Individual Consultant for Natural Sciences Programme Coordination

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, science, culture, and communication in fostering sustainable development and mutual understanding among nations.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for Natural Sciences Programme Coordination at UNESCO Jakarta involves a critical role in coordinating and assisting the implementation of the 'Funds-in-Trust Science Programme on Global Challenges in Asia and the Pacific Region' funded by the Government of Japan. The consultant will work under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Jakarta and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences. The consultant is expected to facilitate communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including UNESCO headquarters, field offices, and donor institutions, ensuring the effective development and execution of projects related to the JFIT/Science activities. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, including monitoring implementation rates, exploring new project possibilities, and promoting the visibility of the JFIT/Science programme through various communication channels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including coordinating the implementation of the JFIT/Science programme, assisting Programme Specialists with desk research and stakeholder communication, maintaining contact with donor institutions, and liaising with government counterparts and project partners. The consultant will also be involved in planning, developing, and monitoring JFIT/Science projects, writing background papers, and organizing national, regional, and global events relevant to UNESCO's Natural Science Programmes. Additionally, the consultant will prepare reports on achievements, project proposals, and communication materials, ensuring timely follow-up on action points from meetings and maintaining a high standard of documentation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's or PhD degree in natural science or social science related to ecology, sustainable development, or natural resource management. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in implementing sustainable development projects or natural resource management, preferably within a UN organization, is required. Proven experience in proposal writing, reporting, and fundraising is essential, along with a collaborative disposition and aptitude for teamwork. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, while familiarity with the UN system, particularly UNESCO, and experience in Southeast Asia or with the Japanese Government is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's or PhD degree in fields related to natural sciences, social sciences, ecology, sustainable development, or natural resource management. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of the projects and the scientific principles underlying the work.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of sustainable development projects or natural resource management. Experience within the context of a UN organization is preferred, as it provides familiarity with the operational frameworks and expectations of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, familiarity with Japanese or other languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is initially set for six months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of eleven months, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week from Monday to Friday. The consultant will be based at the UNESCO Office in Jakarta and will be provided with a working station, a laptop, an UNESCO email address, and assistance with visa arrangements. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.