Water Sciences Project Manager and Coordinator

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and its work is guided by the principles of respect for human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Water Sciences Project Manager and Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the project 'Sustainably unlocking the economic potential of Lake Turkana' and coordinating additional projects under the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa. This role requires a strong focus on water security, project management, and partnership development. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Science Programme Specialist and will be tasked with enhancing the water security portfolio, which has seen significant growth due to new funding. The position demands a proactive approach to managing project staff, engaging resources, and ensuring the successful implementation of project activities. The incumbent will also be expected to produce high-quality scientific publications and tools related to water security and climate change adaptation, aligning with UNESCO's strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for organizing and monitoring the execution of activities related to the Water Sciences Programme, particularly the Lake Turkana project. Key duties include coordinating the rollout of the project, managing project staff and resources, identifying financial resources, and developing partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The role also involves producing scientific knowledge and methodologies, promoting hydrological products, and maintaining relationships with professional and scientific organizations. The incumbent will represent the office in various networks and support efforts to mobilize additional funding for the projects. Other responsibilities include advising on UNESCO's positioning in UN forums and ensuring the dissemination of tools and publications to relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in hydrology, water resources, or environmental engineering. A PhD in related fields is preferred, particularly with a focus on hydrological processes. The role requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years at the international level. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing monitoring programs for hydrological processes, water quality, and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. A strong track record of scientific publications and experience in proposal writing and resource mobilization is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in hydrology, water resources, environmental engineering, or a related field. A PhD is highly desirable, particularly with a focus on hydrological processes monitoring and modeling. Candidates with expertise in water quality monitoring programs will have an added advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in water resources research, hydrological processes monitoring, and modeling. Candidates should have experience in managing large-scale projects and a proven ability to work in international settings. Experience in proposal writing, resource mobilization, and partnership building is also necessary, along with a strong background in managing budgets and reporting on project implementation.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, would be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract is a project appointment for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, starting at approximately 118,879 US dollars annually, along with benefits such as annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process includes an online application, assessments, and interviews, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the hiring process.