Project Officer for Natural World Heritage

OVERVIEW Post Number : WHC/PA/046 Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Culture Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-JUL-2020 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism (Duration of contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance). OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT), the general supervision of the Director of the World Heritage Centre, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Natural Heritage Unit and in close coordination with the Regional Units (in particular the Africa Unit) of the World Heritage Centre, the Project Officer for Natural World Heritage shall perform the following tasks:

Coordinate in a timely, coherent and integrated manner the identification, implementation and monitoring of the project activities funded by Norway to support in priority natural World Heritage sites in Africa, in particular inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Coordinate the implementation of other natural heritage projects managed by the Natural Heritage Unit, including projects to support new nominations of natural sites in Africa and the implementation of the COMPACT methodology in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Develop, plan and implement communication activities to increase the visibility of the above-mentioned projects in cooperation with the Communication, Cities and Events Unit (CLT/CCE).
Contribute to the further development of the project portfolio and capacity building activities of the World Heritage Centre in support of natural heritage, focused on improving the state of conservation of natural and mixed World Heritage sites, increasing the resilience of natural and mixed World Heritage sites to climate change and ensuring community participation in the conservation of natural and mixed World Heritage sites, including by identifying funding opportunities, preparing project proposals and cooperation frameworks and following up with donors.
Contribute to the work on the monitoring of natural and mixed World Heritage sites under the processes of the World Heritage Convention, including the preparation of statutory documents and providing technical advice to the regional units of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO Field Offices.
Contribute to increasing synergies with other biodiversity-related conventions as well as the intersectoral cooperation on climate change and biodiversity, which includes the World Heritage Centre’s work on nature-culture interlinkages.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education

Advanced university Degree (Masters’ or equivalent) in the field of ecology, biodiversity conservation, environmental management or in other related areas.
Relevant professional training in the field of nature conservation and protected area management.

Work Experience

A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in biodiversity conservation and natural heritage, of which preferably at least 2 years at the international level.
Proven experience in results-based project design and management in a multilateral context and planning, development and implementation of programmes and projects in natural heritage conservation.

Skills & Competencies

Familiarity with the World Heritage Convention, its operational guidelines and its implementation mechanisms.
Knowledge of protected area management and natural heritage conservation in the context of the World Heritage Convention.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.
Strong writing and oral skills for effective communication.
Ability to prepare and process documents for statutory meetings.
Excellent communication, coordination and organizational skills.
Ability to take initiative and to manage heavy workload; to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and basic knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Work Experience

Experience with UN System or in international development cooperation.
Relevant professional experience in UNESCO’s programmes and/or normative tools in the field of biodiversity conservation and natural heritage.
Field experience in nature conservation projects.

Skills & Competencies

Familiarity with other biodiversity-related conventions.

Languages

Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website. 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. Or APPLY HERE 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 applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) 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. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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