Programme Officer – Natural Sciences

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Dakar

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : 

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 16-APR-2024

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 Regional Director and the supervision of Natural Sciences Program Specialists, the incumbent (SC-8, NOA) will be responsible for supporting the coordination and implementation of Natural Sciences program in 15 countries of West Africa covered by the office. 

Long Description

Within this context, the incumbent will be responsible for:

Program Implementation

• Contribute to the development, coordination and implementation of activities related to biodiversity, ecology and ecosystems management within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere  (MAB) Program, and based on Member States specific needs;
• Support the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the other Natural Sciences sector activities such as Science Technology and Innovation (STI), STEM Education, Water sciences, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR);
• Interact regularly with various stakeholders (regional, national and local authorities, National Commission for UNESCO, United Nations agencies, scientific institutions, private sector, NGOs, sub-regional organizations) for the development and implementation of joint programs; Participate in the Organization’s representation activities in the various exchange platforms;
• Ensure the visibility of program activities through regular communication (publishing articles, posts, etc in UNESCO’s website and social networks);
• Contribute to inter-sectorial joint planning and implementation of activities and projects, and collaborate with other UNESCO regional / national offices and Headquarters units.

Long Description

Project management support

• Coordinate the planning of project activities in accordance with their logical results framework.
• Ensure the implementation of activities in close collaboration with the various stakeholders.
• Contribute to drafting of technical documents, such as project technical reports and materials, progress reports, communication and correspondence, and undertake such drafting as required; 
• Organize regular monitoring and evaluation missions in the field, ensuring the effective involvement of beneficiaries and the preparation of related reports.
• Establish, develop and maintain consistent working relationships with project partners.
• Ensure the visibility of projects through regular communication and maintain the link with internal and external partners.

Long Description

Resource mobilization and partnership :

• Contribute to resource mobilization by responding to calls for projects and developing concept notes and project proposals in accordance with national priorities in order to strengthen program activities;
• Maintain contacts with donors for the financing of extra-budgetary projects.
• Contribute to the search and development of partnerships with national authorities, the private sector, civil society, NGOs and multilateral funding bodies.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (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

Academic Requirements (level of education, relevant major)

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in the field of Natural sciences, Environmental Sciences, or social sciences with good expertise in Environment.

 Professional Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of natural science and/or environmental sciences.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience related to a program/project development and management.

Key Competencies of the Assignment

• Solid understanding of Environmental sciences.
• Excellent knowledge in English and French (speaking and writing) 
• Strong conceptual, analytical, research and organizational skills.
• Excellent drafting skills: ability to produce reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex and changing environment.
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international scientific organizations, professional organization.
• Good Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience

• Experience at international or regional level
• Experience in ecosystems and biodiversity conservation would be an asset

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The benefits include, among other things, 2.5 days of annual leave per month of service, an organization contribution of 5% and 10% of the monthly salary paid in addition to health insurance and retirement respectively upon presentation by the person concerned with proof of their affiliation to a private health insurance and/or retirement plan.

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.