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Project Officer (Sciences)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC9

Hiring Unit : Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station : Brasilia

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−3 Time) : 05/10/2026

 

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO to Brazil, the overall supervision of the Sciences Coordinator and the direct supervision of the  Criança Esperança Coordinator, the incumbent will be the focal point for one or more specific themes within the field related to the Sciences Programme, in particular those related to social development and social inclusion, sports, youth, intercultural dialogue, ethics, amongst other themes in the Sciences domain regarding project execution, mobilizing partnerships and extrabudgetary resources, fostering collaboration with the government, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector, developing and implementing projects and supporting the Programme Coordinator. In particular, the incumbent makes proposals and coordinates 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 and activities, giving support and technical guidance to the actions and projects within the Sector. The project officer will also support the selection process of social projects, the monitoring and follow up of the activities and deliverables of these projects, with a focus on the Criança Esperança programme. To this end, the successful candidate shall:

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

  • Provide support to the Sciences Programme Coordinator in mapping-out the development stage of topics under UNESCO's mandate in the sciences and the need for technical cooperation in Brazil with public, private or academic institutions (including UNESCO Chairs);
  • Provide contributions to the preparation of Brasilia Office’s framework and planning documents, including management tools;
  • Act as project officer in the Sciences sector designing, managing and following-up the implementation of projects in all their phases: identifying needs, proposing actions, evaluating and monitoring technical and financial aspects, ascertaining problems and proposing corrective actions;
  • Prepare project and revision proposal information; suggesting cross-cutting and intersectoral activities; identifying, proposing and developing South-South cooperation opportunities;
  • Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise deliverables carried out within the 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 Sciences programme;
  • Organize and revise the contents of books and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
  • Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request;
  • Attend qualified meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director/BRZ;
  • Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners, selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation (fundraising);
  • Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, particularly with the private sector, in areas where the Sciences programme can offer expertise.
  • Act as focal point in themes related to youth, gender, disability and racial equality;
  • 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;
  • Support the evaluation, dissemination and systematization of experiences, initiatives and best practices in the field of Sciences;
  • Any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work of the Sciences sector to which she/he is assigned.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)

     

    For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree (equivalent to Masters or Post-graduate studies) in any area of Social or Human Sciences, with a research object preferably related to the social area or social work.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8 years of practical experience in programme and/or project management in the social area, with focus preferably on children’s rights, /youth public policies; social inclusion, with a minimum of 5 years acquired in the implementation of project, at national and/or international level, within the UN system, in governmental institutions, NGOs and/or other international organizations present in Brazil.

Previous experience in managing technical cooperation projects’ activities and expenditures.

Experience in international organization as well as knowledge of UNESCO or UN will be an asset.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong analytical, negotiating, organizational, communication and advocacy skills;

Proven ability to manage and coordinate large scale projects/programmes;

Excellent writing skills: ability to produce reports and papers on technical and strategic issues;

Knowledge of managerial and administrative systems;

Strong sense of ethics, integrity, initiative, accountability, discretion and maturity of judgement;

Capacity to deal with sensitive topics; Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;

Capacity to work in, and adapt to, multicultural environments;

Capacity to work under stress and to maintain deadlines;

Availability to travel;

Good IT skills (Microsoft package), including experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

 

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in Portuguese and English. 

 

ASSESSMENT

An assessment exercise may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Previous experience in procurement processes within the UN System or other international cooperation organizations will be highly valued.

Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO’mandate for sciences.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP system.

 

LANGUAGES

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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This assignment is of full-time nature (Monday to Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30 / 14h to 18h; Friday: 8h30 to 14h). For this position, the monthly remuneration, which will be paid in local currency, will be BRL 21.107,41.

The initial contract is intended until the end of 2026 and shall be linked to a project-funding source, which is expected to be renewed. Any contract renewal shall be dependent upon budgetary availability and satisfactory services. Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only.

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
  • lndividuals 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.
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.

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