Programme Specialist - Natural Sciences

The incumbent will support the implementation of the Sciences program in 15 countries of West Africa, focusing on biodiversity, ecosystems management, and climate resilience within the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. Responsibilities include program coordination, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and project management support.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, coordination and implementation of activities related to biodiversity, ecosystems management and climate resilience within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program and based on Member States needs.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the other Natural Sciences sector activities such as Science Technology and Innovation (STI), water sciences, basic sciences, and Disaster Risk Management.
• Interact regularly with various stakeholders (regional, national and local authorities, National Commission for UNESCO, United Nations agencies, scientific institutions, private sector, NGOs, sub-regional organizations) for the development and implementation of joint programs; Participate in the Organization's representation activities in the various exchange platforms.
• Contribute to resource mobilization by responding to calls for projects and developing concept notes and project proposals in accordance with national priorities in order to strengthen program activities related to natural resources management.
• Contribute to the search and development of partnerships with national authorities, the private sector, civil society, NGOs and multilateral funding bodies.
• Supporting UNESCO in its role as a hub of ideas and innovations for Sustainable Development.
• Coordinate the planning of project activities in accordance with their logical frameworks.
• Ensure the implementation of activities in close collaboration with the various stakeholders.
• Organize monitoring and evaluation missions in the field when needed, ensuring the effective involvement of beneficiaries and the preparation of related reports.
• Establish, develop and maintain consistent working relationships with project partners.
• Ensure the visibility of projects through regular communication and maintain the link with internal and external partners.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master II or equivalent degree) in the field of Natural sciences with good expertise in sustainable management of natural resources or in a related field.
• Preferably a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of environmental engineering, ecology, biodiversity and/or natural resources management.
• Experience in activities and/or projects that involved ecological science education, training and/or research on ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, water management, vulnerability analysis, adaptation and resilience within the context of climate change, is desirable.
• Experience at international or regional level is desirable.
• Experience in ecosystems and biodiversity conservation would be an asset.

Skills

• Sustainable Resource Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Natural Resource Management
• Ecological Science Education
• Ecosystems Research
• Water Management Projects
• Vulnerability Analysis
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Climate Resilience
• Program Coordination
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Resource Mobilization
• Project Management

Languages

English, French