NATIONAL PROGRAMME OFFICER (SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES)

Only Nationals of Mozambique are eligible to apply for this position

Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Growing inequalities, accelerating climate change, changing demographics and the digital transformation underpin the focus of UNESCO’s Social and Human Science Sector (SHS) in fostering inclusive societies, and ensuring the ethical development of emerging technologies, including of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Rapid advances in emerging technologies and the rise of Artificial Intelligence and other new technologies have made imperative the need for ethical safeguards and global standards, for AI governance, as well as for guidance of citizens who are empowered to shape these developments. The Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, adopted in November 2021 is a global standard that aims to leveraging the positive impact of AI, while addressing its inherent risks. Supporting capacity-building efforts towards the implementation of this recommendation is critical to getting AI governance right.

Meaningful engagement with youth, reinforcing media and information literacy, leveraging the power of sports for social inclusion, promotion of intercultural dialogue and supporting youth and women, as well as partnering with government and other key stakeholders in this regard is key to advancing UNESCO’s 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, focusing on the protection of scientists and enhancing the science-policy nexus via the Management of Social Transformation (MOST) programme.

The UNESCO Office in Maputo plays an important role in the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Mozambique. The broader scope of SHS Sector includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, Gender, Persons with Disability (PWD), support to the enhancement of the ‘Social Fabric’, and Sports to increase the relevance of its SHS programmes. The Office currently drives a vibrant social inclusion programme, through the implementation of two extra-budgetary projects, one on Ending Stigma and Discrimination – Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Marginalization of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Mozambique and another focusing on the Protection and Promotion of the Human Rights of Persons with Albinism.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), direct supervision and guidance of the Head of the UNESCO Office in Maputo, in close cooperation with SHS staff at Headquarters and with the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in Harare, and in coordination with other Programme Sectors and Administration of other Offices, the National Commissions for UNESCO (NATCOM) and other development partners, the incumbent of the post will participate in the development and the implementation of the Sector’s priorities and support programmes to Mozambique. Her/hir work will be guided by the UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, the government’s Five-Year Development Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Mozambique, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union (AU) 2063 Vision frameworks, with youth, gender and life skills among the top priorities.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent of the post will contribute to the overall management and implementation of UNESCO’s Regular Programme and extra-budgetary projects in the field of SHS.

S/he will support the effective implementation of the UNESCO SHS Sector Strategy with specific focus on policy and strategy, support to programme implementation, partnership development and financial resource mobilisation, UNESCO’s contribution to the United Nations (UN) work in support to Mozambique, and communication relating to her/his work. S/he will work closely with all Offices’ Programme Sectors and Units to provide high quality support to Mozambique’s government institutions, civil society, academia, the UN, and other development partners to ensure relevance and effectiveness of UNESCO support to Mozambique and its population.

The main duties and responsibilities of the incumbent of the post will be to:

Programme and Project Development and Implementation

• Provide technical inputs to shape the design and implementation of programmes and projects aimed at strengthening national capacities in alignment with the priorities outlined in the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, Programme and Budget, and Mozambique’s development agenda.
• Advance SHS priorities that champion the protection and promotion of human rights, the anti-discrimination and inclusion agendas; promoting trust in science and protecting scientists and scientific freedom; leveraging sports for social inclusion via Fit for Life programme; promoting gender equality, intercultural dialogue, youth-led initiatives; and facilitating social and human science-based policymaking through the MOST programme.
• Draft detailed work plans, task descriptions, budgets, and output indicators for projects.
• Carry out situational analysis, identify country’s priority needs and compile data and inputs for concept notes for financial resources mobilisation and briefings documents.
• Provide inputs for the preparation of methodological and other guides for implementation and evaluation for use as a contribution to national capacity development in the country.
• Implement, monitor, track and report on regular and extra-budgetary project implementation and outputs, using relevant recommended UNESCO/UN approaches and tools, ensuring administrative backstopping for projects and events and provide technical support to colleagues, as related to assignments and priorities.
• Ensure that SHS contribute to and benefit from the Office communication strategy in support to the Sector’s programme.

Long Description

Research, Knowledge Management and Partnership Building

• Support and provide technical assistance, communication, and knowledge management. This includes but not limited to data collection, recommendations and contributions to the development and expansion of a knowledge base programme.
• Synthesise information for technical work and prepare substantive inputs for policy and other technical development support to the government and UNESCO partners.
• Stay abreast of relevant new developments, advancements, and best practices within the areas of responsibility in order to inform and support office colleagues, UN, government relevant institutions, the NATCOM, civil society on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.
• Participate in/lead/co-lead relevant UN Joint agencies’ contributing to UNESCO’s work within the framework of the UNSDCFs. This includes participation in other opportunities that may arise at national, regional and at UNESCO HQ levels to benefit from winning opportunities that may arise.
• Support the Office to plan and implement outreach communication and visibility strategies and activities through strong partnership with government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector involved in SHS areas of work. This includes participating in/providing regular contributions to the implementation of the Office communication Strategies and activities (thru website, social media, newsletter, and printed contents) and dissemination to peers, partners, and other stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Social and Human Sciences, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations and/or related disciplines.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 (two) years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in the implementation of socioeconomic development projects in the relevant areas.
• Knowledge of programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation, in particular within the UN system.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work in a team in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
• Effective and persuasive communication skills, orally and in writing.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills, flexibility, drive and enthusiasm.
• Capacity to establish plans and priorities and implement them effectively.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration and networking.
• Strong practical project management skills.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and excellent knowledge of Portuguese.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Additional university training in the field of Psychology is an advantage.

Work Experience

• Experience in similar areas in Mozambique, Southern African Development Community (SADC) region or Africa is an advantage.
• Experience in UNESCO’s Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of social and human Sciences.
• Experience with the UN System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.
• Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the UN System.

Skills and Competencies

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work, and familiarity with Social and Human Sciences Sector’s activities.
• Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the SADC region.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO 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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 48 000 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-JUN-2024