Programme Specialist in Natural Sciences

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 presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist in Natural Sciences will operate under the overall authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences and the Director of the UNESCO Office in San Jose. The role involves designing, coordinating, and implementing activities aligned with UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy and approved Programme and Budget, particularly focusing on Ecological and Earth Sciences and the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP). The incumbent will engage in program and project work, provide advice, conduct research, manage knowledge, and foster partnerships and resource mobilization efforts. This position is crucial for contributing to internationally agreed goals, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and will require collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities and other UN agencies. The incumbent will also be responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of projects and programs, monitoring their progress, and evaluating their impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will coordinate and oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects in the Natural Sciences Sector, particularly in the areas of Ecological and Earth Sciences and the IHP. Responsibilities include participating in policy formulation discussions, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts, and formulating concept notes for extra-budgetary funding. The role also involves participating in joint programming exercises within the UN Reform framework, building strategic partnerships with other UN agencies and development partners, and contributing to the resource mobilization strategy. The incumbent will prepare work plans, establish budgets, monitor financial statuses, and ensure accountability for project finances. Additionally, the role requires effective communication and negotiation with various stakeholders, maintaining effective working relationships, and contributing to the overall goals of the UNESCO San José Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in disciplines related to the Natural Sciences Sector, such as Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, or Science Policy. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is desirable. The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to UNESCO's Natural Sciences program, with at least 2 years at a regional or international level. Proven experience in program management, coordination, and expertise in science, technology, and innovation policy is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills, as well as the ability to build effective working relationships with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in disciplines related to the Natural Sciences Sector is required. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in relevant fields is considered an asset. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing knowledge in Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, or related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the Natural Sciences program of UNESCO, with at least 2 years acquired at a regional or international level. Candidates should have proven experience in coordinating and managing programs/projects related to the Natural Sciences, demonstrating expertise in science, technology, and innovation policy. Experience within government or the private sector in related fields, as well as familiarity with UNESCO's Natural Sciences Programs, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Costa Rica are eligible to apply. The role is full-time, and the approximate annual salary is 36,510,000 Colones. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including minorities and indigenous peoples. The recruitment process is conducted with confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge any fees at any stage.