Senior Programme Specialist

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Position Title: Senior Programme Specialist
Location: Apia
Country: Samoa
Deadline Date: 30-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international cooperation in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. UNESCO comprises 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members, employing over 2,300 staff members from more than 170 nationalities across its Headquarters and 54 field offices worldwide. The organization is dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to enhance cross-cultural understanding and to address global challenges through collaborative efforts.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Programme Specialist is situated within UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS), which is committed to addressing fundamental humanist missions such as combating violence, racism, and discrimination, promoting gender equality, and leveraging the power of sports for social inclusion. The incumbent will work under the authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences and will be responsible for advancing SHS initiatives in the Pacific region, which includes a diverse range of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This role involves identifying regional priorities, fostering partnerships with public and private sectors, and overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Programme. The incumbent will also ensure SHS’s contributions to the United Nations Country Team's programmatic work and will actively mobilize extra-budgetary resources to support these initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Specialist will be tasked with enhancing the effectiveness of SHS programmes by focusing on key initiatives such as the Recommendation on AI ethics and neurotechnology. Responsibilities include managing and coordinating SHS programmes in the Pacific region, preparing inputs for Programme and Budget documents, conducting research aligned with national policy needs, providing strategic and operational advice to governments, developing strategic partnerships, and representing the Office in global forums. The incumbent will also be responsible for mobilizing resources, ensuring alignment with regional needs, and fostering collaborations with diverse stakeholders to reinforce the Regular Programme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of progressive relevant professional experience in social and human sciences at both national and international levels is required, with at least 3 years of experience at the international level. Candidates should have a good understanding of evidence-based policy responses, knowledge of governance in emerging technologies, and experience in thematic areas such as youth policies, gender equality, and protection of science.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline is required. A Ph.D. or equivalent in social and human sciences or a related discipline is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive relevant professional experience in social and human sciences, with at least 3 years acquired at the international level. Candidates should have experience in managing research programmes, fundraising, and resource mobilization, as well as a strong network in academic institutions and relevant organizations.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The contract is a fixed-term position for a duration of 2 years, open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 112,586 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.