Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division Water Sciences (HYD), and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section on Groundwater Systems and Settlements (GSS), the incumbent will support the project “Governance of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary Aquifers” (GGRETA). The GGRETA project, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is devoted to enhancing groundwater governance, reducing transboundary and water-use conflicts and improving overall environmental sustainability in transboundary aquifers in three different regions: Central America (El Salvador and Honduras ), Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) and Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa).
The project will produce the following outcomes: (1) Improved resource knowledge and monitoring based on recognition of the importance and vulnerability of transboundary groundwater resources; (2) Enhanced cross-border dialogue and cooperation based on development of shared management tools, and recommendations for governance reforms focused on improving livelihoods, economic development, gender equality and environmental sustainability; and (3) Improved capacity in groundwater governance, hydro-diplomacy and gender, and effective communication aiming at replication of project experiences and approaches.
Provide technical support to the chief of section for the preparation and implementation of the GGRETA project activities related to the three aquifers. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
- Contribute to the preparation of capacity-building workshops, training material and data collection.
- Contribute to the collection of data and inputs from senior experts for the preparation of policy papers about best practices in groundwater governance and management of transboundary aquifers.
- Assist in the preparation of project documents for the reporting to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
- Assist in the organization of experts’ meetings and training/capacity building events.
- Set up, maintain and upgrade outreach and communication tools, including the production of key publications and documents.
- Provide support in the monitoring and reporting on the activities through SISTER, by providing assistance on the gathering of information, the updating of the project database.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Hydrogeology.
Work experience
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in the areas of water resources research and hydrogeology, particularly focusing on transboundary aquifers and groundwater and climate change.
Skills/Competencies
- Excellent communication, coordination and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
- Close attention to detail and quality of work, and ability to manage heavy workloads
- Ability to collect, consolidate, synthesize and analyse information from various sources
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other.
Education
- Specialisation in International Affairs.
Work Experience
- Previous experience within the United Nations.
- Knowledge of UNESCO rules and procedures.
- Proven ability in planning and setting up meetings.
Skills/Competencies
- Familiarity with the UN system, and procedures.
- Knowledge of UNESCO – IHP and knowledge of UNESCO management and administration systems.
Languages
- Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages, preferably Spanish.
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.
For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
