National Project Officer (Natural Science) (UNESCO)

Job Description

Job Title: National Project Officer (Natural Science)
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Hanoi
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Non Staff
Level : Level 4
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Hanoi Time) : 29 -Feb - 2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

A. Background

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized international agency that was founded in 1945. Through its activities within the fields of education, social and natural science, culture and communication and information, UNESCO is actively contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy 2022-2029 and the 2022-2026 One Strategic Plan of the UN in Viet Nam.

UNESCO Natural Science section focus on implement major programmes related to freshwater, marine, ecological, earth and basic sciences while also promoting innovative technology and capacity-building initiatives in these fields. Within the framework of the Natural Sciences sector, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), founded in 1975, is a long-term programme executed in successive eight-year phases. IHP is the only United Nations intergovernmental programme devoted to water research, management, and related education and capacity development. In Vietnam, UNESCO has been implementing the IHP Phase IX: Science for a Water Secure world in a changing environment during 2022-2029, to assist strengthening national capacity in addressing water security and climate change’s challenges in new context.

Within the framework of IHP phase IX (2022-2029), UNESCO Vietnam will be implementing projects in fresh-water field including the project “Groundwater resources in the Greater Mekong Sub-region: Collaborative management to increase climate change resilience” funded by The Adaptation Fund (ADF). The project will be implementing in the sub-Mekong region (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) during 2024-2028; The project has been in preparation phase for kick-off in early 2024.

UNESCO Office in Vietnam is looking for a National Project Officer to undertake the preparation phase and implementation of projects in water resources field in Vietnam during 2024-2028.

Only Vietnamese nationals will be considered for this position. The position will work on full-time basis at UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The position may be extended upon fund availability and performance.

B. Key assignments

Under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Ha Noi Office and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Natural Sciences Unit, technical guidance of the Regional Technical Advisor, and in close collaboration with relevant UNESCO Offices (Jakarta, Bangkok and Phnompenh), the National Project Officer will provide support to plan, coordinate and implement the project “Groundwater resources in the Greater Mekong Sub-region: Collaborative management to increase climate change resilience” in Vietnam within the framework of IHP IX programme, specifically be responsible for the following assignments:

Support in Project Implementation

Coordinate and oversee the preparation phase of the project in Vietnam, in close cooperations with relevant UNESCO Offices and national counterparts;
Responsible for the implementation and day-to-day coordination/management of the project mentioned above in Vietnam, under the supervision of the Chief of Natural Sciences Unit in Hanoi and in coordination with the Regional Project Manager/Technical Advisor, ensuring the achievement of the project objectives, the implementation of the proposed activities and production of the outputs/deliverables as per the approved project document and work plans and in accordance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations;
Responsible for developing the national workplans in close collaboration with the Chief of Natural Sciences Unit in Hanoi, Regional Technical Advisor and national counterparts, and ensuring regular monitoring of its implementation
Undertake specific technical tasks in order to achieve the project objectives linked to the implementation of the work plans under the project framework;
Organize individual activities, mobilize experts, both from the UNESCO and external national and international consultants, and all arrangements related to the project/activity implementation, in consultation with regional project teams and the counterparts;
Coordinate and supervise activities in close consultation with the counterparts, including and ensure all key stakeholders are informed on a regular basis on progress of the project if appropriate;
Undertake the appropriate communication and dissemination of information to ensure projects visibility, as well as accountability.
Liaises, maintain regular and good communication with project partners, participating agencies, governmental counterparts, and other partners as required, to ensure due accountability and efficient implementation.
Develop and maintain partner relations with the concerned ministries, national counterparts, including civil society organizations if appropriate.

Monitoring & Evaluation and Reporting

Provide support for the monitoring, and regular reporting on the progress of the project against annual work plans, project’s M&E indicators in Vietnam, and identify issues that need urgent attention by the regional project teams and counterparts.
Coordinate and lead the M&E data compilation for monitoring effectively and timely reporting of the project, lead the drafting of the periodic narrative reports; strengthen project implementation through evidence generated from monitoring, evaluation;
Regularly oversee the financial and administrative aspects of the project and make revisions of the work plans and budget in the course of implementation, as necessary, in closely work with Chief of Natural Sciences Unit in Hanoi Office, Regional Technical Advisor and in consultation with the Finance & Administration Section of UNESCO Ha Noi Office and the relevant sections at UNESCO;
Report on the progress of activities/project on a regular basis to the Chief of Natural Science Unit;
Assist the Chief of the Natural Sciences unit in water related activities under the IHP IX progamme in Vietnam and provide support in developing the relevant projects if appropriate;
Perform other tasks, as deemed appropriate by the Head of UNESCO Ha Noi Office and the Chief of Natural Science Unit.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the relevant fields, such as water resources management, water sciences, natural sciences, environmental sciences, Climate Change etc. or any relevant field; specializations in environment and/or hydrology and/or water resources management are most desired;

Work experience

At least four (4) years of relevant progressively professional experiences in working on natural resources management, climate change, water resources, development or any relevant fields;
Sound knowledge of the major development issues with regards to environment, water resources and climate change in Viet Nam;
Proven experiences in coordination and/or managing development projects, particularly at national level;

Skills/Competencies

Excellent computing skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related programmes;
Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
Highly organized and self-motivated;
Capacity to collaborate and positively engage with a range of partners and beneficiaries, including national/local authorities as well as key stakeholders in civil society, national and international NGOs;
Demonstrated personal sensitivity and commitment to the values and principles of equity, gender equality and cultural diversity;

Languages

Excellent written and spoken English.
Excellent written and spoken Vietnamese.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

PhD’s degree in relevant field will be a plus.
Sound knowledge and/or experiences of the major development issues with regards to environment, water resources and climate change in Mekong delta is a plus;
Experiences in ODA projects’ management in Vietnam is a plus;
Experience working on inter-governmental and/or inter-agency processes is desirable.
Prior UN experience or international organizations is an asset;

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The position is for Vietnamese nationality only and will work on fulltime basis at the UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The position will be part of the project team in Asia and the Pacific; and possibly extend upon fund availably and performance. The position is expected to be on board as soon as possible.

The salary is approximately $34.981/year (Gross, including medical and social contribution). UNESCO's salaries are paid in local currency (VND)

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.

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.