Project Officer (Sciences)
Overview
The Project Officer (Sciences) will be responsible for project execution, mobilizing partnerships, and fostering collaboration within the Sciences Programme. The role involves developing and implementing projects and supporting the Programme Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support to the Sciences Programme Coordinator in mapping-out the development stage of topics under UNESCO's mandate in the sciences and the need for technical cooperation in Brazil with public, private or academic institutions;
- Provide contributions to the preparation of Brasilia Office’s framework and planning documents, including management tools;
- Act as project officer in the Sciences sector designing, managing and following-up the implementation of projects in all their phases: identifying needs, proposing actions, evaluating and monitoring technical and financial aspects, ascertaining problems and proposing corrective actions;
- Prepare project and revision proposal information; suggesting cross-cutting and intersectoral activities; identifying, proposing and developing South-South cooperation opportunities;
- Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise products carried out within the projects under his/her responsibility;
- Add technical value to projects by providing technical and strategic solutions to project needs based on the UNESCO expertise under the Sciences programme;
- Organize and revise the contents of books and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
- Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request;
- Attend qualified meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director/BRZ;
- Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners, selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation (fundraising);
- Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, particularly with the private sector, in areas where the Sciences programme can offer expertise.
- Act as focal point in themes related to science and technology, environment, water, oceans and UNESCO designated sites in Brazil;
- Support the sector coordinator in monitoring in Brazil important intergovernmental programmes of UNESCO, such as the Man the Biosphere (MaB) Programme, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC);
- Support the evaluation, dissemination and systematization of experiences, initiatives and best practices in the field of Sciences;
- Any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work of the Sciences sector to which she/he is assigned.
Required Experience
Minimum of 8 years of work experience in science, technology or environmental programmes, with solid experience in project management and/or public policies in the field of natural sciences (e.g. water management, biodiversity programmes, STI initiatives or geosciences). Previous experience within the UN System, other international cooperation organizations, governmental institutions, NGOs, or private sector companies will be highly valued. Previous experience in procurement processes within the UN System or other international cooperation organizations will be highly valued. Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO’mandate for natural sciences. Good understanding of the challenges and opportunities of particular Brazilian biomes, particularly the Amazon region, is also an asset.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters of Post-graduate studies) in Natural Sciences (biology, water management, engineering, science and technology) or related fields (international relations, public management, and project management). A combination of a first university degree with an additional of 4 to 6 years of post-qualification work experience would be equivalent. Specialized training or courses in the fields related to this position.