Individual Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Individual Specialist
Location: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Deadline Date: 16/02/2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, established in 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on fostering collaboration among nations to ensure that all individuals have access to quality education, cultural heritage, and scientific knowledge, thereby contributing to sustainable development and global citizenship.

Job Overview:
The Individual Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UNESCO-led activities related to disaster risk management and resilience. This position is integral to the success of three significant projects: RESILIAGE, NBSINFRA, and SYNERGIES, which aim to enhance community resilience through innovative methodologies and nature-based solutions. The specialist will work closely with the Project Officer and the Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, contributing to the coordination of work packages, conducting desktop analyses, organizing capacity-building actions, and developing advocacy materials. The role requires a proactive approach to networking with EU projects and maintaining updated databases of ongoing initiatives, ensuring that UNESCO's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Individual Specialist include:

• Supporting the coordination of UNESCO-led work packages and tasks with project partners, including drafting minutes of meetings and providing inputs to reports and deliverables.
• Conducting desktop analyses to collect, map, and analyze current good practices and ongoing initiatives, formulating advocacy products based on findings.
• Assisting in the organization of various capacity-building actions, such as summer schools and training courses, to enhance knowledge sharing and skills development.
• Contributing to the development of thematic concept notes and briefs, as well as supporting the organization of high-level advocacy events in Brussels and beyond.
• Networking with ongoing EU projects, mapping and updating a database of relevant initiatives, particularly those based in Brussels.
• Submitting comprehensive progress reports to the Supervisor on a monthly basis, detailing achievements, challenges, and necessary adjustments to the project plans.
• Preparing a final report summarizing all results upon completion of the assignment, which will be essential for the final payment.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A completed full-time advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural sciences or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in implementing EU research and innovation funded projects, particularly within clusters 3, 5, and
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis within the environmental field.
• Proven experience in organizing knowledge-sharing events, such as trainings, workshops, and webinars.
• Experience in organizing international advocacy events, including side-events and information sessions.
• Proficiency in drafting project reports, deliverables, and technical briefs, showcasing strong written communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a completed full-time advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from a recognized university or equivalent institution in natural sciences or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles relevant to the projects they will be working on.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience, specifically in the implementation of EU research and innovation funded projects. Candidates should have a strong background in policy analysis within the environmental sector and experience in organizing various knowledge-sharing and advocacy events. This level of experience is crucial for the specialist to effectively contribute to the project's objectives and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication, report writing, and participation in meetings and events. While not mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the EU context.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is set to last from 01 March to 30 September 2025, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds. The position is classified as a non-staff contract, and candidates are expected to submit a comprehensive application, including a technical proposal and a financial proposal indicating the monthly rate in EUR. The application process is competitive, and only selected candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include tests and competency-based interviews. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.