Associate Project Officer (Natural Science Sector)

ASSOCIATE PROJECT OFFICER – NATURAL SCIENCE SECTOR

UNESCO is looking for an associate project officer for the project “Youth and Innovation for Ocean Initiatives”

Salary: 19,754$/annum (gross)

Duration: 1 year with possible extension subject to budget availability and satisfactory performance

Deadline: 6 March 2022

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

A. Background

The UNESCO Natural Sciences Program in Viet Nam provides supports in the freshwater, marine, ecological, earth and basic sciences, while at the same time promoting science, innovation and technology and capacity-building in the sciences and engineering. Particularly, focus of UNESCO’s natural sciences program in Viet Nam will endeavor to strengthen the roles and potentials of the UNESCO designated biosphere reserves and other UNESCO-affiliated sites, along with their associated networks, supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk management, green and blue economies and as sites for collaboration with other international innovative environmental initiatives. Starting in early 2020, UNESCO Vietnam have been implementing the project “Youth and Innovation for Ocean Initiatives” (or Mobilizing youth for Zero Waste in UNESCO's designated sites in Vietnam), in partnership with The Coca Cola Foundation (TCCF). The project aims to support UNESCO World Man and Biosphere Reserves and coastal communities in Viet Nam to combat plastic waste by empowering youth and young professionals to put forward innovative and practical solutions in the areas of collecting, sorting, treating, recycling and reusing – all fostering sustainable and green growth in the country. The project reflects UNESCO’s commitment to support Viet Nam to maintain a healthy and sustainable ocean environment, contributing to both the National Strategy on Sustainable Marine Economy until 2030, vision 2045, and the National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter by 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The project objectives are (i) Enhanced public awareness and action on the core issues related to plastic waste through long-term, youth-driven public campaigns and educational activities; (ii) Creation of the Youth and Young Professionals on Innovation, Science and Technology Platform for Resiliency (U-INSPIRE) as a national hub for supporting knowledge sharing and innovative ideas from young Vietnamese citizens to address key environmental and development issues in Viet Nam The project site is HoiAn – CuLaoChamand during 2020-2021 ((further information https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-and-coca-cola-foundation-launch-youth-and-innovation-ocean-initiative) and will extend to CatBa Island Biosphere Reserve in this phase 2022-2023.

UNESCO Hanoi is looking for an Associate Project Officer to undertake the implementation of the project “Youth for Zero Waste in UNESCO’s designated sites in Vietnam” during 2022-2023. The position is for Vietnamese nationality only and will work on fulltime basis at UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The position will possibly extend upon fund availably and performance.

B. Key assignments

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Vietnam and under the direct supervision of the Chìef of Natural Science Unit, the Associate Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the project “Youth for Zero Waste in Vietnam’s UNESCO designated sites” during 2022-2023 and undertake the following assignments:

Coordinate and oversee the implementation of the project “Youth for Zero Waste in UNESCO designated sites in Vietnam”, ensuring the achievement of the project objectives, implementation of the proposed activities and production of the outputs/deliverables as per the approved project document and work plans;
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 consultation with the UNESCO Representative, Chief of Natural Science, the relevant sections at UNESCO and key implementing partners;
Work closely with national partners to build partnership for effective implementation of the project activities;
Act as key liaison with local authorities and relevant stakeholders including National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, provincial People Committee and Biosphere Reserve management boards, and other international/national partners;
Organize individual activities, mobilize experts, both from the UNESCO and outside national and international consultants, and make logistical arrangements related to the project/activity implementation, in consultation with the counterparts;
Undertake specific technical tasks including conduction and quality assurance of technical reports and relevant documents, to achieve the project objectives linked to the project implementation;
Coordinate and supervise activities in close consultation with the counterparts, including the Foundation and ensure all key stakeholders are informed on a regular basis on progress of the project;
Coordinate and lead the M&E data compilation for the beneficiary report and final reporting of the project; Prepare report on the progress of activities and expenditures on a regular basis to assist the Head of Natural Science Unit in reporting system (internal and donors reports).
Work closely with UNESCO Communication Officer and key partners to ensure the effective the Project Communication Plan, and to provide regular inputs about the project activities and natural science programme for website and other communication channels;
Perform other tasks, as deemed appropriate by the Head of UNESCO Ha Noi Office and the Chief of Natural Science Unit.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) Building partnerships (M) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in the relevant fields, as natural sciences, environmental sciences, waste management, ocean or marine sciences, water resources, Climate Change and International Development; specializations in environment or solid waste management are most desired;

Work experiences:

At least five (5) years of professional experiences in working on project coordination, management in natural resources management, ocean and marine sciences, climate change, waste and plastic management, development or any relevant fields
Sound knowledge of the major development issues with regards to environment, plastic issues, pollution and conservation in Viet Nam;

Languages and other skills:

Fluency in English and Vietnamese both speaking and writing;
Excellent computing skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related programmes.
Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills;
Highly organized and self-motivated

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree will be a plus.
Solid knowledge or experiences in communication and youth/social inclusion is a plus
Demonstrated 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;
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 UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The position will possibly extend upon fund availably and performance. Remuneration: USD 19754 /annum (included social and medical benefits) CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
A written test may be used in the evaluation of the candidates.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for recruitment process.

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.

APPLY HERE