International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Project Officer, IW:LEARN (Deadline: 17 MAR 2021)

Post Number : IOC/PA 021 Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-MAR-2021

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Initial duration of the contract is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and availability of funds.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Over the last twenty years, IW:LEARN has grown from an informal network of a few projects and agency staff focused on International Waters (IW) projects to a community of individuals from a few hundred public and private sector organizations, including local, national, and international government and non-government organizations. The new IW:LEARN phase will focus on proven approaches but also on a suite of new and innovative activities to facilitate the Global Environment Facility (GEF) IW Focal Area to prepare for and implement the GEF7 International Waters Strategy (and prepare for the 8th GEF Replenishment). It will be additionally extended to cater for the need of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in particular the priorities adopted by GEF: The Blue Economy, Integrated Resource Management from Ridge-to-Reef, Protected Areas, and Climate Resilience. The new IW:LEARN project will continue supporting the core mandate of the GEF International Waters Focal Area to support transboundary cooperation in shared marine and freshwater ecosystems and assist the project portfolio in in achieving long term benefits. The project’s proposed activities will help the portfolio to implement regionally endorsed SAP priorities, mainstream gender considerations, and stimulate private sector investment.

Long Description

The Project Officer will support the Project Manager in the overall implementation of the project, under the guidance and supervision of the latter. In particular, the Project Officer will:

  • Assist the Project Manager in day-to-day management and oversight of project activities;
  • Assist the Project Manager where required and deputize for him/her by supervising /approving activities where needed;
  • Ensure that the project outputs are delivered as identified in the Project Document as and as advised / instructed by the Project Steering Committee;
  • Apply his/her expertise in water management, GEF IW Projects, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), structured learning and project management to maintain the project’s overall integrity and coherence;
  • Assist the Project Manager to prepare and update project work plans and budgets in collaboration with the Project Steering Committee and the Implementing and Executing Agencies. The work plan will provide guidance on the day‐to‐day implementation of the Project Documents and on the integration of the various co‐financed partner initiatives;

Long Description

  • Serve as the coordinator for project twinning, workshop and global dialogue activities (together with the Administrative/Finance Officer and project partners), where appropriate, by:
  • Establishing detailed work plans, with clear tasks, deliverables and timelines;
  • Maintaining participant databases and registrations;
  • Preparing and sending logistical communications to participants; answering information queries; keeping event websites current and producing and distributing event promotional materials to appropriate audiences;
  • Liaising with event venues on event requirements, arrangements, equipment etc;
  • Assisting the Project Manager with event procurement negotiations;
  • Working with the admin/finance office to arrange travel as necessary;
  • Ensuring venues are in compliance with all contractual arrangements;

Long Description

  • Preparing official communications with host countries and agencies, and issuing official letters, and liaising with host countries and agencies regarding event logistics and implementation;
  • Setting VIP programmes, special events and technical site visits, where appropriate;
  • Formulating meeting agendas, calling meetings and keeping minutes for all project event committees;
  • Monitoring and reporting to the Project Manager and project event committees on progress against agreed event milestones;
  • Securing event sponsorship and liaising with media, where appropriate;
  • Preparing project conference and workshop agendas and inputs in collaboration with respective partners and event committees, and preparing event scripts;
  • Liaising with and guiding lead session coordinators, setting out objectives and expected outcomes of event sessions/plenaries/roundtables/seminars etc;
  • Preparing thank you letters to host countries, agencies, speakers, presenters, participants and others, as necessary;
  • Preparing post‐event content and evaluation reports and compiling event presentations and other knowledge content to the project website;
  • Following up with event participants six months and one year afterwards to monitor implementation of agreed follow‐up actions.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Management or Science, International Relations, Information Management, Communications, Economics, Development Studies or related fields.

Work Experience

  • At least four years of experience in project management;
  • Demonstrated experience in information and knowledge management, including planning, design, preparation and delivery of knowledge management strategies and services;
  • Experience in capacity‐development and/or knowledge management, including planning, design, preparation and delivery of capacity‐development programs or activities;
  • Experience with application of knowledge management approaches and services, in particular with the synthesis of lessons‐learned and their dissemination;
  • Demonstrated experience in support to local, national and international organizations, including support to non‐profits and non-government organisations;
  • Familiarity with GEF International Waters recipient countries and/or with donors or related non-government organisations.

Skills/Competencies

  • Demonstrated capacity in implementing knowledge sharing strategies and plans;
  • Excellent coordination and facilitation skills;
  • Excellent analytical, reporting, writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English;
  • High attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Competencies

  • Familiarity with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and GEF rules and procedures.

Languages

  • Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

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.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) 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.

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