UNESCO Ghana: Programme Specialist

UNESCO contributes to peace and human development in an era of globalization by furthering international cooperation through its programmes in education, sciences, culture and communication. With its 193 Member States and 7 Associate Members, UNESCO has its Headquarters in Paris (France) and operates globally through a network of offices and several institutes.

Purpose of job post:

· Act as the Natural Sciences focal point in the UNESCO Accra Cluster Office and be responsible for identification, planning, organization,

· implementation, monitoring, evaluation and support for UNESCO programmes and activities in Natural Sciences in the cluster countries (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo).

Main job responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences and the direct authority and supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Accra Cluster Office and in coordination with the Regional Africa Bureau for Sciences in Nairobi, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

· Represent the Natural Sciences Sector in the Accra Cluster Office and act as the Natural Sciences focal point for the cluster countries;

· Identify sciences needs in the region, in water and ecological sciences, basic and engineering sciences and science policy, prepare inputs for the UNESCO Medium -Term Strategy (C/4) and the Programme and Budget document (C/5) and related workplans and draft relevant contributions to the Report of the Director-General on the activities of the Organization (C/3) as required.

· Ensure cooperation with other programme sectors for the formulation of interdisciplinary activities where appropriate.

· Develop and maintain regular contacts with Member States of the cluster and assist governments and other partners in the identification, planning and implementation of projects in the field of Science, Innovation and Technology.

· Maintain regular contacts with United Nations Agencies (especially UNEP), Multilateral and Bilateral Development Agencies e.g. the World Bank, regional funds and development banks (African Development), the European Commission, IGOs, NGOs in view of the development and implementation of joint activities for the sub-region within the context of the UN Reform, “Delivering as One” approach and CCA/UNDAF processes.

· Contribute to the design of a resource mobilization strategy for the Office and mobilize extra-budgetary resources for projects aimed at consolidating and complementing the Natural Sciences Programme and ensure implementation of these projects.

· In coordination with the Regional hydrologist at the Regional Bureau for Sciences in Nairobi and the Division of Water Sciences at Headquarters, and through an active partnership with the National IHP Committees, implement the water sciences programme in the cluster countries, directed towards integrated and sustainable water resources management and transboundary cooperation.

· In coordination with the Regional Bureau for Sciences in Nairobi and the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Secretariat at Headquarters,

· implement the ecological sciences programme, including support to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves through assistance to the cluster countries for the application of the Seville strategy and Madrid Plan of Action.

· Support the basic sciences and engineering programme and science policy activities in the cluster countries particularly for postconflict countries, including practical science education in cooperation with the Education sector, promotion of access and retention of women in science and technology education, and research and development of renewable and alternative energies.

· In coordination with the other Programme Specialists in the Accra Office and other Natural Sciences Programme Specialists based in the sub-region identify, plan, support and implement inter-disciplinary and intersectoral projects in the field of Natural Sciences.

Job Profile ƒ

· Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences, engineering or related fields.

· ƒ 4-7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of natural sciences, engineering or related fields. 2 years experience in an

· international organisation and/or at a relevant research institution would be an advantage.

· ƒ Proven professional experience in developing, managing and implementing projects and programmes in the field of natural sciences.

· ƒ Proven experience in fund-raising and resource mobilisation through negotiation with financial donors.

· ƒ Working experience in the scientific community and with government representatives and officials is an asset.

· ƒ Relevant professional experience in developing countries in the field of science, environment, technology and engineering, particularly in Africa

· is essential.

· ƒ Excellent drafting skills in English are essential.

· ƒ Excellent knowledge of English or French; a good working knowledge of the other language would be an asset.

Conditions of employment

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but mainly paid in local currency. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration in local currency will start from around USD$ 82,288 (USD$ 76,810 if without dependants), exempt from income tax. In addition, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual vacation, home travel, education grant for dependant children, pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment, which is for 2 years, includes a probationary period of 12 months, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s geographical mobility policy. UNESCO is a nonsmoking Organization.

How to apply

· When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at www.unesco.org/employment. Candidates without access to Internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices,

· National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCS,

· UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: AF/RP/GHA/SC/0001

· UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: [email protected]

UNESCO is committed to promote geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly

encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from non- and under-represented Member States.

Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply