Job opp. Programme Specialist - Kenya

Post title Programme Specialist (Earth Sciences)
Organisational unit UNESCO Office in Nairobi
Duty station Nairobi, Kenya
Grade P-4
Post number AF/RP/KEN/SC/0003
Closing date 24 September 2009

Main responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, under the direct supervision of the Director, UNESCO Nairobi office, and in close collaboration with the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, the incumbent shall be responsible for the programming, planning, implementation, evaulation and coordination of all activities in the field of Earth Sciences within the Africa region. The incumbent shall undertake the following tasks:

• Promote the UNESCO Geoscience education programme in Africa to increase the human resource capacity in the fields of geology, geophysics, mineral resources and energy development, environmental geology, geohazards mitigation, engineering geology, environmental sustainability, and medical geology ( geomedecine) with an emphasis on activties supporting women geoscientists and mainstream women in all capacity building  activities.
• Identify and promote applied research themes of interest to the international scientific community with a view of fostering regional collaboration. Work within the framework of the UNESCO's International Geoscience
• Programme (IGCP) and in collaboration with International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and other international geoscientific programmes for the production of thematic geological maps, post-graduate training in the Earth Sciences, in remote sensing and geodata handling, climate change and industrial pollution.
• Participate in local and international geo-conservation schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa, including nomination of the most significant geoscientific monuments in this region to preserve their natural and cultural heritage.
• Develop the activities of the Pan-African Geological Information systems (PANGIS) to modernise bibliographical and factual geodata handeling in African geoscience institutes;
• Design resource mobilization strategy in support of programme activities in Earth Sciences and Natural Disaster management in Africa;
• Develop and maintain regular contacts with United Nations Agencies, Multilateral and Bilateral Development
• Agencies, regional funds and development banks (African Development Bank), the European Commission,
• Private Sectors, IGOs, NGOs in view of the development and implementation of joint activities in the area of Earth
• Sciences and Natural Disaster management for the sub-region within the context of the United Nations “Delivering as One” approach and CCA/UNDAF processes.

Profile 

• Advanced university degree (preferably at PhD level) in Geology.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of geosciences, of which preferably 3-5 years acquired at the international level.
• Relevant professional experience in geosciences issues related to Africa.
• Experience in planning, implementation and evaluation of programme activities in the field of geosciences.
• Experience in fund-raising and resource mobilisation.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English or French, knowledge of the other language would be an asset.

Conditions of Employment

• UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration will start at the current exchange rate at US$ 95,408 (US$ 88,845 if without dependants) exempt from income tax. In addition,
• UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment will be for two years, with a probationary period of 12 months, and renewal of the contract is subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s job rotation policy.

How to apply
When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at
www.unesco.org/employment . Candidates without access to internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices, National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCR, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: AF/RP/KEN/SC/0003.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any question concerning
persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recrutweb@unesco.org

Source: http://recrutweb.unesco.org/pdf/KENSC0003.PDF