UNESCO recruits 01 Associate Project Officer

Associate Project Officer

Post Number : SC/PA 026

Grade : P-1

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 : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : [[13 March 2020]]

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division Water Sciences (HYD), and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section on Groundwater Systems and Settlements (GSS), the incumbent will  support the project “Governance of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary Aquifers” (GGRETA). The GGRETA project, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is devoted to enhancing groundwater governance, reducing transboundary and water-use conflicts and improving overall environmental sustainability in transboundary aquifers in three different regions: Central America (El Salvador and Honduras ), Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) and Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa).

The project will produce the following outcomes: (1) Improved resource knowledge and monitoring based on recognition of the importance and vulnerability of transboundary groundwater resources; (2) Enhanced cross-border dialogue and cooperation based on development of shared management tools, and recommendations for governance reforms focused on improving livelihoods, economic development, gender equality and environmental sustainability; and (3) Improved capacity in groundwater governance, hydro-diplomacy and gender, and effective communication aiming at replication of project experiences and approaches.

Provide technical support to the chief of section for the preparation and implementation of the GGRETA project activities related to the three aquifers. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Contribute to the preparation of capacity-building workshops, training material and data collection.

Contribute to the collection of data and inputs from senior experts for the preparation of policy papers about best practices in groundwater governance and management of transboundary aquifers.

Assist in the preparation of project documents for the reporting to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Assist in the organization of experts’ meetings and training/capacity building events.

Set up, maintain and upgrade outreach and communication tools, including the production of key publications and documents.

Provide support in the monitoring and reporting on the activities through SISTER, by providing assistance on the gathering of information, the updating of the project database.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Hydrogeology.

Work experience

A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in the areas of water resources research and hydrogeology, particularly focusing on transboundary aquifers and groundwater and climate change.

Skills/Competencies

Excellent communication, coordination and interpersonal skills

Ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.

Close attention to detail and quality of work, and ability to manage heavy workloads

Ability to collect, consolidate, synthesize and analyse information from various sources

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English  or French and good knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

 Specialisation in International Affairs.

Work Experience

Previous experience within the United Nations.

Knowledge of UNESCO rules and procedures.

Proven ability in planning and setting up meetings.

Skills/Competencies

Familiarity with the UN system, and procedures.

Knowledge of UNESCO – IHP and knowledge of UNESCO management and administration systems.

Languages

Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages, preferably 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.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.