Programme Specialist (Science)
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Post Number : SC 394
Grade : P-4
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-SEP-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division and Secretary of the Man and the Biosphere programme (MAB), and direct supervision from the Chief of Section, Research and Policy Ecology and Biodiversity, the incumbent will deliver scientific support of Natural Sciences Sector programmes, projects, systems, scientific assessments and work plans, meeting the needs of Member States as regards the MAB programme research agenda, MAB strategy.
S/he will design, monitor and follow up programme and research activities on the assigned thematic responsibilities along the line of the C4/C5, and MAB strategic priorities and 2030 development agenda, and other relevant related international agendas.
The incumbent will deliver visible and high-quality expected results on assigned thematic areas to Member States. S/he will design the relevant strategies, policies, objectives, and deliverables and define priorities and pursue extrabudgetary resources. The incumbent will ensure the implementation of work plans and the achievement of related outcomes described in UNESCO’s medium-term strategy and in the MAB implementation strategy. More specifically, the incumbent will:
Long Description
- Design, develop, coordinate, implement and monitor programme and project activities related to the MAB research on aspects of biodiversity and climate change.
- Assist Member States in the regional networks in needs identification, provide advice on cooperation between regional and international centres, and the preparation of studies, collection, analysis and dissemination of information and support new biosphere reserve nominations and assure their monitoring with respect to the periodic review process.
- Develop, coordinate and manage international and national capacity building activities such as professional and university level training courses related to biodiversity and climate change and provide expert technical support and assistance to the Member States on analysis, sector plan development and sector management for areas within the Natural Sciences Sector.
- Implement MAB related prizes including the Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation and the Michel Batisse Award.
- Strengthen regional and scientific MAB networks, their activity and performance of relevant institutions for improved services and knowledge sharing, increased partnerships, joint programming and integration to regional and international infrastructures.
- Maintain relations with professional, scientific and UN organizations and create and support scientific network related to biodiversity and climate change.
- Initiate, coordinate and mobilize and raise extrabudgetary resources, to support regular programme activities and implement, monitor related projects and programmes in line with approved objectives and deliverables.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in ecological, environmental sciences and/or related field.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of ecological and Environmental Sciences research including biodiversity and climate change, of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international level.
- Experience in carrying out research and training programmes and in project formulation, implementation and evaluation
- Experience in proposal writing, resource mobilization and partnership building.
- Track record of relevant scientific publications related to ecology and environmental sciences including biodiversity and climate change.
Skills and competencies
- High level of autonomy.
- Good conceptual, analytical, research and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to carry out quality research and produce papers related to biodiversity and climate change.
- Excellent drafting skills with ability to produce high quality reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
- Ability to plan and organize training courses, projects and workshops on biodiversity and climate change.
- Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and to motivate a multicultural team 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 and through various channels including the web and social media.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and working knowledge of French (written and spoken).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the field of environmental and/or ecological sciences, biodiversity and climate change.
Work Experience
- Experience within a United Nations agency or programme or within an international organization.
- Experience in the planning and organization of training sessions and international scientific and technical workshops and seminars focusing on biodiversity and climate change.
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 especially related to biodiversity and, climate change and adaptation.
- Good knowledge of UNESCO – Man and the Biosphere programme (MAB) Programme and knowledge of UNESCO’s work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
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 121,247.17 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.
