JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Service Contract
Level : SC8
Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station : Dakar
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 12 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC±0 (UTC) Time) : 13/07/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
SUPERVISION
Under the overall authority of the Regional Director and the supervision of the program specialist for Sciences, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of Sciences program in 15 countries of West Africa covered by the office.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Within this context, the incumbent will be responsible for:
Program Implementation
- Contribute to the development, coordination and implementation of activities related to biodiversity, ecosystems management and climate resilience within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program and based on Member States needs.
- Support the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the other Natural Sciences sector activities such as Science Technology and Innovation (STI), water sciences, basic sciences, and Disaster Risk Management.
- Interact regularly with various stakeholders (regional, national and local authorities, National Commission for UNESCO, United Nations agencies, scientific institutions, private sector, NGOs, sub-regional organizations) for the development and implementation of joint programs; Participate in the Organization's representation activities in the various exchange platforms.
- Contributing to resource mobilization by responding to calls for projects and developing concept notes and project proposals in accordance with national priorities in order to strengthen program activities related to natural resources management.
- Contribute to the search and development of partnerships with national authorities, the private sector, civil society, NGOs and multilateral funding bodies.
- Supporting UNESCO in its role as a hub of ideas and innovations for Sustainable Development.
Project management support
- Coordinate the planning of project activities in accordance with their logical frameworks.
- Ensure the implementation of activities in close collaboration with the various stakeholders.
- Organize monitoring and evaluation missions in the field when needed, ensuring the effective involvement of beneficiaries and the preparation of related reports
- Establish, develop and maintain consistent working relationships with project partners.
- Ensure the visibility of projects through regular communication and maintain the link with internal and external partners.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master II or equivalent degree) in the field of Natural sciences with good expertise in sustainable management of natural resources or in a related field.
Long Description
Work experience
- Preferably a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of environmental engineering, ecology, biodiversity and/or natural resources management.
- Experience in activities and/or projects that involved ecological science education, training and/or research on ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, water management, vulnerability analysis, adaptation and resilience within the context of climate change, is desirable.
Long Description
Desirable qualifications
- Experience at international or regional level
- Experience in ecosystems and biodiversity conservation would be an asset
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Long Description
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
- lndividuals 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.
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
