National Programme Officer (Social and Human Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4INSHS1000RP

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: New Delhi

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term Field

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-MAY-2024

 

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

 

Only nationals of India can apply for this post

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

The focus of the Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) at UNESCO is to foster inclusive societies, and to ensure the ethical development of emerging technologies, including of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In November 2021, UNESCO’s Member States adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. This global standard aims to leverage the positive impact of AI while addressing its inherent risks. Getting AI governance right is one of the most consequential challenges of our time, and countries around the world are now in the process of implementing the Recommendation, with UNESCO supporting them through various capacity-building efforts.

 

In addition, SHS strives to accomplish its fundamental humanist mission that calls for enhancing the efforts against racism and discrimination, to deploy the power of sports for social inclusion, promoting intercultural dialogue and supporting youth and women. SHS collaborates with Member States to advance UNESCO’s 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, focusing on the protection of scientists and enhancing the science-policy nexus via the Management of Social Transformation (MOST) program.

 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), direct supervision of the Director of UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office, and in close collaboration with and guidance from the SHS Programme Specialist in the Office, the incumbent will be responsible for providing professional and technical support, research and analysis, with an emphasis on the national perspective of their own country, to the Regional Office and Social and Human Sciences Sector work as well as to inter-sectoral programmatic activities and initiatives conducted from own duty station. S/he will work within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and according to global development plans such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

In particular, the incumbent will:
 

 

Long Description

Programme and Project Support:

• Support advancement of better governance of AI, through the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. This involves supporting the national deployment of AI Readiness Assessments in the region, identifying strategic opportunities, expanding networks and contacts, and developing and executing work plans.
• Advance SHS priorities on championing the anti-racism and anti-discrimination agenda; promoting trust in science and protecting scientists and scientific freedom; leveraging sports for social inclusion via Fit for Life; promoting gender equality, intercultural dialogue, and youth-led initiatives; and facilitating social and human science-based policy-making through the MOST programme.
• Provide technical inputs to shape the design and implementation of programs and projects aimed at strengthening national capacities in alignment with the priorities outlined in the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Draft detailed work plans, task descriptions, budgets and output indicators for projects.
• Implement and monitor activities and projects within established work plans and document progress against predefined performance indicators.
• Carry out situational analysis, and compile data and inputs for concept notes, publications, briefings and documents.
• Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events and missions.
• Monitor, track and report on regular and extra budgetary project implementation and outputs within the Delhi Office, including using relevant UNESCO tools.
• Provide inputs for the preparation of methodological and other guides for implementation and evaluation for use within Delhi Office and as a contribution to national capacity development.
• Support the Programme Specialist in multi-sectoral and cross-country programmatic activities and initiatives in the Region.

Long Description

Research and Knowledge Management:

• Conduct high quality research and analysis to translate global analyses, normative frameworks, and guidelines into actionable knowledge products and insights tailored for countries in the Region. These efforts aim to support countries in developing effective governance tools and enhance their capacities to craft inclusive policies, improving the well-being of people.
• Maintain awareness of development and advancements on SHS priorities with a special focus on countries in the Region to advice the Sector on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.
• Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on SHS priorities, ensuring regular contributions to web and printed content and dissemination to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prepare data and inputs for documents, projects and proposals as well as conventional and on-line publications, visibility and public information materials, and social media and website content.
• Ensure knowledge management, websites and information systems are up to date and content is easily accessible to the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office staff.
• Upload to automated systems (SharePoint) and other platforms the institutional memory of own office. Contribute inputs to the design of project progress and performance monitoring tools. Analyse best practices and current trends to contribute inputs to the knowledge base.
  

Long Description

 

Partnership:

• Analyse and compile background data for potential partnerships and fundraising events and opportunities.
• Support UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office and corporate communication by drafting and generating brochures, leaflets, social media content and other visual, online and written communication and information materials.
• Assist resource mobilisation efforts by preparing specific inputs for the development of concept notes, and project and funding proposals on the basis of available situational analysis and needs assessments and in accordance with the C/5.
• Assist in planning and implementing outreach and visibility activities aimed at programme promotion and expansion.
• Draft inputs for the UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office’s contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Common Country Assessment (CCA), Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Action Plan (CAP) and to other relevant national planning exercises of countries in its region.
• Liaise with colleagues within the Sector and in other Sectors, in own and other Regional and National Offices, and Headquarters to discuss developments and opportunities, as required.

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

 

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the relevant field of social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum 2 (two) years of relevant professional experience in the field of social and human sciences, political science, international relations at the national or sub-regional level.
• Experience working in the implementation of national and/or sub-regional projects in the area of social and human sciences.
• Experience in fundraising and financial resource mobilisation and establishing and maintaining relations with donors.
• Experience using web-based information management systems.

 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven organizational and coordination skills, ability to take initiative, establish priorities, monitor own work plans and report on actions and projects.
• Strong project management skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to deal efficiently with partners at different levels.
• Ability to participate effectively in negotiations.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
• Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.
• Excellent knowledge management with an understanding of emerging communication and information technologies and their potential uses.

 

LANGUAGE

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in UNESCO’s Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of Social and Human Sciences.
• Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.
• Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the United Nations System.
• Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP).

 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work, and familiarity with Social and Human Sciences Sector activities.
• Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the South Asia region.

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 31 344 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.