National Officer for Natural Sciences

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Suva

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : Level 5

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22/05/2024

 

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

Only Fijian Nationals or Individuals with the legal right to live and work in Fiji are eligible to apply

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Apia, and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences, UNESCO Suva, the incumbent will assist in contributing to the implementation, monitoring and reporting on activities carried out under the Major Programme II - Natural Sciences in the Pacific region, as well as in view of supporting the Member States in their efforts to implement the National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Framework (UNSDCF), contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, post-SAMOA pathway and 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Incumbent shall, in particular:

1. Assist in providing with professional and technical support, research and analysis for the implementation of  international, regional and national agendas and plans  in line with UNESCO Natural Sciences programme priorities to advance science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges,  and in the interest of the Pacific region, including and notably the SIDS.
2. Work as part of the interdisciplinary UNESCO Pacific team, under the technical guidance from Natural Science Programme Specialist in UNESCO Suva, and in close collaboration with the Natural Sciences Programme units at the Headquarters. 
3. Contribute in strengthening collaborative relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as the UN system, National Commissions and relevant Ministries and partners in Member States, as well as CROP agencies in the Pacific region.
4. Assist in identification, design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of activities in line with UNESCO Small Island Developing States Operational Strategy and its Accelerators and considering Global priority on Gender Equality.

Long Description

TASKS

TASK 1. Assist in facilitating the RP programme and extrabudgetary project development, design, implementation, and reporting in Natural Sciences, covering Ecological and Earth Sciences, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and STI and STEM, as well as Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS), Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction, in line with priorities and needs of the Pacific region.

TASK 2. Contribute to the UNESCO Suva office's interdisciplinary and intersectoral activities, including the formulation of concept notes and project development for extra-budgetary funding through participation in intersectoral programmes and activities in the areas of environment, biodiversity, climate change, disaster risk reduction, STEM education, science policy, world natural heritage,  local and indigenous knowledge, including those in line with UNESCO Small Island Developing States Operational Strategy and its Accelerators

TASK 3. As requested, represent UNESCO Natural Science Programme in joint results and thematic groups and contribute to various programming exercises with the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF) in the Pacific region and joint fundraising with UN agencies. Contribute to ongoing activities, including UNINFO inputs, under the Planet Results Group in close partnership with Fiji, Samoa, Micronesia UN MCOs as well as UN in PNG.

Long Description

TASK 4. Provide technical advice and support to the national institutions and other stakeholders in charge of sciences, technology and innovation for policy and research action-oriented activities on new emerging national and global trends in sciences and contribute to the development of pertinent strategy papers, technical notes, frameworks and scientific documents, articles that contribute to the implementation of the Natural Sciences programme.

TASK 5. Contribute to strategic partnerships with other  UNESCO field offices, UN Agencies based in the Pacific region, and other, as well as Multilateral and Bilateral Development partners, category I and Category II Centers and Institutes in Natural Sciences, as well as chairs,  to foster opportunities for joint programming activities related to Natural Sciences, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF) and regional frameworks of the Pacific.

Long Description

TASK 6. Support the formulation of the Office strategy and its implementation plans in particular, develop in collaboration with other Programme Officers an interdisciplinary concept notes and project proposals aimed at consolidating and complementing the regular budget-funded programme activities in Natural Sciences and formulate the required resource mobilisation and alternative funding mechanisms, partnerships strategies and plans, including in line with the UNESCO Small Island Developing States Operational Strategy and its Accelerators, post-SAMOA pathway, and the Blue Pacific Strategy.

TASK 7.  Support in preparing and submitting contractual documentation, ToRs and concept notes under regular budget programme with focus on science-based assessments on water, biodiversity, STEM, STI as well as support in advancing the extrabudgetary project proposals in a pipeline and assist in developing new proposals, in line with Natural Sciences programme priorities, and ensuring the financial accountability.

TASK 8: Contribute to visibility and communication of the work of Natural Sciences programme in Samoa and the Pacific, through social media and available web platforms, as per UNESCO rules and regulations.

TASK 9: Provide with any other support as requested by the Director of the office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of Natural Sciences related disciplines 

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of  Natural Sciences, which at least 2 years acquired at regional and/or international level.

• Proven experience in science coordination and programme management, designing and implementing programmes/projects, and demonstrating expertise in science related activities

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Good analytical, organizational and project/programme management skills. • Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.

• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations 

• Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively 

• Good skills in drafting reports, publications and strategic documents at academical level. 

• Ability to work effectively in a team and to function within a multicultural environment.

• Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software and  Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

•           Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the natural sciences, including environmental / water / ecological science.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•           Experience working with government representatives and officials is an asset.

•           Experience in related fields, particularly in the region would be an asset.

•           Familiarity with the political and scientific context of the region.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Capacity to establish partnership and coordination with a range of partners.

Knowledge of the functioning of international organizations and /or the UN system.

LANGUAGE

Knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

This assignment is a full-time nature under UNESCO Service Contract Modality at the level of SC10 and will follow the official working hours of the UNESCO office for the Pacific States in Suva, Fiji. The assignment will be until 31 December 2024 starting from the date a contract is signed by both parties. Appointment to this post is subject to medical clearance. Estimated monthly salary is FJD 8,076. In addition to that, UNESCO will contribute to the pension fund and medical insurance in line with the provisions of UNESCO HR Manual. Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only. Only Fijian Nationals or Candidates with the legal right to live and work in Fiji can apply for this position.

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.

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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.

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