Senior Project Assistant (Natural Sciences)

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,442 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 : 6ZWSC 0001PA Grade : G-6 Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Harare Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year with the possibility of extension Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-FEB-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.** **Only candidates who are entitled to work in Zimbabwe may apply to this position.** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The project seeks to establish a Renewable Energy Fund (REF) that aims to leverage local financial markets to finance renewable energy projects that have a return on investment while achieving social impact for the acceleration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievement in Zimbabwe. The project will carry out a full-scale demonstration of the concept of the REF instruments driving an innovative model of Accelerated Local SDG Achievement, and economic empowerment of communities through the transformational impact of introducing Renewable Energy (RE) technology with new entrepreneurship opportunities, income and job creation, and improved quality of life and the environment. The project emphasizes gender-responsive and inclusive renewable energy investments with a focus on productive uses. Working under the overall supervision of the Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), and under the direct supervision of the Associate National Project Officer responsible for coordinating the project, the Senior Project Assistant will work on the project ‘Catalysing Investments Into Renewable Energy for the Acceleration of the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe’ Long Description ---------------- More specifically, the Renewable Energy programme in Zimbabwe is designed along three lines of action: • Renewable Energy as an entry point to SDG achievement in Zimbabwe • Capacity Building of national and local stakeholders and project preparation support • Technology Transfer to increase the capacity of women and youth to participate meaningfully in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector. Implementation of this programme is supported by core partners including the UN Country Team in Zimbabwe, UNCDF, and Government Ministries including the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development. The objectives of the project are to: - Establish and operationalize an inclusive and Gender-responsive Renewable Energy Fund (REF) to access, mobilize, and strategically leverage funds to attract new resources from public and private sector entities, and channel them effectively towards the achievement of SDGs from the perspective of job creation, gender equality, climate action and the promotion of RE. - Demonstrate the potential of REF-funded projects including technical assistance, pre-investment, investment and post-investment support, to achieve long-term sustainable impact. - Provide capacity building of national and local stakeholders and project preparation support, including for pre-investment, investment and post-investment technical support. This will increase the capacity of women and youth to participate meaningfully in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector. Long Description ---------------- In close collaboration with the Senior Programme Specialist and the Associate National Project Officer, the Senior Project Assistant will be required to perform the following tasks: - Provide technical and logistical assistance, in the capacity of the Senior Project Assistant to implement the project activities and support contracting processes by drafting concept notes and terms of reference, procurement of goods and services according to UNESCO rules and regulations, monitor budgets and financial aspects of project implementation; - Streamline coordination between the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa and the activities’ focal points in the different project-activity locations, and the national and international stakeholders, to ensure smooth implementation of the project; - Organize project related events such as stakeholder meetings and training workshops; - Implement the project communication strategy, maintain communications, support the development of the project website and data repository; - Support general monitoring and reporting on the activities with respect to the project implementation framework, update the project database and draft progress reports in liaison with UNESCO colleagues and project partners; - Support the preparations for required missions, meetings and other consultations with project partners, including preparation of concept notes, policy briefs, presentations and other materials as required; - Support the work of the UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector and contribute as team member to the activities in the capacity of the Senior Project Assistant. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (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** - Completed secondary, tertiary and/or vocational education in the field of Development Finance, Renewable Energy, Natural Sciences, or Engineering. **Work Experience** - Minimum 8 years relevant experience in the field of Natural Sciences; - Familiarity with one or more of the following fields: renewable energy, climate change and natural sciences. **Skills and competencies** - Extensive knowledge, and high level of technical and report writing skills; - Ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure; - Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, with experience networking and building partnerships, involving a wide range of partners; - Strong analytical and communication skills; - Demonstrated professional experience with project management; - Proficiency in Microsoft Office tool (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook..etc); - High degree of independence, as well as the ability to work in teams. **Languages** - Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written). **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Education** - Bachelor's degree in the field of Development Finance, Renewable Energy, Natural Sciences, or Engineering; - Specialized courses or higher education diploma related to Development Finance, Engineering, Renewable Energy and/or Climate Change adaptation. **Work Experience** - Experience in the United Nations or Intergovernmental/international organizations. **Competencies and Skills** - Experience in the use of hydrological and/or ecological modelling techniques and disaster risk management tools; - Strong knowledge of computer applications, web skills and social media. **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://unesco.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HRMTeam/ESzDuIMSjEtIqYwVozjc3I8Bb5Kj-P0DrTgbm4BIjD17nQ?e=41cm7D). **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.