Project Officer (SHS)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Brasilia

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff  (Service Contract)

Level : SC8

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-SEP-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Only candidates who are entitled to work in Brazil may apply to this position

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO in Brazil, the overall supervision of the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Coordinator, and with the direct support and technical guidance of the SHS Programme Officer and Criança Esperança Coordinator, the project officer will participate in the elaboration, execution, monitoring and evaluation of projects of the SHS Sector, in the selection process of social projects, and in the monitoring and follow up of the activities of the Criança Esperança programme.

The incumbent will be the focal point for one or more specific themes within the field related to the SHS Programme regarding project implementation. In particular, the incumbent will make proposals and will coordinate technical cooperation agreements in accordance with priorities, guidelines and orientations established, by providing technical and operational inputs for the design, elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extra-budgetary projects. To this end, the successful candidate shall cover the following competencies:

Long Description

Planning:

• Provide assistance to the SHS Programme Coordinator in mapping-out the development stage of topics under UNESCO's mandate in social and human sciences and the need for technical cooperation in Brazil with the public and private sectors;
• Provide contributions to the preparation of UNESCO Brasilia Office's framework and planning documents, including the IT-based management tools such as Core Manager, as well as subsidizing issues for UNESCO's planning documents (medium-term strategy and Programme and Budget - C/4 and C/5);
• Propose annual action plans for the specific theme(s) for which he/she is responsible in the Programmatic Area.

Long Description

Technical Cooperation:

• Prepare project proposals and revision proposals, suggesting UNESCO cross-cutting activities and opportunities for cooperation with other UNESCO offices and networks in Brazil or in the region;
• Manage and supervise technical cooperation agreements (extra-budgetary and UNESCO regular budget) by following up budget and financial situation, monitoring and systematizing evaluations and preparing document revisions and using project management tools; analyzing and interpreting background history and documentation of projects under his/her responsibility;
• Add technical value to projects by providing technical and strategic solutions to project needs based on the UNESCO expertise under the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) programme;
• Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise products carried out within the projects under his/her responsibility;
• Organize and revise UNESCO books, articles and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
• Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request.

Long Description

National negotiations and fundraising:

• Attend qualified meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director of UBO;
• Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners (both from the public and private sectors), selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation;
• Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, in areas where the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) programme can offer expertise to a country such as Brazil.

Management:

• Supervise, orient and review the completion of duties conducted by the sector Programme Assistant(s) related to the themes and projects under his/her responsibility, according to the priorities defined by the Programme Coordinator;
• Participate in the analysis and selection of the projects submitted by the NGOs to be supported within the Criança Esperança Programme by: elaborating technical reports on the performance of the NGOs and their compliance to the work plans originally proposed; participating in monitoring visits to the NGOs; participating in the annual revision of the online tool; following-up and rendering technical support to the selected NGOs; participating in the Steering Committee meetings with partners and in missions whenever needed.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters or Post-graduate studies) in any area of Social or Human Sciences.

Work Experience

• Four (4) to six (6) years of relevant experience in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects or programme in the fields of social and human sciences, public policy, management, or related areas. Experience must include:
  • At least 3 years of experience with programmatic and financial management of technical cooperation projects or with non-governmental organizations;
  • At least 3 years of experience in coordinating relations with stakeholders and institutional partners, including communication activities and presentation of programme outcomes;
  • At least 3 years of experience in roles involving strategic engagement with civil society organizations.
• Experience in managing technical cooperation projects’ activities and expenditures, at national and international level.
• Experience in supporting technical or managerial professionals at the national or international level.

Languages

• The position requires proficiency in Portuguese and English.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong sense of ethics, initiative, creativity, discretion and maturity of judgement;
• Pro-activeness and ability to work under pressure; timely responses, accuracy and sense of confidentiality; ability and flexibility to manage workload;
• Team and service-oriented, autonomy, emphasis on quality, efficiency and results;
• Analytical, problem solving, organizational and coordination skills;
• Resource mobilization and negotiation skills;
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills;
• Ability to write texts with clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy;
• Ability to maintain accurate files and records; good organization skills;
• Good IT skills (Microsoft package). Ability to handle web-based management systems;
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment: with people of different national and cultural background. Gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Specialized training or courses in the fields related to this position.

Work Experience

• Proven experience in organizing and coordinating public selection processes;
• Previous experience within UN agencies;
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO’s mandate for social and human sciences.

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP system.

Languages

• Working knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (French or Spanish).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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