Post Number : 4BDSC0001PA
Grade : NO-A
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Dhaka
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 29-FEB-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only Nationals of Bangladesh can apply for this post
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences Sector (ADG/SC) and the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Office in Dhaka, the incumbent will contribute to the design, coordination and implementation of activities carried out under the Major Programme II – Natural Sciences in Bangladesh in view of supporting the Member State of Bangladesh in its effort to implement its National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), as well as contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for providing professional and technical support, research and analysis, with an emphasis on the national context to develop, implement and evaluate programme initiatives to promote learning and sustainable societies and support the Member State of Bangladesh in advancing science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges and build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic towards the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. The post includes attention to the role of Indigenous Peoples in knowledge production and addresses issues of climate, biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The incumbent shall work as part of the Interdisciplinary team in the UNESCO Office in Dhaka, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and with technical guidance from Natural Sciences Programme Divisions at UNESCO Headquarters and the Natural Sciences Programme Specialists at the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office in New Delhi.
Long Description
In this context, the incumbent will in particular be required to perform the following duties:
- Provide professional and technical support in the identification, design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and activities in the field of natural sciences in the country in the framework of Major Programme II and in line with the Natural Sciences Sector’s strategies and priorities to promote learning and sustainable societies, and support the Member State of Bangladesh in advancing science, technology, innovation, research and engineering to address contemporary environmental and societal challenges.
- Participate in Regular Programme (C/5) work plans, policy formulation discussions, and other sector-related strategy formulation activities.
- Coordinate and monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects in natural sciences, including the Ecological and Earth Sciences (EES), International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and Science Policy and Basics Sciences (PBS).
- Lead the UNESCO Dhaka Office’s interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts, including the formulation of concept notes and project development for extra-budgetary funding through participation in intersectoral programmes, science education, education for sustainable development, world natural heritage and world heritage biodiversity programmes, and local and indigenous knowledge.
- Provide technical advice and support to the national institutions and other stakeholders in charge of sciences, technology and innovation for policy and research action-oriented activities on new emerging national and global trends in sciences and contribute to the development of pertinent strategy papers, technical notes, frameworks and scientific documents, articles that contribute to the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, and incorporate a gender lens in programming including efforts to strengthen women’s participation in science and science education.
Long Description
- Maintain strategic partnerships with other United Nations (UN) Agencies, in particular, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Multilateral and Bilateral Development partners in collaboration with colleagues from UNESCO Headquarters and Field Offices, Category I and Category II Centres and Institutes in natural sciences to foster opportunities for joint programming activities related to natural sciences, within the implementation of the common UN Country Programmes in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs).
- Identify and contribute to the formulation of the Office resource mobilisation strategy and its biennial implementation plans, in particular to develop in collaboration with other Programme Officers, interdisciplinary concepts and project proposals aimed at consolidating and complementing the regular budget-funded programme activities in natural sciences, and formulate the required resource mobilisation and alternative funding mechanisms, partnerships strategies and plans to that end.
- Prepare and submit quarterly/yearly work plans of regular programme budget-funded programme activities and extrabudgetary budget-funded projects as per approved project documents, establish corresponding budgets, monitor the budgetary and financial status of the projects and decentralised budgets, and ensure financial accountability.
- Ensure the appropriate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Natural Sciences Programme is decentralised to the Office and provide timely quarterly/yearly reports.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
–
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the relevant field of Natural Sciences related disciplines (Environment, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Basic Sciences and Science Policy).
Work Experience
- Less than 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of Natural Sciences such as Environment, Water Resources, and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
- Experience in science coordination and programme management, design and implementation of programmes/projects including expertise in science policy.
Skills/Competencies
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment, excellent interpersonal skills with tact and sensitivity to diversity.
- Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities as well as key stakeholders in the civil society, such as national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Asia and Pacific (APA) Region.
- Ability to communicate (written and oral) with various stakeholders, within and outside the organization and through various channels including the web and social media.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English and/or and very good knowledge of Bangla.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in the relevant field of Natural Sciences, including Environment / Water / Ecological Science.
Work Experience
- Experience within government or private sector in the field of natural sciences.
- Experience with specialized agencies of the United Nations’ system and/or professional NGOs, and/or organizations for international technical cooperation.
- Experience in promoting regional cooperation among the APA Region.
- Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the APA Region.
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment.
- Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international scientific organizations, and other professional organizations in the field of natural sciences.
- Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work and programmes in the area of natural science.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French 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.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 3 194 224 BDT Taka.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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.
Footer
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.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.