National Professional Officer (Natural Sciences) (m/f)

Description

• Provide professional, and technical support in the identification, design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and activities in the field of natural sciences in the country in the framework of Major Programme II and in line with the Natural Sciences Sector's strategies and priorities, in order to promote learning and sustainable societies, and support the Member State to advance science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges and build back better after the pandemic towards the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science
• Coordinate and monitor development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects in the areas of Natural Sciences including the Ecological and Earth Sciences, the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the Policy and Capacity building

Duties

• Stimulate and lead Office interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary initiates in the areas of environment, biodiversity, climate change, disaster risk reduction, science education, education for sustainable development, world natural heritage and world heritage biodiversity programmes and local and indigenous knowledge
• Participate and provide technical support to UNESCO’s involvement in United Nations joint programming exercises with the framework of the UN Reform, such as Common Country Assessments (CCAs), the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF)
• Identify and contribute to the formulation of the Office resource mobilization strategy and its biennial implementation plans in collaboration with other Programme Officers, in particular, develop interdisciplinary concepts and project proposals aimed at consolidating and complementing the regular budget funded programme activities in Natural Sciences and formulate the required resource mobilization and alternative funding mechanisms, partnerships strategies and plans to that
• Provide technical advice and support to the national institutions and other stakeholders in charge of sciences, technology and innovation for policy and research action-oriented activities on new emerging national and global trends in sciences, and contribute to the development of pertinent strategy papers, technical notes, frameworks and scientific documents, articles that contribute to the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science

Requisites

• 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)
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, geology, earth systems sciences, water science or other related field of natural sciences
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in programme and/or project implementation in the field of natural sciences and or related fields
• Experience in designing and implementing sciences and technology policies and strategies
• Experience in programme management, advocacy, resources, and partnership mobilization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of UNESCO's standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of natural sciences and or related fields
• Proven ability to draft clearly and concisely
• Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities, scientific and research institutions, academia, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
• Discretion and maturity of judgement
• Good IT skill (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, geology, earth systems sciences, water science or other related field of natural sciences
• Experience in UN or international organizations
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of UNESCO's international science programmes: IHP, IGGP, MAB, etc.
• Experience in coordinating inter-institutional platforms on programs especially with government bodies
• Knowledge of another UN official language of UNESCO (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish)

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• 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.