UNESCO
DUE: 20 JULY 2023
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6ZWSC0005PA
Grade : NO-A
Parent Sector : Field Office
Duty Station: Harare
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) : 20-JUL-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Initial duration of contract: one year with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and availability of funds.
This position is only open to nationals from Zimbabwe.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UNESCO Regional Officer for Southern African (ROSA) is starting a new project “Strengthening local communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilisation in Zimbabwe”, funded by the Adaptation Fund. It aims to increase local communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilisation for food security and other productive uses in rural areas of Zimbabwe and will implement an array of actions starting at national to local levels. These include:
Strengthening technical, institutional and human capacity for improved and sustainable utilization of groundwater at national and local level;
conducting comprehensive assessments of groundwater resources in two poverty-stricken and highly vulnerable sub-catchments of Lower Gwayi and Upper Save and develop sample plans for improving climate resilience through sustainable groundwater utilization;
Strengthening the capacity of water and land management institutions in Lower Gwayi and Upper Save sub-catchments by developing integrated catchment management plans that promote groundwater use whilst protecting groundwater resources;
Piloting and demonstrating concrete climate change adaptation measures based on sustainable groundwater utilisation by diversifying and strengthening the livelihoods of the most vulnerable population in Lower Gwayi and Upper Save sub-catchments; and
Compiling and disseminating lessons learnt from the project to facilitate future upscaling and replication of good practices in groundwater extraction and management.
UNESCO ROSA is also implementing a project entitled, ‘Addressing Climate Risk and Building Adaptive Capacity in South Africa’s Biosphere Reserves: Towards Sustainable Water and Ecosystem Management’ (BRSA). The BRSA focuses on climate change resilience building in four target Biosphere Reserves in South Africa, to strengthen the monitoring and early warning of extreme weather events for the region, as well as development of a tailored climate risk assessment and adaptation plans that will focus on the impacts of current and future climate shocks on water and natural resources, and to identify potential pathways for improved resilience. The BRSA programme is designed along three lines of action:
Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA);
Monitoring and Early Warning and;
Capacity Building and Technology Transfer. Implementation of this programme is supported by core partners including Biosphere Reserves, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Water Research Commission, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
DUTIES
Under the authority of the UNESCO Regional Director for Southern Africa, the overall supervision of the Regional Head of the Natural Sciences Unit and the direct supervision of the Project Officer responsible for implementing the Adaptation Fund and BRSA projects the new incumber will be responsible for the following tasks:
Providing technical assistance to the National Project Officers, responsible for the implementation of the project activities for the Adaptation Fund and BRSA projects;
Lead 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 monitoring and evaluation and reporting of project activities with respect to the project implementation framework, update the project database and contribute to the drafting of progress reports and dissemination of information in liaison with UNESCO colleagues and project partners;
Support the implementation of the project communication strategy, maintain communications, and support the development of the project website, visibility materials and data repository.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is the executing partner and the project will be implemented for 4 years from June 2023 to June 2027.
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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced University Degree (Masters/equivalent in the relevant field) of Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, natural sciences, earth sciences or equivalent.
Work Experience
- At least 2 years of professional experience in programme and/or project implementation in the field of natural sciences and/or related fields;
- Excellent report writing skills;
- Proficiency in MS Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Office..etc);
- High degree of independence, as well as well‐developed capacities for teamwork in multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Skills and competencies
- Extensive knowledge, and high level of technical writing skills;
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy;
- Strong strategic and analytical skills;
Excellent communication skills.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
Experience at international level i.e. in the United Nations common system or Intergovernmental organizations.
Education
Training/courses in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation.
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.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 45,155.00 US $.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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. 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.
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) 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.
TO APPLY
Click here to apply