Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Apia
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 18 January 2024 [EXTENDED]
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
This Position is for a local Consultancy Service. It is open only for Candidates already in Samoa and with the legal right to live and work in Samoa
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UN Joint Programme on Ecosystem Services BuildingForward Better by Safeguarding Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services(hereafter, UNJP on Ecosystem Services) focuses on collection of data and valuation of ecosystem services to support development of scenarios for future and policy planning, reporting against SDGs 11-15, and build a case for investment in ecosystem services given their centrality to human wellbeing, which are critical for the realization of the SDGs 1 to 3. The UNESCO Office for the Pacific States, the UNEP Office for the Pacific based in Apia, Samoa and UNESCAP Office based in Suva, Fiji, have developed this UNJP on Ecosystem Services with the Samoan national stakeholders. The Individual Consultant will be responsible for the final implementation of this UNJP on Ecosystem Services, in particular the coordination of technical management and steering meetings, communication; planning, monitoring and evaluation; technical backstopping and final reporting.
Coordinate the UNJP on Ecosystem Services, under the supervision of the Programme Specialist of Natural Sciences, the UNESCO Pacific States ensuring the three participating UN Organizations’ UNJP related tasks given attention. Core tasks will be overseeing the supporting documents for contracting of the implementing partners and other contractors and vendors; coordinating the activities around training and capacity building; providing technical backstopping to the implementing partners as needed; and identifying the best approaches and technological solutions to be followed by the UNJP on Ecosystem Services for the achievements of its results.
• Support the implementingpartners in the implementation of the activities: The core tasks will be around supporting gender mainstreaming and youth participation; conceptualization of the work programme documents and monitoring of implementation; reporting on monitoring findings; reviewing progress and result achievements; and the dissemination of the results of these processes to the three participating UN Organizations and the UN Resident Coordinator.
Internal and donor progress reporting: The core tasks will be preparation of the technical reports based on implementation of the activities and results articulated in the programme document for the three participating UN Organizations; ensuring technical and administrative reporting to the donor; proactively making updates and analyses available to all stakeholders; and information and data management for being able to do so spontaneously.
• Coordinate communication of the UNJP on Ecosystem Services, in collaboration with the three organizations and the national stakeholders: The core tasks include building the communication community of the UNJP on Ecosystem Services and providing strategic guidance, planning and coordinating the overall UNJP communication actions; preparing press-releases and content for the web and social media; supporting communication effort around events of the UNJP on Ecosystem Services; liaising with the donor and participating in key networking events for the purposes of communication of results and further resource mobilization.
On behalf of UNESCO as the lead of the UNJP on Ecosystem Services, supporting management and governance processes: The core tasks will be convening of the technical coordination group meetings; preparing information and documents for the steering committee meetings that are to be convened by the UN Resident Coordinator, and keeping track of actions taken on the decisions; supporting the implementing partners and others who may not be part of the UNJP on Ecosystem Services come together in a network for exchange of information and knowledge; supporting community engagement; and making sure all stakeholders are up to date with the activities being implemented by the three participating UN organizations.
• Any other: Ten per cent of the work time will be dedicated for undertaking any other tasks assigned by the supervisor. “May be extended subject to performance and availability of resources”.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, marine sciences, hydrology, biology or similar subjects.
Work Experience
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible, relevant work experience in environmental sciences, development or in another related field at the national or international level.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Experience in managing and coordinating thematic working groups of several partners at project/programme level, including trainings and capacity building.
- Administrative management, procurement and reporting of complex projects/programmes.
- Knowledge of international instruments concerning biodiversity, in particular concerning policy, governance and management of biodiversity.
- Familiarity with the data and information management, and subsidiary areas such and natural resource management, ocean governance and so on.
- Ability to work under pressure and to deal tactfully with sensitive issues and implementing partners and other national and subregional stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of gender equality needs in biodiversity and ocean related initiatives and ability to link youth participation.
- Proven skills in writing, problem solving, creativity, collaboration and willingness to innovate
- Excellent skills in using ICT based office applications and web-based technologies.
- Excellent language skills in English (Comprehension, Reading and Writing
APPLICATION PROCESS
This consultancy work will be a full time engagement in physical presence at the UNESCO Office in Apia, Samoa. The position is open only for candidates already in Samoa with the legal right to live and work in Samoa. The contract duration is from the date of signature until 31 March 2024.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online and submit their CV.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
