Duties and Responsibilities
-Provide professional and technical support in the identification, design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programmes and activities in the field of natural sciences in Southern Africa. This includes aligning with Major Programme II and the Natural Sciences Sector's strategies and priorities to promote learning and sustainable societies, and support the countries in advancing science, technology, innovation, research, and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges.
-Participate in Regular Programme (C/5) work plans, policy formulation discussions, and other sector-related strategy formulation activities.
-Coordinate and monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects in natural sciences. This includes a particular emphasis on the protection of environment, biodiversity, hydrological security and water resources management, disaster risk reduction, citizen science and local/indigenous knowledge, and science technology and innovation covering Water Security, Open Science, Basic Sciences, Research Innovation and Engineering, Earth Sciences, and Biodiversity.
-Participate and provide technical support to UNESCO's involvement in joint programming exercises within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Reform, such as Common Country Assessments (CCAs), UNSDCFs or Cooperation Framework (CF), Joint Annual Work Plans and Reports, Voluntary National Reports (VNRs), UN and UNESCO’s Declarations and Resolutions, and National Reports on the UN and UNESCO Conventions such as but not limited to the Wetlands Convention, Water Convention, and Convention on Biological Diversity.
-Cooperate to support UNESCO work in the UN's regional coordination platforms such as the Opportunities and Issues-Based Coalitions (O/IBCs), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)-UNESCO Joint Programme of Actions (JPA).
-Promote development communication, visibility and support strategic partnerships with other agencies, funds, and programmes, especially those with evident potential for or having existing cooperation with the Regional Office, Multilateral and Bilateral Development partners in collaboration with colleagues from Headquarters and other UNESCO Field Offices, UNESCO Category I and Category II Centres and Institutes in Natural Sciences and UNESCO Chair and University Twinning and Networking Programme (UNITWIN) networks.
-Provide technical advice and support to the national institutions, sub/regional organizations, UN theme groups and other stakeholders for sciences, technology, innovation, and environmental policies and research action-oriented activities on new emerging national and global trends.
-Contribute to the development of pertinent strategy papers, technical notes, frameworks and scientific documents and articles that contribute to the implementation of the Natural Sciences Sector's work and promotion of the priorities of Regional Office in Harare.
-Support the implementation of the Regional Strategy and the Regional Office's resource mobilisation or other funding mechanisms strategy and develop interdisciplinary concept notes and project proposals to upscale or replicate regular budget-funded programme activities.
Qualifications and Experience
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the relevant field of hydrology, earth sciences or a related field of natural sciences.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 4 (four) years of relevant work experience in coordination, result-based management, implementation, and monitoring of programmes in hydrological or other areas of natural sciences such as science, technology and innovation, and/or other related fields.
Relevant experience in advocacy, resource mobilisation, and partnership development.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Strong analytical skills including collecting, consolidating and interpreting data from various sources, results-based writing, and communication.
Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, and administrative organizing with a strong result focus.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and be accountable.
Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and ability to maintain professionalism in all situations.
Excellent communication skills and high-level abilities to build strategic partnerships and collaborate with a wide range of partners, including national and local authorities, academia, relevant United Nations (UN) Organizations, financing institutions and partners, expert bodies and networks, and civil society.
Ability to take initiative and work in a multicultural team with respect and tact for diversity.
Demonstrated skills in knowledge management and continuous self-improvement, and innovation.
Proficiency in IT skills of MS Office programmes (i.e. Word, Excel, Office, etc.).
LANGUAGE
Excellent knowledge of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced university Degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant field of hydrology, natural sciences, earth sciences or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Experience at the international level, i.e. within the United Nations common system or International Organizations.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
Knowledge of United Nations work in the field of natural sciences and/ or related fields.
LANGUAGE
Knowledge of another UN official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
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