SCIENCE CONSULTANT At UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

BACKGROUND

The UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office serves as the Cluster Office for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Based in Doha-Qatar, the Office supports its Member States in the fields of education, natural sciences, culture, communication and information as well as social and human sciences. Under the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with Member States’ National Visions, the UNESCO Office in Doha is mobilizing expertise and engaging with partners to promote scientific cooperation and address environmental issues. The office’s Natural Sciences’ priority areas of intervention are: – Addressing water security challenges through strengthened science-policy interface, capacity building and exchange of expertise in areas related: food-water-energy nexus, non-conventional water sources, groundwater management and governance, and impact of climate change and conflict. – Protection of ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating the importance of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere program (MAB) and UNESCO Global Geoparks as learning sites for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. These programs are managed through a holistic approach combing natural and social sciences as well education and community engagement. – Addressing climate change and disaster risk reduction, through needs-assessment studies, capacity building, education and awareness raising as well as provision of expertise and technical backstopping in designing early warning systems and information systems for disaster risk management and mitigation. The UNESCO office is planning to develop a program for nature-based solutions to address climate change such as the valorization of ecosystem services of mangroves and wetlands (including carbon sequestration).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Doha Office for Gulf States and Yemen, the incumbent will provide technical support, implement and report on UNESCO’s projects and activities related to the Natural Sciences sector. In particular, s/he will be expected to perform the following responsibilities: • Implement programmatic activities and initiatives in the region, consistent with those identified by Member States and partners. • Provide programme and project support including backstopping, technical, financial and human resources management, coordination, reporting, etc. • Follow-up on ongoing resources mobilization efforts and outreach, in close consultation with colleagues at HQ, through identification of potential funding sources, establishing contacts and pursuing negotiations with national stakeholders and/or regional partners. • Maintain collaborative relationships with governmental entities, National Commissions, intergovernmental and national committees, • Pursue opportunities for inter-sectoral and inter-office cooperation by liaising with concerned staff and other stakeholders at UNESCO and external partners in order to maximize resources and further the programmatic agenda. • Provide written inputs as required by the coordination and communication teams at the Doha Office (e.g., Director’s talking points, regular briefing to colleagues both at office and HQ levels, MoM, speeches and remarks, communication materials, etc.) • Participate in joint programming exercises and UN Country Teams working groups in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF). • Undertake other duties as required by the Director of Office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Natural Sciences; water, engineering, environmental sciences, biology, marine science, ecology, etc. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of the earth sciences, ecology, biology or any related filed. • Proven experience coordination, programme management and in designing and implementing programmes/projects, as well as demonstrated expertise in a particular field in natural sciences. • Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders; from government entities to NGOs and CSOs. • Good knowledge of the United Nations system and processes. Previous experience working with UNESCO is an asset. COMPETENCIES • Excellent analytical skills. Ability to collect, process and synthesize information from various sources. • Good organizational and project design skills. • Excellent (oral and written) communication skills, including the ability to draft and produce a variety of written material in a clear and concise manner. • Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment. • Ability to collaborate effectively within a multicultural environment. • Ability to work independently and take initiative, within established procedures. LANGUAGES Fluency in English. Knowledge of Arabic or French would be a definite asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.