UNSECO recuits 01 Programme Specialist (Science)
Job description
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Natural Sciences (ADG/SC) and direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Dakar Office, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring the development, coordination and implementation and management of programme, projects and activities related to water and ecological sciences and biodiversity in the Western Africa (Sahel). S/He will coordinate and ensure the achievement of environmental (water, ecological and biodiversity) priorities and policy development within the context of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (CA), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and global development plans such as 2030 agenda and related SDGs and the 2063 Africa agenda for Western Africa (Sahel).
In line with the Man and Biosphere (MAB), Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) strategic priorities and related follow up to the 9th World Water Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, the incumbent will deliver visible and high-quality results to Member states by defining priorities, designing relevant strategies and policies as well as mobilising partnerships and extrabudgetary resources.
In particular, the incumbent will:
Long Description
- Design, coordinate, implement and monitor programme and project activities, along in line with the C4/ C5 in West Africa (Sahel) in the areas of natural sciences focusing on water management, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, climate change and disaster risk reduction, in cooperation with the Divisions of water sciences and ecological and earth sciences at Headquarters (HQ).
- In collaboration with the regional hydrologist, other UNESCO programme specialists in the region and at HQ, ensure the implementation and coordination of events and other undertakings including capacity building in Western Africa (Sahel) and, strengthen the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Africa MAB network (AfriMAB) as well as the water family network.
- Provide advisory services to Member states on the attainment of the priorities in line with the 2030 development agenda, Sendai Framework, Paris agreement, biodiversity, other international environmental related agendas, and Dakar Declaration on 9th World Water Forum.
- Engage with relevant joint UN exercises for the MSR Dakar office such as CCA, UNSDCF, Joint Programming, and ensure that UNESCO’s priorities are fully reflected where appropriate.
- Mobilise relevant UNESCO science networks including category 2 centres and chairs, programme related Intergovernmental Councils such as IHP and MAB for programme implementation and delivery, especially in Ecological and Earth Sciences, water sciences and climate change.
- Maintain relations with the African Union, AU/NEPAD, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), G5 Sahel, and UN organizations like UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF, WFP, FAO among other as well as with multilateral and bilateral development agencies, e.g. World Bank, regional funds and development banks (African Development Bank), European Commission, IGOs, NGOs in view of the implementation of joint activities for the sub-region.
- Initiate, coordinate and mobilise and raise extrabudgetary resources to support RP activities
- Implement and monitor related projects/programmes in line with approved objectives and deliverables.
Job requirements
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of environmental sciences, water sciences, ecological sciences, soil and water management or related earth sciences fields.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the areas of hydrology, water management, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, and climate change, of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international level.
- Experience in water and ecological science education, training and/or research on water management, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, vulnerability analysis, mapping, adaptation and resilience within the context of climate change.
- Experience in Programme/project development and fundraising.
- Experience in resource mobilization, support for programme implementation, budget management and programme reporting
Skills/Competencies
- Good conceptual, analytical, research and organisational skills.
- Strong analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.
- Proven ability in planning and setting up training courses, projects, workshops on water management, ecosystems and biodiversity conservation and climate change.
- Demonstrated professional experience with project management skill and proposal writing and resource mobilisation.
- Excellent drafting skills: ability to produce reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
- High degree of independence, as well as well‐developed capacities for teamwork in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
- Ability to communicate (written and oral) and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders, within and outside the organization
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of French and good knowledge of English
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10 June 2022.