Programme Specialist: hydrological Sciences

Location: UNESCO Office, Cairo (Egypt)

Organisation: UNESCO – Natural Sciences Sector

Closing Date: 4 January 2012

UNESCO promotes international cooperation in the sciences to assist Member States in meeting their own goals of poverty eradication and sustainable development. The Natural Sciences Sector focuses on scientific issues of global impact which require large-scale multinational collaborations, as they cannot be effectively addressed by any one nation alone; and on areas where UNESCO can realize the broader goal of “science for peace”. 

UNESCO looks for a dynamic and experienced specialist in the field of water sciences holding an advanced university degree (preferably at Doctorate level) in the field of hydrology, water resources engineering or in closely related water or environmental sciences.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication in written and spoken English including solid drafting skills. Good knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. A good working knowledge of French would be an asset. Knowledge of another UN official language (Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be an added advantage.

Responsibilities

The Division of Water Sciences of the Natural Sciences Sector is responsible for two major international water programmes: the International Hydrological Programme (IHP), and the United Nations system, and the United Nations system-wide World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) hosted and led by UNESCO. The incumbent of the position will be responsible for the formulation, coordination, management and evaluation of UNESCO programme in water resources at the national, cluster, regional and sub-regional levels in the Arab region. The successful candidate will: § Execute or coordinate the implementation of activities of the International Hydrology Programme (IHP) in the Arab region, which includes the coordination, formulation, management, and evaluation of IHP programmes and projects aimed at improving the national and regional capabilities for the sustainable integrated management of water resources. § Advice and support Member States in the identification, formulation, and implementation of water resources initiatives and contribute to the enhanced water governance and cooperation issues at the regional level, with the purpose of strengthening and expanding water-related agendas and projects and ensuring that UNESCO's programme in water sciences feature adequately in the "One UN", CCA/UNDAF. § Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of intersectorial and interdisciplinary actions within the Regional/Cluster Office/National Offices and of extrabudgetary funded programmes and projects to expand the development capabilities of IHP in the Arab region. § Advise, coordinate, develop, or organize conferences, symposia, seminars, as well as short- and long-term courses, and other educational activities to contribute to the strengthening and development of capacities at the regional, sub-regional and national levels. Coordinate IHP and water sciences activities in the UNESCO Cluster and National Offices of the arab region and enhance and expand the scientific programmes and activities of the water-related category II centers under the auspices of UNESCO and UNESCO chairs aimed at strengthening these institutions and permanently increase and improve their services to Member States. § Carry out other activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team, including contributing to the assessment of the prevailing water situation in the Arab region, within the context of existing UN-Water programmes, primarily the UNESCO led WWAP, and the UN Commission on Sustainable Development.

Experience Required

7-10 years of professional experience in the field of water sciences, of which preferably 3-5 years acquired at international level. Experience in research and teaching at university level in the field of sciences and/or environmental sciences would be an asset. Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating projects in the field of water sciences. Working experience in international technical cooperation is required. Experience in fund-raising and resources mobilization. Working experience in the Arab region would be an added advantage. Capacity to organize training courses. Excellent analytical and organizational skills. Strong managerial skills. Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Salary Benefits

Please refer to the vacancy notice for the details on the conditions of employment including the salary and benefits:https://recrutweb.unesco.org/pdf/EGYSC0013.pdf

Application Procedure

For further information on the application procedure and a full job description of this position, please visit: https://recrutweb.unesco.org/pdf/EGYSC0013.pdf or use the on-line recruitment system at www.unesco.org/employment UNESCO is committed to promote geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply