Professional Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Professional Officer
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 17-MAR-2025

Job Details

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 through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting cultural diversity, aiming to ensure that everyone has access to quality education and the benefits of scientific knowledge.

Job Overview:
The position of Professional Officer is pivotal within UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector, specifically under the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). The incumbent will provide essential professional and technical support, research, and analysis to various sectional and divisional activities. This role requires a deep understanding of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Professional Officer will be responsible for planning and implementing annual meetings for the IGCP Council and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, identifying areas for improvement within the IGGP, and assisting in the preparation of statutory evaluations and reports. The role also involves maintaining cooperative links with partners, conducting research, and contributing to public information and outreach activities, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of the IGGP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Professional Officer include:

• Implementing projects related to the IGGP, including planning and executing annual meetings for the IGCP Council and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.
• Assisting in the preparation of statutory revalidation and evaluation missions, including drafting reports of council sessions.
• Contributing to project drafting, planning, and implementation, and providing technical support to Field Offices and various institutions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative links with partners such as National Commissions and Geoscience Committees to identify research trends and needs.
• Preparing capacity-building activities in earth sciences in collaboration with field offices.
• Conducting research and compiling data for publications, assessments, and policy proposals.
• Engaging in public information and outreach activities, including managing social media and communication tools.
• Providing logistical and administrative support for projects, consultations, and events.
• Analyzing data for potential partnerships and fundraising opportunities in Earth Sciences. 1
• Updating and improving databases and information systems.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Professional Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Geological Sciences or a related field of Earth Sciences.
• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in geological sciences or earth sciences, with at least one year in an international environment.
• Proven experience in developing, implementing, and managing international scientific projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in drafting high-quality reports and maintaining effective working relationships with authorities and organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Geological Sciences or a related field of Earth Sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the scientific principles involved in the IGGP.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in geological sciences or earth sciences, with at least one year in an international context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing international scientific projects, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex environments and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English. Additionally, good knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this role is 77,283 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to 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 operates with a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and promotes equitable geographical distribution and gender parity among its staff.