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National Programme Officer (Social and Human Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4UZSHS0001PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Tashkent

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year 

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-JUL-2024

 

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

 

Only nationals of Uzbekistan are eligible to apply for this position

 

Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The focus of the Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) at UNESCO is to foster inclusive societies and to ensure the ethical development of emerging technologies, including of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In November 2021, UNESCO’s Member States adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, a global standard aimed at leveraging the positive impact of AI while addressing its inherent risks. Getting AI governance right is one of the most consequential challenges of our time, and countries around the world are now in the process of implementing the Recommendation, with UNESCO supporting them through various capacity-building efforts.

 

In addition, SHS strives to accomplish its fundamental humanist mission which calls for enhancing the efforts against racism and discrimination, deploying the power of sports for social inclusion, promoting intercultural dialogue and supporting youth and women. SHS collaborates with Member States to advance UNESCO's 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, focusing on the protection of scientists and enhancing the science-policy nexus via the Management of Social Transformation (MOST) programme.

 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences' Sector (ADG/SHS) and the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Tashkent Office, the incumbent will contribute to the design, coordination and implementation of activities carried out under Major Programme III - Social and Human Sciences (SHS) in Tashkent in view of supporting the Member State in its effort to implement its National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) while contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

S/he will provide professional and technical support, with an emphasis on AI and neurotechnology, using UNESCO international recommendations, declarations, and standards. In addition, s/he will work within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and according to global development plans such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

The incumbent shall work as part of the Interdisciplinary team in the UNESCO Office in Tashkent, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and with technical guidance from SHS Programme Divisions at UNESCO Headquarters and the Social and Human Sciences Programme Specialist at the Regional Office in Almaty and other Specialists at the Regional Offices in Asia and Pacific. 
 

In this context, the incumbent will:

Long Description

Programme and Project Support:

  • Contribute technical inputs for the development, administration and implementation of programmes and projects reinforcing national capacities. 
  • Contribute to the development of emerging technologies, particularly AI and neurotechnology considering the social, ethical and human rights implications, in the frame of UNESCO's standards.
  • Draft detailed work plans, task descriptions, budgets, and output indicators for projects. Identify areas for improved project alignment with UNESCO, national, regional and global social and human sciences' goals (i.e. SDGs). 
  • Implement specific project activities within established work plans and document progress against predefined performance indicators. 
  • Carry out situational analysis, and compile data and inputs for concept notes, publications, briefings and documents for Field and HQ use. 
  • Provide substantive, logistical, and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events and missions. 
  • Monitor, track and report on regular and extra-budgetary project implementation and outputs within the Tashkent Office, including using relevant tools such as the Core Manager. 
  • Provide inputs for the preparation of methodological and other guides for implementation and evaluation for use within Tashkent Office and as a contribution to national capacity development.
  • Prepare inputs to documents for the Governing Bodies (Executive Board and the General Conference) and reporting and ad hoc documents of concerned internal services to UNESCO and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), funds and programmes, donors and other external development partners. 
  • Act as the lead worker for local support staff as relevant.

 

Research and Knowledge Management: 

  • Conduct research and analysis, and prepare data and inputs for documents, projects and proposals as well as conventional and on-line publications, visibility and public information materials, and social media and website content. 
  • Ensure knowledge management, websites and information systems are up to date and content is easily accessible to Field Office staff. 
  • Upload to automated systems (SharePoint) and other platforms the institutional memory of own office.
  • Contribute inputs to the design of project progress and performance monitoring tools and analyze best practices and current trends to contribute inputs to the knowledge base.

Partnership: 

  • Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and fundraising events and opportunities. 
  • Support Field Office and corporate communication by drafting and generating brochures, leaflets, social media content and other visual, online and written communication and information materials.
  • Assist financial resource mobilisation efforts by preparing specific inputs for the development of concept notes, and project and funding proposals on the basis of available situational analysis and needs assessments and in accordance with the approved Programme and Budget (C/5). 
  • Assist in planning and implementing outreach and visibility activities aimed at programme promotion and expansion. 
  • Draft inputs for the Field Office's contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Common Country Assessment (CCA), Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Action Plan (CAP) and to other relevant national planning exercises. 
  • Liaise with colleagues within the Sector and in other Sectors, in own and other Field Offices, and Headquarters to discuss developments and opportunities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Professionalism (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of social and human sciences, political sciences, international relations, or a related discipline. 

 

Work Experience

  • Minimum 2 (two) years of relevant professional experience in the field of social and human sciences, political sciences, international relations at the national or sub-regional level.
  • Experience working in the implementation of national and/or sub-regional projects in the area of social and human sciences.
  • Experience in fundraising and financial resource mobilisation as well as establishing and maintaining relations with donors.
  • Experience using web-based information management systems.

 

Skills and Competencies

  • Proven organizational and coordination skills, ability to take initiative, establish priorities, monitor own work plans and report on actions and projects.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to deal efficiently with partners at different levels.
  • Ability to participate effectively in negotiations.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
  • Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.
  • Excellent knowledge management with an understanding of emerging communication and information technologies and their potential uses.
  • Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the development and use of AI technologies.

 

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of Uzbek.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

  • Experience in UNESCO’s Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of social and human sciences.
  • Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.
  • Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the United Nations System.
  • Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP).

 

Skills and Competencies

  • Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work, and familiarity with Social and Human Sciences Sector activities.
  • Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the Central Asian Region.

 

Languages

  • Good knowledge of Russian.  
  • Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish).

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 approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 40,729.

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.

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