Deputy Project Coordinator

Contract

This is a SC-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Service Board / Service Contract. It is normally only for nationals. More about SC-3 contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: South Africa Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Level : SB3:1 Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-JUNE-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **Initial Duration of Contract: One year with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.** **ONLY NATIONALS OF SOUTH AFRICA ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION** The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and the Project Coordinator responsible for implementing the project ‘Addressing Climate Risk and Building Adaptive Capacity in South Africa’s Biosphere Reserves: Towards Sustainable Water and Ecosystem Management’. The severe impacts of prolonged droughts in South Africa over the last decade highlight the vulnerability of the country to water scarcity, a condition which is expected to worsen considerably as a result of climate change impacts. The analysis after almost reaching ‘Day Zero’ in Cape Town and other communities, indicates a clear need to include climate change impacts in medium to long term water planning, and to move towards ecosystem-based adaptation that ensure long-term sustainability. The project addresses this gap by introducing a novel bottom-up, participatory approach to climate change adaptation, providing an adequate planning pathway for decision making at the local, regional and national level. In combination with adequate monitoring and early warning tools, the project aims to facilitate climate informed decision-making in South Africa’s Biosphere Reserves and to support targeted training and technology transfer to ensure that the capacities to develop effective ecosystem-based adaptation strategies are strongly enhanced. To support the day-to-day implementation of the project, a Deputy Project Coordinator will be hired, that shall perform the following tasks: 1\. Act as deputy coordinating officer for the project, by providing technical and logistical assistance to implement the project activities in the four target areas in South Africa and support contracting processes by drafting of concept notes and terms of reference, procurement of goods and services according to UNESCO rules and regulations, monitor budgets and financial aspects of project implementation; 2\. Coordinate with the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, the Project Coordinator and the project focal points in the different project locations, as well as with the national and international stakeholders, and to ensure smooth implementation of the project; 3\. Help organize project related events such as stakeholder meetings, training workshops and (online) conferences; 4\. Implement the project communication strategy, maintain communications, support the development of the project website and data repository; 5\. Support general monitoring and reporting on the activities with respect to the project implementation framework, update the project database and draft progress reports in liaison with UNESCO colleagues and project partners; 6\. Support the preparations for required missions, meetings and other consultations with project partners, including preparation of concept notes, policy briefs, presentations and other materials as required; 7\. Undertake project related missions to the field sites to support implementation and to track progress; 8\. Support the work of the UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector and contribute as team member to the activities of the section. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **Education** • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences, hydrology or earth sciences. **Work Experience** • At least 3 years of relevant experience; • Demonstrated professional experience with project management; • Familiarity with one or more of the following fields: water resources, environmental sciences, climate change and natural sciences; • Excellent report writing skills; • Proficiency in MS Office; • High degree of independence, as well as well‐developed capacities for teamwork; **Skills and competencies** • Extensive knowledge, and high level of technical writing skills; • Ability to multi task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure; • Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy; • Strong strategic and analytical skills; • Excellent communication skills. **Languages** • Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written). **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Academic qualifications** • Specialized courses or higher education diploma related to disaster risk management and/or climate change adaptation; **Work Experience** • At least 1 year of experience in the United Nations or Intergovernmental organizations; **Competencies and Skills** • Experience in the use of hydrological and/or ecological modelling techniques and disaster risk management tools; • Strong knowledge of computer applications, web skills and social media; **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- **Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS****”** **title to “APPLICATION PROCESS****”****, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.** **Otherwise you can delete this section.** **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.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) 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. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) 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.