National Professional Officer (Natural Sciences)

Contract

This is a NO-C contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 5,141 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 6ZWSC0001TA Grade : NO-C Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Harare Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Temporary Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-APR-2024 **UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism** **Only nationals of Zimbabwe can apply for this post** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences’ Sector (ADG/SC), with functional authority from the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in Harare, and direct supervision from the Head of Natural Sciences Unit in Harare, in cooperation with the Natural Sciences Programme Divisions at the UNESCO Headquarters, the incumbent will contribute to the design, coordination and implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programmes and activities carried out by the Natural Sciences Sector in the Harare Office. This contribution aims to support the Member States (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe) in their efforts to implement the National Development Plans (NDPs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs), while also contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for providing professional and technical support, research, analysis, mobilisation of funds and partnership development as well as evaluate programme initiatives to implement priorities of the Natural Sciences Sector. H/she shall work as part of the interdisciplinary team in the UNESCO Office in Harare, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and receiving technical guidance from Natural Sciences Programme Divisions at UNESCO Headquarters and Natural Sciences Programme Specialists at the Multisectoral Office for Southern Africa. More specifically, the incumbent will perform the following responsibilities: Long Description ---------------- - Provide professional and technical support in the identification, design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programmes and activities in the field of natural sciences in Southern Africa. This includes aligning with Major Programme II and the Natural Sciences Sector's strategies and priorities to promote learning and sustainable societies, and support the countries in advancing science, technology, innovation, research, and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges. - Participate in Regular Programme (C/5) work plans, policy formulation discussions, and other sector-related strategy formulation activities. - Coordinate and monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects in natural sciences. This includes a particular emphasis on the protection of environment, biodiversity, hydrological security and water resources management, disaster risk reduction, citizen science and local/indigenous knowledge, and science technology and innovation covering Water Security, Open Science, Basic Sciences, Research Innovation and Engineering, Earth Sciences, and Biodiversity. - Participate and provide technical support to UNESCO's involvement in joint programming exercises within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Reform, such as Common Country Assessments (CCAs), UNSDCFs or Cooperation Framework (CF), Joint Annual Work Plans and Reports, Voluntary National Reports (VNRs), UN and UNESCO’s Declarations and Resolutions, and National Reports on the UN and UNESCO Conventions such as but not limited to the Wetlands Convention, Water Convention, and Convention on Biological Diversity. - Cooperate to support UNESCO work in the UN's regional coordination platforms such as the Opportunities and Issues-Based Coalitions (O/IBCs), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)-UNESCO Joint Programme of Actions (JPA). - Promote development communication, visibility and support strategic partnerships with other agencies, funds, and programmes, especially those with evident potential for or having existing cooperation with the Regional Office, Multilateral and Bilateral Development partners in collaboration with colleagues from Headquarters and other UNESCO Field Offices, UNESCO Category I and Category II Centres and Institutes in Natural Sciences and UNESCO Chair and University Twinning and Networking Programme (UNITWIN) networks. - Provide technical advice and support to the national institutions, sub/regional organizations, UN theme groups and other stakeholders for sciences, technology, innovation, and environmental policies and research action-oriented activities on new emerging national and global trends. - Contribute to the development of pertinent strategy papers, technical notes, frameworks and scientific documents and articles that contribute to the implementation of the Natural Sciences Sector's work and promotion of the priorities of Regional Office in Harare. - Support the implementation of the Regional Strategy and the Regional Office's resource mobilisation or other funding mechanisms strategy and develop interdisciplinary concept notes and project proposals to upscale or replicate regular budget-funded programme activities. **Competencies (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (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 relevant field of hydrology, earth sciences or a related field of natural sciences. ***WORK EXPERIENCE*** - Minimum of 4 (four) years of relevant work experience in coordination, result-based management, implementation, and monitoring of programmes in hydrological or other areas of natural sciences such as science, technology and innovation, and/or other related fields. - Relevant experience in advocacy, resource mobilisation, and partnership development. ***SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES*** - Strong analytical skills including collecting, consolidating and interpreting data from various sources, results-based writing, and communication. - Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, and administrative organizing with a strong result focus. - Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and be accountable. - Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and ability to maintain professionalism in all situations. - Excellent communication skills and high-level abilities to build strategic partnerships and collaborate with a wide range of partners, including national and local authorities, academia, relevant United Nations (UN) Organizations, financing institutions and partners, expert bodies and networks, and civil society. - Ability to take initiative and work in a multicultural team with respect and tact for diversity. - Demonstrated skills in knowledge management and continuous self-improvement, and innovation. - Proficiency in IT skills of MS Office programmes (i.e. Word, Excel, Office, etc.). ***LANGUAGE*** - Excellent knowledge of English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***EDUCATION*** - Advanced university Degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant field of hydrology, natural sciences, earth sciences or a related field. ***WORK EXPERIENCE*** - Experience at the international level, i.e. within the United Nations common system or International Organizations. ***SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES*** - Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System. - Knowledge of United Nations work in the field of natural sciences and/ or related fields. ***LANGUAGE*** - Knowledge of another UN official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, 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 55 547 US $. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits](https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20Brochure%20Locally%20recruited%20staff.pdf). **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 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](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) 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.*