Project Officer

Overview

Oversee water sciences project on Lake Turkana, manage partnerships and staff.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of hydrology, water resources or environmental engineering.
• PhD in the field of hydrology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, water sciences or environmental sciences with a focus on hydrological processes monitoring and modeling.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of water resources research.
• Professional experience in the development and implementation of monitoring programs for hydrological processes and for water quality.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and motivate a multicultural team.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Track record of relevant scientific publications related to hydrology, water resources and adaptation strategies.
• Experience in managing budgets and reporting on implementation.
• Ability to carry out quality research and produce papers related to hydrological processes.

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 128,177 USD and 165,257 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 : 6KESC0002PA Grade : P-4 Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Nairobi Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-MAY-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General (ADG/SC) for Natural Sciences, and the direct supervision of the Senior Science Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences) of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the incumbent will act as the Water Sciences Project Manager and Coordinator. Following the award of the project “Sustainably unlocking the economic potential of Lake Turkana” funded by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands (EKN), the water security portfolio of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa increased more than 200% in December 2024 with the addition of four new projects worth of 10,5 million USD. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the Senior Science Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences) in the coordination, and monitoring of these projects, while enhancing partnerships and fund raising further. In particular, the post will comprise of the direct management of the project “Sustainably unlocking the economic potential of Lake Turkana” and the coordination role of the other four upcoming projects as well as any additional projects that might come along. Long Description ---------------- The incumbent’s work includes the supervision of project staff and engaging resources to achieve agreed objectives, forge and maintain partnerships as well as defining and promoting cross-sectional and divisional work within the projects’ frameworks. She/He will advise on and advocate UNESCO’s positioning, involvement and participation in the UN fora based on the project’s related work. S/he supports the production of scientific knowledge base, tools and methodologies and produces high quality publications on the assigned thematic responsibilities along the line of the C4/C5, and IHP strategic priorities. More specifically, the incumbent 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, the C/4 and C/5 documents, cross cutting themes and other transdisciplinary efforts, in co-operation with other Sectors, IGOs, NGOs, IHP National Committees and other partners. - Coordination and monitoring of four new projects under the supervision and in support of the Senior Science Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences) - Coordinate the project’s rollout; ensure and monitor its successful implementation, and recommend accordingly approaches to improve its implementation, and plan and implement related changes. - Manage project related staff, consultants, volunteers and interns. - 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 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. - Coordinate production of high-quality scientific knowledge base, data, tools, and methodologies to address water security, hydrological processes and climate change adaptation in coordination with relevant category II centres and chairs. - Promote, and facilitate the deployment of hydrological products in Member States such as flood and drought early warning systems, climate resilient water management approaches and produce relevant publications and ensure wide disseminations of tools and publications to Member States and stakeholders. - Maintain relation with professional, scientific and UN organizations and create and support scientific network related to hydrological processes and climate change. - Any other tasks requested by the senior programme specialist. Organizational environment and partnerships -------------------------------------------- - Represent the 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. Expected results and duration of the assignment ------------------------------------------------ The incumbent’s work includes the supervision of project staff and engaging resources to achieve agreed objectives, forge and maintain partnerships as well as defining and promoting cross-sectional and divisional work within the projects’ frameworks. She/He will advise on and advocate UNESCO’s positioning, involvement and participation in the UN fora based on the project’s related work. S/he supports the production of scientific knowledge base, tools and methodologies and produces high quality publications on the assigned thematic responsibilities along the line of the C4/C5, and IHP strategic priorities. **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) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Strategic thinking (M) **-** ----- 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 hydrology, water resources or environmental engineering. - PhD in the field of hydrology, environmental engineering, civil engineering, water sciences or environmental sciences with a focus on hydrological processes monitoring and modelling. Focus on water quality monitoring programme would be an asset. ***Work Experience*** - A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of water resources research, particularly focusing on hydrological processes monitoring and modelling, water quality monitoring and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international level. - Professional experience in the development and implementation of monitoring programme for hydrological process and for water quality and in hydrological modelling. - Track record of relevant scientific publications related to hydrology, water resources and adaptation strategies - Demonstrated professional experience in proposal writing, resource mobilization and partnership building. - Experience in managing budgets and reporting on implementation. Long Description ---------------- ***Skills and Competencies*** - Good conceptual, analytical, research and organizational skills. - Strong analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills. - Ability to carry out quality research and produce papers related to hydrological processes, water quality and climate adaptation strategies. - Knowledge of international development issues and the contribution of water resources. - Excellent drafting skills with ability to produce high quality reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues. - High level of autonomy. - Proven ability to plan and organize training courses, projects and workshops on water related risks and nature based solutions - Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and to motivate a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity. - Ability to communicate (written and oral) and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders, within and outside the organization and through various channels including the web and social media. ***Language*** - Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken). DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS ------------------------ ***Work Experience*** - Experience in African countries in water science, particularly in Kenya and in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and/or Ministry of Environment, Forestation and Climate Change. - Experience in the implementation of large-scale project with technical components on hydrological processes and water quality, nature-based solutions, pollution control or ecohydrology. **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 118, 879 US dollars $. 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 an 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://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) 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.* Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions