Associate Programme Specialist (Natural Sciences) (Paris, France) contract

Post Number : SC 354

Grade : P-1 / P-2

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-MAR-2025

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

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences Sector (ADG/SC), guidance from the DIR/EES, and direct supervision from the Chief of Section EES/EG, the incumbent is responsible for providing professional and technical support, research, and analysis to sectional and divisional work, as well as cross-sectional, divisional, and programmatic activities and initiatives specifically in relation to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and its statutory processes. The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and SDGs, as well as any relevant global or regional development plans.

In particular the incumbent will:

• Contribute to the implementation of projects and initiatives related to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) through: planning and implementing the annual meetings of the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) Council and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; identification of areas for development and improvement of the IGGP.

• Assist in the preparation of statutory revalidation and evaluation missions and prepare reports of the council sessions.

• Contribute to project drafting, planning, and implementation and assist in the preparation of technical support to Field Offices and diverse institutions as related to assignments and priorities.

• Maintain existing and establish new cooperative links with designated partners like the National Commissions and National Geoparks and Geoscience Committees, governmental departments, or scientific institutions with a view to identifying trends and needs in research, policy formulation, and capacity building.
• Contribute to the preparation of international, national, and regional capacity-building related activities in the field of earth sciences in cooperation with field offices and partners.
• Conduct research, compile analysis, data, and inputs for publications, documents, projects, assessments, and policy proposals, and ensure that knowledge management systems are current and content is coordinated and shared with Headquarters and Field Science staff.
• Contribute to Public Information and awareness-raising activities, organizing and participating in supporting outreach tasks, researching, writing, feeding social media, and hosting information points. Assist in the development and maintenance of communication tools (e.g. Website, social media, e-publications, exhibitions).
• Provide substantive, logistical, and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events, and missions.
• Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and fundraising events and opportunities for Earth Sciences, and assist in the preparation of project proposals.
• Update and improve databases and other information systems (mailing and distribution lists,..).

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Geological Sciences and/or a related field of Earth Sciences.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of geological sciences and or in the field of earth sciences, with at least one year in an international environment.
• Proven experience of developing, implementing, and managing international scientific projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Good analytical, organizational and project management skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside the organization, and through various channels including the web and social media;
• Excellent drafting skills with ability to produce high-quality reports;
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations;
• Good level of autonomy;
• Ability to work and maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment;
• Solid IT skills, including knowledge of office software.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

Work Experience

• Experience within a United Nations Agency or programme(s) or within an international organisation;
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks;
• Research and analysis in the field of Earth Science.

Skills and competencies

• 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 especially related to Earth Sciences processes;
• Good knowledge of UNESCO – IGGP Programme and knowledge of UNESCO’s work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences.

Languages

• Good knowledge (written and spoken) of French;
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).