National Professional Officer (Science)

Contract

This is a NO-D 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 7,239 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 : 6KESC1000RP Grade : NO-D Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Nairobi Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Fixed Term Field Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-MAR-2022 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***Only nationals of Kenya should apply to this position.*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. As a specialized agency and knowledge-based organization, UNESCO depends on highly skilled, committed professionals. Given the ambitious and exciting challenges of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our expertise and global presence in the fields of Education, the Sciences, Culture, and Communication and Information, is more relevant than ever. Geographically diverse and gender-balanced, UNESCO is committed to having a competent, motivated and dedicated workforce that acts with the highest integrity and is empowered to support UNESCO’s capacity to deliver on the sustainable development goals. Under the of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist and Head of the Natural Sciences Sector, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Natural Sciences programme, the management of activities/projects as well as the overall visibility of the actions. The incumbent works in the framework of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4), the Approved Programme and Budget (C/5), the Global Development Plans, notably the Agenda 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063 (the Africa We Want). Specifically, s/he will: Long Description ---------------- - Participate in the conceptualization, design, planning, developing, coordination, monitoring and implementation of the Regional Office’s Natural Sciences strategies and corresponding programmes, projects and activities. Identify entry points for science and focus on areas within national priorities, and propose alignment of the latter with Natural Sciences priorities, particularly in biodiversity conservation, water resources management, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics (STEM) Education, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Earth Science and Gender. - Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on Natural Sciences programmes and priorities including the identification and development of intersectoral initiatives in Water; Biodiversity; Earth Science; STI, STEM Education and DRR. Long Description ---------------- - Provide advise and technical assistance to the development, monitoring and evaluation of the gender in science and science education activities in the Natural Sciences Sector, regarding Regular and Extra-budgetary Programmes, in consultation with Government priorities in all levels and modalities of Basic Sciences. Represent the Natural Sciences Sector whenever necessary, with regards to the discussion of policy issues on gender in science and science education in the Basic sciences along with the preparation of corresponding texts and documents promoting UNESCO main programmes and orientation. - Maintain close contacts with the concerned (sub-) regional/national/local authorities and contribute to the development of national science policies. In this context, maintain and ensure relations with science and technology institutions and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. Support the development and implementation of science related programmes and activities in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC). Establish, develop and maintain cooperative links with National Commissions, science-related Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, tertiary education and research and development (R&D) institutions. Long Description ---------------- - Facilitate the work of the Natural Sciences Sector in the joint programming exercises in the framework of the UN reform, such as Delivering as One, Common Country Assessments (CCA)/ United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF), Country Programme Documents (CPD) and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAP), in alignment with regional and national UNESCO goals, and UN Agencies’ goals. Provide technical advice/ assistance and contribute to provision of policy advice to IGAD, IOC, EAC and Member States to uphold the role of science as a vector for national development and contribute to development of national water, biodiversity, STI and DRR policies. Respond to national priorities with informed solutions. - Identify, design and implement extrabudgetary projects to reinforce the office’s Regular Programme and contribute to resource mobilization in support of interdisciplinary programme activities in water, biodiversity, STI, STEM, DRR and Earth Science for the implementation of national and/or regional strategies for sustainable development in the Eastern Africa region. **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 field of natural sciences, engineering, hydrology, environmental or earth sciences. **Work Experience** - Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of natural sciences, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level. - Experience in designing and implementing programmes in water resources, science and technology, environmental sciences, climate change, STEM and other relevant fields of the natural sciences. - Experience in fund-raising and resource mobilisation through negotiation with financial Institutions. - Experience in research and gender transformative policy development in water, environment, climate change, earth science, STEM, and other relevant fields of the natural sciences. - Experience in project management. **Skills / Competencies** - Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills. - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing). - Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. - Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and teams and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment. - Good knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.). - Excellent writing skills demonstrated by scientific publications in relevant fields. - High degree of independence, as well as well‐developed capacities for teamwork. - Discretion and maturity of judgement. **Languages** - Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Education** - PhD in in the field of natural sciences, engineering, hydrology, environmental or earth sciences. **Work Experience** - Experience in developing networks and partnerships at the international, regional and national levels. **Skills/Competencies** - Familiarity with UNESCO's standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of natural sciences. - Familiarity with the UN System or other recognized international organizations. **Languages** - Working knowledge of French. - Knowledge of other UNESCO Official Languages (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Russian). **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. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.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 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”.*