UNESCO Project Officer - Water Sciences Division
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, established in 1945, is the scientific arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to foster global peace through international education, science, culture, and communication collaboration. UNESCO promotes its scientific and technology mandate to address global challenges through resilience and sustainable development. The organization operates numerous international science programmes aimed at mobilizing fundamental and applied science to serve Member States. These programmes include the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), and the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP). UNESCO also promotes local and indigenous knowledge through its Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme (LINKS) and provides timely information through its World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP).
Job Overview:
The UNV assignment focuses on the UNESCO project 'Sustainably Unlocking the Economic Potential of Lake Turkana', a 10-year programme funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This project aims to sustainably manage the resources of Lake Turkana, which is the world's largest desert lake, located in northern Kenya. The area is characterized by significant food and water insecurity, exacerbated by climate change. The project supports the implementation of corrective measures to ensure the Desired State of Conservation for Lake Turkana National Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger. The UN Volunteer will support various activities, including the UNESCO Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA), which is a participatory methodology for natural resource management. The role is situated within the Natural Sciences team of UNESCO's Regional Office for Eastern Africa, located in Nairobi, which consists of 20 colleagues in a collaborative environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake several key tasks under the supervision of the Head of Natural Sciences Sector and Coordinator of the Division of Water Sciences. Responsibilities include supporting the management and rollout of the Lake Turkana project, assisting with logistics and planning for project activities, including fieldwork and data collection. The volunteer will also help organize workshops, dissemination events, and stakeholder engagement activities. Additional duties involve supporting the UNESCO Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis and Water Quality Monitoring programme, conducting hydrological studies and groundwater assessments, developing monitoring programs for water resources, creating content for communication channels, attending project steering committee meetings, preparing reports on project progress, and contributing to resource mobilization strategies. The volunteer may also support projects related to flood management and early warning systems.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They should demonstrate accountability, commitment to continuous learning, and effective communication skills. A strong ethical framework and respect for diversity are essential, along with the ability to manage time effectively and utilize technological tools for project management.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically a degree in environmental science, water management, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, depending on the specific requirements of the role.
Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in project management, particularly in environmental or water resource management contexts. Experience working with international organizations or in a UN environment is highly desirable. Familiarity with participatory methodologies and community engagement practices will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNESCO. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in Kenya, would be an asset and is considered a good-to-have qualification.
Additional Notes:
The contract duration is specified for the period of the project with possibilities for extension based on funding availability and performance. The position is a volunteer role, and UN Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic living expenses. Additional benefits include a settling-in grant, life and health insurance, and travel allowances for official duties. The role is based in Nairobi, which is a vibrant city with a diverse culture and a range of amenities. security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security conditions vary by neighborhood, and it is important for volunteers to be aware of local security recommendations.
UNESCO, established in 1945, is the scientific arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to foster global peace through international education, science, culture, and communication collaboration. UNESCO promotes its scientific and technology mandate to address global challenges through resilience and sustainable development. The organization operates numerous international science programmes aimed at mobilizing fundamental and applied science to serve Member States. These programmes include the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), and the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP). UNESCO also promotes local and indigenous knowledge through its Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme (LINKS) and provides timely information through its World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP).
Job Overview:
The UNV assignment focuses on the UNESCO project 'Sustainably Unlocking the Economic Potential of Lake Turkana', a 10-year programme funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This project aims to sustainably manage the resources of Lake Turkana, which is the world's largest desert lake, located in northern Kenya. The area is characterized by significant food and water insecurity, exacerbated by climate change. The project supports the implementation of corrective measures to ensure the Desired State of Conservation for Lake Turkana National Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger. The UN Volunteer will support various activities, including the UNESCO Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA), which is a participatory methodology for natural resource management. The role is situated within the Natural Sciences team of UNESCO's Regional Office for Eastern Africa, located in Nairobi, which consists of 20 colleagues in a collaborative environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake several key tasks under the supervision of the Head of Natural Sciences Sector and Coordinator of the Division of Water Sciences. Responsibilities include supporting the management and rollout of the Lake Turkana project, assisting with logistics and planning for project activities, including fieldwork and data collection. The volunteer will also help organize workshops, dissemination events, and stakeholder engagement activities. Additional duties involve supporting the UNESCO Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis and Water Quality Monitoring programme, conducting hydrological studies and groundwater assessments, developing monitoring programs for water resources, creating content for communication channels, attending project steering committee meetings, preparing reports on project progress, and contributing to resource mobilization strategies. The volunteer may also support projects related to flood management and early warning systems.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They should demonstrate accountability, commitment to continuous learning, and effective communication skills. A strong ethical framework and respect for diversity are essential, along with the ability to manage time effectively and utilize technological tools for project management.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically a degree in environmental science, water management, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, depending on the specific requirements of the role.
Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in project management, particularly in environmental or water resource management contexts. Experience working with international organizations or in a UN environment is highly desirable. Familiarity with participatory methodologies and community engagement practices will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNESCO. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in Kenya, would be an asset and is considered a good-to-have qualification.
Additional Notes:
The contract duration is specified for the period of the project with possibilities for extension based on funding availability and performance. The position is a volunteer role, and UN Volunteers receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic living expenses. Additional benefits include a settling-in grant, life and health insurance, and travel allowances for official duties. The role is based in Nairobi, which is a vibrant city with a diverse culture and a range of amenities. security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security conditions vary by neighborhood, and it is important for volunteers to be aware of local security recommendations.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.