Project Officer (Social and Human Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Brasilia

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff (Service Contract)

Level :  NO-B

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 29-MAY-2023

 

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

 

Only candidates who are entitled to work in Brazil may apply to this position

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO in Brazil, the overall supervision of the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Coordinator and the direct supervision and technical guidance of the SHS Programme Officer and Criança Esperança Coordinator, the project officer will participate in the execution of projects of the SHS Sector, in the selection process of social projects, in the monitoring and follow up of the activities and deliverables of these projects, with a focus on the Criança Esperança programme. The incumbent will be the focal point for one or more specific themes within the field related to the SHS Programme regarding project execution. In particular, the incumbent makes proposals and coordinates technical cooperation agreements in accordance with priorities, guidelines and orientations established, by providing technical and operational inputs for the design, elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extra-budgetary projects and activities, giving support and technical guidance to the actions and projects within the SHS Sector. To this end, the successful candidate shall:

 

Long Description

• Act as project officer in the Social and Human Sciences sector designing, managing and following-up the implementation of projects in all their phases: identifying needs, proposing actions, evaluating and monitoring technical and financial aspects, ascertaining problems and proposing corrective actions;
• Prepare project proposal information and revision proposal information; suggesting cross-cutting activities; identifying, proposing and developing South-South cooperation opportunities;
• Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise products carried out within the projects under his/her responsibility;
• Organize the contents of books and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
• Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request;
• Attend meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director/BRZ;

Long Description

• Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners, selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation;
• Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, particularly with the private sector, in areas where the SHS programme can offer expertise;
• Act as focal point in SHS projects related to youth, gender, disability and racial equality;
• Participate in the analysis and selection of the projects submitted by the NGOs to be supported within the Criança Esperança Programme by: elaborating technical reports on the performance of the NGOs and their compliance to the work plans originally proposed; participating in monitoring visits to the NGOs; participating in the annual revision of the online tool; following-up and rendering technical support to the selected NGOs; participating in the Steering Committee meetings with partners and in missions whenever needed;
• Support the evaluation, dissemination and systematization of experiences, initiatives and best practices in the field of SHS;
• Any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work of the SHS sector and the Criança Esperança programme to which she/he is assigned.

 

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

 

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters or Post-graduate studies) in any area of Social or Human Sciences, with a research object preferably related to the social area or social work. 

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Eight (8) years of practical experience in programme and/or project management in the social area, with focus preferably on children’s rights, /youth public policies; with a minimum of five (5) years acquired in the implementation of project, at national and/or international level, within the UN system, in governmental institutions, NGOs and/or other international organizations present in Brazil.
• Previous experience in managing technical cooperation projects’ activities and expenditures.

 

LANGUAGES

• The position requires proficiency in Portuguese and English.

 

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• Strong analytical, negotiating, organizational, communication and advocacy skills;
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate large scale projects/programmes;
• Excellent writing skills: ability to produce reports and papers on technical and strategic issues;
• Knowledge of managerial and administrative systems;
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, initiative, accountability, discretion and maturity of judgement;
• Capacity to deal with sensitive topics; Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• Capacity to work in, and adapt to, multicultural environments;
• Capacity to work under stress and to maintain deadlines;
• Availability to travel;
• Good IT skills (Microsoft package), including experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

EDUCATION

• First-level university degree in social work is desirable.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in international organization as well as knowledge of UNESCO or UN will be an asset.

 

LANGUAGES 

• Working knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (French or Spanish).

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This assignment is of full-time nature (Monday to Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30 / 14h to 18h; Friday: 8h30 to 14h).

The initial contract is intended until the end of 2023 and shall be linked to a project-funding source, which is expected to be renewed. Any contract renewal shall be dependent upon budgetary availability and satisfactory services. Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only.

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.