EES Programme Associate

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Cairo Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Level : Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-July-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **BACKGROUND** -------------- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) holds scientific and intellectual leaderships in the field of geosciences and earth sciences through its multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral initiatives; international scientific collaboration; and its Academic Networks, Chairs and Programmes. The Organization operates at the interface between natural and social sciences, education, culture and communication to promote the conservation of the geological heritage and to foster socio-economic and ecological resilience in prone areas to Natural Hazards. The Ecology and Earth Sciences Programme runs various major activities related UNESCO biosphere Reserves, geosciences and geoparks, and natural hazards. The Man and Biosphere programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines both the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems. The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme brings together geoscientists from all over the world to work together, study earth and geological processes, and sustainably manage the geological heritage to promote sites of international geological. UNESCO’s work on Geohazard Risk Reduction operates in accordance with the four Priorities for Action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Through the Ecology and Earth Sciences Programme, UNESCO Cairo assists Arab countries in biodiversity and geological heritage conservation, natural hazards risks reduction and management, and in building and strengthening national and regional capacities in conservation and ecological restoration. The office plays a vital role in supporting Member States towards the establishment of the Arab Geopark network, strengthening the ArabMAB network, and implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement. **TASK DESCRIPTION** -------------------- Within the framework of the Ecology and Earth Sciences (EES) Programme of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States in Cairo (UCO), under the overall supervision of UCO Director and the direct supervision of the EES Programme Specialist at UCO, the Programme Associate will undertake the following tasks: 1\. Assist in the management, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and delivery of results of the programme. This includes undertaking result-based management, developing implementation strategies and workplans, monitoring progress in implementation, preparing briefs and reports, organizing working groups and review meetings and workshops, and evaluating results in line with relevant documents such as the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), project documents and work plans; 2\. Develop procurement plans, track and monitor its implementation, and schedules for on-going and new procurement requirements and contracts; prepare a variety of procurement-related documents including announcements, communications, guidelines, contracts, etc.; conduct market research, support the evaluation process to ensure fair and transparent competition and comparison process; analyze and evaluate vendors' offers considering various factors affecting cost, technical specifications, implementation schedules, reliability, and after- sales/completion implications, ensuring value for money; 3\. Assist in maintaining a tracking system and database to monitor adherence to contractual agreements, performance requirements, and respect of delivery schedules; recommend amendments and extensions of contracts, as necessary; advise parties on contractual rights and obligations; and generate necessary periodic and ad-hoc reports as required, documenting lessons learned and recommendations; Long Description ---------------- 4\. Build and sustain professional partnerships with programme's activities implementation partners and other relevant government institutions to ensure effective implementation of Japanese funded DRR project and AECID funded Geoschemas project; 5\. Ensure knowledge management of data, information, technical documents, and other materials generated through the Japanese funded DRR project and AECID funded Geoschemas project which will contribute to the development and establishment of the goals, objectives, and strategies of the EES programme managed by the Office and will be sustained according to UNESCO's records management policy; 6\. Assist communication and information activities for sharing projects' progress and promoting outcomes and results; 7\. Contribute to partnership building and resource mobilization for the EES programme by analyzing and identifying potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities with current and potential partners. This also includes assisting in the development of concept notes and project proposals to share/submit to bilateral and multilateral partners, international institutions/foundations, and other potential donors; 8\. Prepare promotional and information materials of Japanese funded DRR project and AECID funded Geoschemas project and take part in meetings with technical partners as requested; 9\. Perform other technical and administrative tasks as requested by EES Programme Specialist and/or the Director of the Office. **Results/Expected Outputs** ---------------------------- 1\. Timely and effective implementation of the programme's and projects activities. 2\. In-depth knowledge of UNESCO activities, national stakeholders and international and regional organizations in the Arab region. 3\. Capacity to coordinate complex programme activities in community-based approaches. **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*** • University degree (preferably at the Masters level or equivalent) in environmental science, ecosystem restoration and management with emphasis on natural sciences (i.e. biodiversity, geosciences and earth sciences) including natural hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction, or in other fields closely related to integrated land management and socio-ecological systems resilience. **WORK EXPERIENCE:** • Four to six years of relevant professional experience coordinating and managing activities, ideally focused on one or more of the areas cited below: i) Biodiversity and land conservation and management, ii) Environmental science and management, iii) Earth sciences and Geosciences/Natural Hazards, iv) Ecosystem resilience and social preparedness, v) Multi-hazards management and disaster risk reduction, vi) Climate change and adaptation mechanisms. • Fluency (oral and written) in both English and Arabic is required.  **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- Experience working on regional or international levels or in the UN System is an asset. Experience working directly with government officials and other high-level experts in the Arab region is an asset Fluency (oral and written) in French is an asset but not required. **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.