REGIONAL ADVISOR (NATURAL SCIENCES)

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC) and the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Venice, the incumbent will assist in contributing to the design, coordination and implementation of activities carried out under the Major Programme II – Natural Sciences in the countries served by the UNESCO Venice Office, (with a particular focus on Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean sub-regions) in view of supporting the Member States in their efforts to implement National Development Plans and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In particular, the incumbent is responsible for providing professional and technical support, research and analysis, with an emphasis on the national contexts, to develop, implement and evaluate programme initiatives to promote learning and sustainable societies and support the Member State to advance science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges and towards the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.

The incumbent shall work as part of the Interdisciplinary team in the UNESCO Office in Venice, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and with technical guidance from SC Programme Divisions at UNESCO Headquarters.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Coordinate, conceptualize and plan work activities and design programme projects in the areas of Ecological and Earth Sciences, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) strategic plan, and other science programmes based on the provisions of both the Regular Programme and Extra-budgetary projects within the context of UNESCO Programme and Budget (C/5) and Medium Term Strategy (C/4). Promote Man and Biosphere (MAB) Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks and World Heritage sites in the region as pilot sites for sustainable development and the SDGs, notably in climate change and natural hazards, including within the MAB Strategy and Action Plan framework. Coordinate Education for Sustainable Development, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and other SC­ related interdisciplinary programmes and projects for the Regional Bureau.

• Develop, formulate, implement and evaluate the Regional Bureau’s strategy for promoting the Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development in the Region, based on regular consultations with National Commissions for UNESCO and their related Programme National Committees, notably MAB and International Hydrological Programme (IHP) committees. Provide advice to the Regional Director as well as the attendance of high-level officials and expert meetings in the Region in the field of environmental sciences and sustainable development.

• Present the science unit’s work in Regional Bureau governing bodies (steering committee, scientific council) and advise these governing bodies, where needed, on science-related matters.

• Ensure the identification and implementation of initiatives and projects involving other Programme Sectors, especially Culture (CLT) and Education (ED) Sectors. Facilitate, contribute and assist Member states in supporting and coordinating activities of UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Institutes and UNESCO-designated sites.

• Establish and promote strategic partnerships with other UN agencies at the national and regional levels, including coordinating with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Regional Bureau’s participation in the Issue-Based Coalition (IBC) on Environment and Climate Change for Europe and Central Asia. Promote strategic partnerships with development partners and civil society within the context of the UN Reform, “Delivering as One” approach, as well as with multilateral and bilateral development agencies, for the development and implementation of joint activities for the Region.

• Represent the Office in regional coordination mechanisms such as the IBC, as well as national science and environment-related task groups in South-Eastern European (SEE) countries, and develop joint programmes of activities with other UN Agencies such as UNDP, UNEP, etc. Partner with national institutions and representative groups, international and national NGOs, ensuring when and where suitable, that these activities address and support regional and sub-regional cooperative efforts/initiatives led by UNESCO in the framework of its programmes (MAB, IHP and IGGP).

• Mobilize extra-budgetary resources to support sector-wide activities in the region in line with country policy priorities, the regional Science Support Strategy and UNESCO’s overall resource mobilization strategies. Pursue partnerships with the Region’s research, development and private sector communities, and identify, adapt and disseminate relevant innovations at national and regional levels.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the Natural Sciences, notably Environmental Sciences, or in other related fields.

Work experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of Natural Sciences, of which preferably at least 3 years acquired at the international level.

• Professional experience in water, environmental and earth sciences or a related field with knowledge of related networks.

• Proven experience in fundraising and mobilization of resources.

• Experience in teaching or conducting trainings in the Natural Sciences or a related field.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent programme and project management skills.

• Conceptual, critical thinking demonstrated, among others, in the preparation of professional texts.

• Proven ability to identify emerging trends and needs and ability to plan strategically and translate strategy into priorities and action.

• Demonstrated ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations and build/maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international scientific organizations, professional organization.

• Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and teams and to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment.

• Ability to communicate (written and oral} and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders, within and outside the organization and through various channels including the web social media.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English.

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-JAN-2024

For more information visit careers.unesco.org