Apply now »

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 direct supervision and technical guidance of the Sciencies Coordinator, the incumbent will be the focal point for one or more specific themes within the field related to the Sciences Programme 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 will be responsible for projects in the natural sciences, climate change, water, hard sciences, innovation and technology, amongst other themes in the Sciences domain 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. 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;
  • 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 products 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 science and technology, environment, water, oceans and UNESCO designated sites in Brazil;
  • Support the sector coordinator in monitoring in Brazil important intergovernmental programmes of UNESCO, such as the Man the Biosphere (MaB) Programme, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC);
  • 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 of Post-graduate studies) in Natural Sciences (biology, water management, engineering, science and technology) or related fields (international relations, public management, and project management).
A combination of a first university degree with an additional of 4 to 6 years of post-qualification work experience would be equivalent.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8 years of work experience in science, technology or environmental programmes, with solid experience in project management and/or public policies in the field of natural sciences (e.g. water management, biodiversity programmes, STI initiatives or geosciences).
Previous experience within the UN System, other international cooperation organizations, governmental institutions, NGOs, or private sector companies will be highly valued.

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.

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.

 

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 natural sciences.

Good understanding of the challenges and opportunities of particular Brazilian biomes, particularly the Amazon region, is also an asset.

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.

Apply now »