Project Officer (Natural Sciences) at UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

• Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General (ADG/SC) for the Natural Sciences Sector, and the direct supervision of the Senior Science Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences) of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, the Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the project “Sustainably unlocking the economic potential of Lake Turkana”, funded by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands (EKN). S/he will advise on and advocate UNESCO’s positioning, involvement and participation in the United Nations based on the project related work. The incumbent will be responsible for the coordination of the project including the project staff and partners and engaging resources to achieve programmatic objectives, forge and maintain partnerships as well as defining and promoting cross-sectional and divisional work within the  framework of the project.

In particular, the Project Officer will:

Long Description

• Organize and monitor the execution of the activities of the Water Sciences Programme, related to the project “Sustainably unlocking the economic potential of Lake Turkana”, including those emanating from the regional support strategy, cross-cutting themes and other transdisciplinary efforts, in co-operation with other Sectors, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), Intergovermental Hydrological Programme, National Committees and other partners.
• Coordinate the project’s rollout; ensure and monitor its successful implementation, and recommend and implement any necessary changes.
• Lead and coordinate the work of the project team.
• Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating UNESCO’s work related to the project and increase visibility, resources partners and networks.
• Identify financial resources within the framework of the project. Develop further contacts with development partners and funding agencies to ensure mobilization of additional opportunities for extra budgetary resources for relevant programmatic and thematic areas related to the project.
• Represent the Regional Office in internal and external networks related to the project when necessary, and support efforts in developing partnerships with designated UN specialized agencies, and other UN Agencies and Organizations as well as NGOs and IGOs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of hydrology, water resources or environmental engineering.

Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of water resources and environmental research, hydrology, and water quality monitoring, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level. 
• Demonstrated experience in managing and coordinating water science projects.
• Demonstrated experience in field work within the context of developing countries.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a multicultural team with tact and sensitivity to diversity.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with internal and external partners.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) and good knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in the field of hydrology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, with a focus on hydrological processes and modelling and water quality.