National Project Officer (Natural Sciences)
Nairobi
- Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Location: Nairobi
- Grade: Junior level - NO-B, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Environment
- Scientist and Researcher
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: Closed
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6KESC0004PA
Grade : NO-B
Parent Sector : Field Office
Duty Station: Nairobi
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) : 10-SEP-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only nationals of Kenya are eligible to apply for this position
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector plays a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable development. As the only United Nations specialized agency with a specific science mandate, UNESCO collaborates with Member States and partners across disciplines. Its key functions include serving as a platform for ideas, fostering international cooperation, facilitating scientist-policy dialogues, and building scientific capacity.
UNESCO is seeking an expert to conduct hydrological studies in Lake Turkana in Kenya as part of the implementation of the project on Sustainably Unlocking the Economic Potential of Lake Turkana funded by the Government of The Netherlands. This is a five-year project which is being implemented in collaboration with the World Food Programme within the counties of Turkana and Marsabit. Lake Turkana is a saline lake located in the Kenyan Rift Valley, extending into northern Kenya and crossing into Ethiopia. It is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and largest alkaline lake. However, the lake faces challenges, including the construction of the Gilel Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia, which affects its primary water source the Omo River. Historically used for drinking water, Lake Turkana’s salinity and high fluoride levels make it generally unsuitable for consumption, leading communities along its shores to increasingly rely on groundwater. The role of UNESCO is to carry out a water balance of the lake to support Integrated Water Resource Management.
In close collaboration with project and programme partners, the incumbent will work under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, under the overall supervision from the Head of the Natural Sciences and direct supervision and guidance of the Project Coordinator.
In this context the incumbent will, through fieldwork, data collection and interpretation:
- Establish a conceptual model on the water balance of the lake.
- Evaluate the impact of developments on the Omo River on water level variability as well as ecosystem adaptation to these variations.
- Apply principles of hydro geochemistry and isotope tracing to understand surface water- groundwater interactions including the recharge/ discharge zones.
- Publish papers in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Present the findings to the project partners.
Additionally, the expert is expected to:
- Contribute to the formulation of a workplan for subsequent years, coordination and implementation of the project activities as per the agreed workplan.
- Regularly attend meetings of the project partners, support in preparing minutes of meetings where required and action plans with clear responsibility and timeframe.
- Regularly monitor the financial status of UNESCO’s activities within the project and ensure that budget execution rates are in line with agreed plans.
- Contribute to the preparation of reports on project activities for UNESCO, partners, and the donor.
- Foster exchanges of information, experience, identifying new strategies of action to improve implementation of project activities and to achieve the project requirements and objectives.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in hydrology, engineering or a related field within natural sciences (e.g. environmental sciences, water resources management, etc.).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of (2) two years of work experience in the field of water resources management.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excellent quantitative skills.
- Experience in data collection and field work activities.
- Experience in supporting and coordinating project activities.
- Good written and oral communication skills, human relations and team building.
- Ability to interact with people from different disciplines, and with varying degrees of technical experience.
- Ability to manage budgets and report on implementation.
LANGUAGE
- Excellent knowledge of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Experience in supporting and implementing projects in Eastern African context.
- Experience in supporting and coordinating project activities preferably in large international organizations and with other international partner organizations.
- Ability to do independent research for writing and publication materials.
- Ability to value a multi-cultural work environment with an inclusive and non-hierarchical attitude in the field team.
- Experience within UNESCO or United Nations common system.
LANGUAGE
- Working knowledge of Kiswahili language.
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 7 142 238 Kenyan Shillings.
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.
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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.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.