NATIONAL PROGRAMME SPECIALIST (Natural Sciences)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 3CRSC1000RP
Grade : NO-C
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: San Jose
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Fixed Term Field
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-MAY-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only nationals of Costa Rica can apply for this position.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC) and the Director of the UNESCO Office in San Jose, and the functional authority and direct supervision of the Regional Programme Specialist for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Capacity Building, the incumbent is responsible for designing, coordinating and implementing activities in the fields covered by the UNESCO Medium Term Strategy (C/4) and the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) under the Major Programme II - Natural Sciences, in the countries served by the UNESCO San José Office, specifically in the domains of the Ecological and Earth Sciences and the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), but not limited to these domains.
In particular, the incumbent is responsible for programme and project work, advice, research and knowledge management, networking, partnerships and resource mobilization, in close coordination with the Senior Programme Specialist(s) in Natural Sciences in the office and other offices in the region. S/he will contribute to internationally agreed goals such as those in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as national targets in development plans and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) of the countries served by the UNESCO San José Office.
The incumbent shall work as part of the interdisciplinary team in the UNESCO Office in San José, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and with technical guidance from Science Programme Divisions at UNESCO Headquarters.
In particular, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
• Coordinate and oversee programme and project development, implementation, and evaluation in the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO in the countries served by the San José Office, covering Ecological and Earth Sciences, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), as well as other areas, in close cooperation with the Regional Programme Specialist for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Capacity building. Participate in Regular Programme (C/5) work plans, policy formulation discussions, and other sector-related strategy formulation activities.
• Contribute to the UNESCO San José office's interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts, including the formulation of concept notes and project development for extra-budgetary funding, through participation in intersectoral programmes and activities in the areas of environment, biodiversity, climate change, disaster risk reduction, education for sustainable development, local and indigenous knowledge systems, as well as areas related to world heritage, among others.
• Participate in UNESCO's involvement in joint programming exercises within the framework of the UN Reform, such as Common Country Assessments (CCAs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF), in the countries served by the UNESCO San José Office.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other UN Agencies and Multilateral and Bilateral Development partners in collaboration with colleagues from UNESCO Headquarters, other Field Offices, Centres and Institutes, to foster opportunities for joint programming activities related to the Natural Sciences Sector.
• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Office resource mobilisation strategy, identify and liaise with funding partners.
• Prepare and submit work plans, establish budgets, monitor the budgetary and financial status of the projects, and ensure financial accountability.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in one of the fields of the UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector related disciplines (Environmental, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Basic Sciences, Science Policy, or related disciplines).
Work Experience
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to the Natural Sciences programme of UNESCO, of which at least 2 years acquired at regional and/or international level.
• Proven experience in coordination and programme management, designing and implementing programmes/projects, in fields related to the Natural Science programme, and demonstrated expertise in science, technology and innovation policy.
Skills and competencies
• Excellent analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside of the Organization, including the public.
• Knowledge of resource mobilization mechanisms.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to function within a multicultural environment.
• Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.
Languages
• Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish (oral and written).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in disciplines related to the functions of the position.
Work experience
• Experience within government or the private sector in the field of Natural Sciences or Science and Technology Policy.
• Experience with UNESCO Natural Sciences Programmes such as the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), Foro CILAC, the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, the Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Programme, or the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme.
• Experience with specialized agencies of the UN system and/or professional/international NGOs and/or organizations for international technical cooperation.
• Experience in promoting regional cooperation.
• Experience in fund-raising.
• Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the countries served by the Office.
Skills/Competences
• Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional, and international scientific organizations, professional organization
• Good knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes, particularly in the area of Natural Sciences
Languages
• Knowledge of other official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian)
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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.
The approximated annual salary is 36 510 000 in Colones.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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.
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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.