Project Officer (Natural Sciences)

Overview

Develop, fundraise, and deliver initiatives supporting the Man and the Biosphere programme.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in ecological and/or environmental sciences or a related field within the natural sciences.
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of Environmental Sciences, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in international scientific project and programme formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in proposal writing, resource mobilization, and partnership building.
• Experience in the planning and organization of training sessions and international scientific and technical workshops and seminars focusing on ecological processes and environmental sciences.
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English, working knowledge of French.
• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the field of environmental sciences with a major in ecology.
• Knowledge of Chinese or another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Russian or Spanish).

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 116,975 USD and 153,170 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 : SC PA 056 Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Paris 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) : 24-NOV-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 for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, and direct supervision from the Chief of Section of The Man and the Biosphere, MAB Networking: Biosphere reserves and Capacity-Building (SC/EES/NBC), the incumbent will be responsible for developing, fundraising and delivering initiatives and projects in support of the roll-out and implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for the Man and the Biosphere programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2026-2035). The incumbent will cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners and donors, notably the Chinese Academy of Sciences as well as other bilateral, multilateral and private sector entities. He/she shall develop new project proposals and concepts and maintain liaison with existing and potential contributors to the work of the MAB programme. Specifically, the incumbent will: - Coordinate the global roll-out of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan, including the planning, design, and implementation of new extrabudgetary projects and partnerships in support of the Strategy. Engage with the host country of the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, in particular with MAB-China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to support the design and roll-out of follow-up actions. - Contribute actively to the Section's general fundraising efforts by conceptualizing and drafting new extrabudgetary projects, in particular by cultivating relationships with multilateral financing mechanisms such as the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) as well as the private sector in China and beyond. Develop relationships with the wider network of MAB donors, implementation partners, universities, institutions, and environmental science-related NGOs and international organizations. - Coordinate the MAB Secretariat’s day-to-day engagement with multilateral biodiversity partners and framework, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Support the Division's engagement key multilateral processes as focal point for biodiversity, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, and the G20. - Assist Member States, MAB national committees, and MAB regional and thematic networks in the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan. Contribute to the maintenance and development of MAB databases by ensuring regular gathering of updated information relating to thematic and regional networks. - Contribute to the coordination and production of high-quality data, tools and methodologies to support the implementation of the MAB programme and sustainable management of biosphere reserves. Support the publication and dissemination of guidelines and other policy and capacity development materials, documents, and technical products to enhance knowledge sharing. - Contribute to the MAB Secretariat’s statutory work, including the planning, preparation, and execution of key statutory meetings such as the 32nd session of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves and the 38th session of the MAB International Coordinating Council. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ *Accountability (C)* *Innovation (C)* *Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)* *Results focus (C)* *Teamwork (C)* *Planning and organizing (C)* *Communication (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 ecological and/or environmental sciences or a related field within the natural sciences **WORK EXPERIENCE** - A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the areas of Environmental Sciences, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level - Proven experience in international scientific project and programme formulation, implementation and evaluation - Demonstrated experience in proposal writing, resource mobilization and partnership building - Experience in the planning and organization of training sessions and international scientific and technical workshops and seminars focusing on ecological processes and environmental sciences. **SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES** - Good conceptual, analytical, research and organizational skills - Strong analytical, communication and advocacy skills - Ability to carry out quality research and produce papers related to ecological sciences and related fields such as climate science - Excellent drafting skills with ability to produce high quality reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues - High level of autonomy - 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. **LANGUAGES** - Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English, working knowledge of French. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **EDUCATION** - Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the field of environmental sciences with a major in ecology. **WORK EXPERIENCE** - Experience within a United Nations agency or programmes or within an international organization. **SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES** - Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment. - Familiarity with the UNESCO-MAB Programme, World Network of biosphere reserves (WNBR) and knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences. **LANGUAGES** - Knowledge of Chinese or another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Russian or 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 110,583 USD. 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%20International%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.*

Potential interview questions