National Programme Officer

VACANCY NOTICE

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

TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNESCO is seeking a qualified and highly-motivated professional to serve as a National Professional Officer (NOB) for its Natural Sciences Programme in Nepal. The assignment will be based in UNESCO Kathmandu Office.

Overall duties and responsibilities:

Under the overall authority and the immediate supervision of the UNESCO Head of Office, and in close collaboration with regional colleagues and the Science Divisions at the Headquarters (Ecological and Earth Sciences, Water Sciences, Science Policy and Capacity Building), the successful candidate will lead the implementation and development of UNESCO’s programmes, projects and initiatives related to the Natural Sciences in Nepal.

In particular, the successful candidate will:

• Lead the identification and implementation of programming related to core UNESCO frameworks in the Natural Sciences (e.g. Open Science, Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the International Hydrological Programme (IHP)) within the context of Agenda 2030 and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in coordination with the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences (Jakarta) and the Pacific and other Programmes Specialists in the Region and at Headquarters (Paris);
• Recommend priorities for future action, building on existing work with key partners such as the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and develop new partnerships and mobilize resources to enhance Natural Science programming in Nepal, particularly those in favour of young people, women and indigenous groups as well as and identifying measures which can enhance the potential of future MAB and Global Geopark applications;
• Lead the planning and coordination of activities aimed at improving university-level education and develop training and research in these fields, with a view to strengthening national and regional capacities in mathematics, physical and life sciences and engineering sciences and their applications; contribute to the reinforcing of national and regional capacities in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology and engineering science and technology as well as artificial intelligence;
• Work with the Head of Office and relevant colleagues to build a committed and dedicated UNESCO team for the Natural Sciences in Nepal, seeking constantly an approach that furthers the integration of the Natural Sciences Programme with that of Education, Culture and Communication and Information;
• Perform other related duties as required

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Results focused
• Building partnerships
• Strategic thinking
• Planning and organizing

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework

https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/Competency%20Framework_E.pdf

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of ecological or earth sciences, basic sciences, environmental or water resources or in other natural sciences and engineering fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of four years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of ecological or earth sciences, basic science, environmental or water resources or related natural sciences fields.

Experience in developing partnerships and resource mobilization.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent written and spoken Nepalese.
• Excellent written and spoken English

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and Competencies

• Experience at international level preferably in an international organization and/or at a relevant research institution.
• Experience working with government representatives and officials.
• Experience in related fields, particularly in Asia.
• Familiarity with the political and scientific context of Nepal