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international level.
• Experience in ecological science education, training and/or research on ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, on water management, vulnerability analysis, mapping, adaptation and resilience within the context of climate change.
• Experience in Programme/project development and fundraising.
• Experience in resource mobilization, support for programme implementation, budget management and programme reporting.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D) in the field of environmental sciences including hydrology, geological sciences, water management, ecosystems, biodiversity, or related field in the earth sciences.

Work Experience

• Experience in or with developing countries in the national or regional implementation of natural sciences programmes.
• Professional experience within the United Nations system or Programmes and /or international organizations.

Skills and competencies

• Solid understanding of Environmental sciences.
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international scientific organizations, professional organization. 
• Good knowledge of UNESCO – MAB and IHP or UNESCO – IGGP Programme and knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes in the area of natural sciences.

Languages

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

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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 107 174 US $.

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.