National Officer for Natural Sciences

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Apia

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : Level 4

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22/05/2024

 

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

Only Samoan Nationals or individuals with the legal right to live and work in Samoa are eligible to apply

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Apia, and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences, UNESCO Suva, the incumbent will assist in contributing to the implementation, monitoring and reporting on activities carried out under the Major Programme II – Natural Sciences in the Pacific region, as well as in view of supporting the Member States in their efforts to implement the National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Framework (UNSDCF), contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, post-SAMOA pathway and 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, with focus on Samoa.

 

The Incumbent shall, in particular:

 

1. Assist in providing with professional and technical support, research and analysis for the implementation of  international, regional and national agendas and plans  in line with UNESCO Natural Sciences programme priorities to advance science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges,  and in the interest of Samoa.
2. Work as part of the interdisciplinary UNESCO Pacific team, under the technical guidance from Natural Science Programme Specialist in UNESCO Suva, and in close collaboration with the Natural Sciences Programme units at the Headquarters. 
3. Contribute in strengthening collaborative relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as the UN system, National Commissions and relevant Ministries and partners in Member States, as well as CROP agencies in Samoa.
4. Participate in Regular Programme (C/5) work plans, policy formulation discussions, and other sector-related strategy formulation activities.

Long Description

TASKS:

TASK 1: Assist in facilitating the coordination and oversight of program and project development, implementation, and evaluation in Natural Sciences, covering Ecological and Earth Sciences, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), climate change and disaster risk reduction, LINKS, as well as STI and STEM with focus on Samoa’s needs and priorities.

TASK 2: Take part in the UNESCO Apia office’s interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts, including the formulation of concept notes and project development for extra-budgetary funding through participation in intersectoral programmes and activities 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 and in line with the SIDS Operational Startegy.

TASK 3: Support and participate in UNESCO’s involvement in joint meetings, programming exercises as well as results groups and fundraising the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF) with focus on Samoa. This includes active contribution to the Climate Change acceleration for Samoa initiative, spearhead by UNDP and UNESCO.

Long Description

TASK 4: 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, with focus on Samoa.

TASK 5: Contribute in maintaining strategic partnerships with other UNESCO field offices, UN Agencies, in particular, UNEP, FAO, UNDP, donors, as well as category I and Category II Centres and Institutes in Natural Sciences to foster opportunities for joint programming activities related to Natural Sciences, with focus on Samoa needs and priorities.

Long Description

TASK 6:  Work in close coordination with UNESCO Suva, in ensuring the implementation of the regular budget programme and ongoing and new extrabudgetary projects and proposals, with focus on Samoa -establish corresponding budgets, monitor the budgetary and financial status of the projects and decentralised budgets and ensure financial accountability.

TASK 7: Contribute to visibility and communication of the work of Natural Sciences programme in Samoa and the Pacific, through social media and available web platforms, as per UNESCO rules and regulations.

TASK 8: Provide with any other support as requested by the Director of the office.

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

EDUCATION

• First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the field of Natural Sciences related disciplines (Environmental, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Basic Sciences, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Engineering and Science Policy)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of sciences such as Environmental/Water Resources and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)

• Proven experience in science coordination and/or programme management, designing and implementing programmes/projects, and demonstrating expertise in area of Natural Sciences. 

 

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Good programme and project management skills

• Good analytical skills. Excellent organizational and coordination skills. 

•Good IT skills, ability to work in a multicultural environment, excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities as well as key stakeholders in the civil society, such as national and international NGOs in the cluster countries and the region.

• Ability to draft papers, strategic documents and publications.

• Good communication and IT skills and excellent knowledge (Written and Oral) of English language

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree in the field of science, international development or  in  another natural sciences fields

WORK EXPERIENCE

•Experience within government or the private sector in the field of Natural Sciences.

•Experience with UN system and/or professional NGOs and/or regional organizations

•Experience in promoting regional cooperation among the Region.

•Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the Region.

 Skills and competencies

• Ability to work effectively 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 knowledge of UN work in the region.

LANGUAGE

Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

This assignment is a full-time nature under UNESCO Service Contract Modality at the level of SC8 and will follow the official working hours of the UNESCO office for the Pacific States in Apia, Samoa. The assignment will be until 31 December 2024  starting from the date a contract is signed by both parties. Appointment to this post is subject to medical clearance. Estimated monthly salary is WST 4,581. In addition to that, UNESCO will contribute to the pension fund and medical insurance in line with the provisions of UNESCO HR Manual. Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only. Only Samoan Nationals or Candidates with the legal right to live and work in Samoa can apply for this position.

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.

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