Principal Officer, Natural Sciences Programme: KNC 5 -1 POST at Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

Functions

• The Natural Sciences Programme officers are responsible for the following functions: 
• Promote involvement in UNESCO’s activities the relevant line ministries, departments, agencies, 
• organizations and individuals dealing in Natural Sciences; 
• Ensure implementation of UNESCO natural Sciences activities and budgeted programmes; 
• Promote linkages between UNESCO and; Government Ministries, Departments, Counties and State 
• agencies, UNESCO Agencies, Civil Society, and the private sector concerned with Natural Science; 
• Co-ordinate participation in international meetings on Natural Sciences; 
• Promote dissemination of information on UNESCO prizes and awards to potential candidates and 
• ensure their participation; 
• Promote dissemination of information on UNESCO fellowships and study grants to potential 
• applicants and facilitate their participation; 
• Co-ordinate ratification of UNESCO Natural Sciences related conventions and protocols; viii. coordinate capacity building in Natural Sciences; 
• Initiate research and collaboration with other partners and across the programmes; 
• Formulate Natural Sciences programmes and activities; and 
• Provide expert advisory service in Natural Sciences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing technical support in the development of natural sciences policies to provide information 
• required by a senior officer; 
• Providing regular briefs and prompt communication to a senior officer on the section issues; 
• Providing information for the budgets on the sections so that it can be incorporated in the programme 
• budget; 
• Preparing work plans to guide the implementation of activities within a given financial year in the unit; 
• Preparing natural sciences reports and publications for disseminating the progress and work 
• performance within each financial year; 
• Generating accurate data and information for appropriate reporting and dissemination of UNESCO 
• related activities in Kenya to relevant stakeholders; 
• Preparing capacity building programmes to enhance natural sciences sector agenda; 
• Implementing the section annual operational plans to enhance quality management of the division; 
• Recommending to a senior officer effective processes, systems and internal controls for the section 
• including succession plans and ensure their implementation thereof to facilitate harmonious working 
• relationships; 
• Preparing relevant documents required to enhance direction and advice to the Kenyan natural 
• sciences system through the ministry of natural sciences; 
• Mobilizing local and international support for the execution of the units programmes and activities on 
• natural sciences; 
• Writing speeches and country position papers for national, regional and international meetings; and 
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements for Appointment

• Eight (8) years relevant work experience, three of which must have been in a supervisory role; 
• Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences from a recognized institution; 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences from a recognized and accredited institution;
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications; 
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance; and 
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Communication and reporting skills 
• Problem solving and analytical skills 
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills 
• Problem solving skills