Project Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJBEUNESCO/2107/2025819

Project Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJBEUNESCO/2107/2025819

Brussels (Belgium)

Job Description

Overview

** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** —————————————– Under the authority of the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (*ADG*/*SC*), the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office with the European Union (Brussels), in close consultation with the Chief of Unit on Disaster Risk Reduction, the Project Officer shall contribute to the development, management and implementation of activities in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR) within the overall commitment of UNESCO towards the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. In particular, s/he will be responsible for the coordination and management of activities assigned to UNESCO under the following two extra-budgetary projects funded by European Union’s (EU) Director-General for Research and Innovation:

Long Description —————- – RESILIAGE’s mission is to provide novel knowledge and impactful solutions for exploiting Europe´s hidden and unused resource: community resilience. RESILIAGE will enable a step-change in the way research and practice deal with variation in aspects of society like culture, risk awareness, socio-economic and geographical conditions by co-creating resilient communities through digital tools and soft solutions consolidated in a holistic and systemic approach. – SYNERGIES intends to promote preparedness different actors of disaster management.

SYNERGIES is an Innovation Action planning to make the best use and exploit the possible synergies of existing results, from past projects and practitioners. These results will be integrated, improved, and validated increasing their level of maturity. Long Description —————- The incumbent shall in particular be required to perform the following tasks: – Plan and participate in the overall coordination and monitoring of projects’ activities assigned to UNESCO; liaise with UNESCO relevant units in HQ and projects’ coordinators; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; identify and track follow-up actions.

– Supervise project consultants, service contracts and interns, hired for specific actions. – Provide technical support for the preparation and implementation of UNESCO tasks with a particular focus on strengthening resilience. – Remain aware of the Natural Sciences Sector (notably DRR and resilience), of advancements and best practices among EU, development partners and competitors in order to advise the Director of the Liaison Office in Brussels as well as exchange with external partners, including National Commissions, ministries and specialized institutes.

– Leverage relationships with relevant scientific, technical and development institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and European and international entities and networks. – Carry out project management for activities and prepare related documents/reports for progress reporting internally at UNESCO (inputs for SISTER elements) and to the donor (progress reports, deliverables, inputs for periodic reporting etc).

Long Description —————- – Prepare inputs to various written outputs, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, draft background papers and policy evaluations etc., on the topic of nature-based solutions, disaster risk management and resilience. – Contribute to acquisition of knowledge from stakeholders to provide suitable input to the co-design, capacity building and dissemination tasks. – Provide advice, guidance, counselling, planning and make specific funding proposals on upscaling projects’ tools and solutions in other UNESCO regions. – Contribute to the work of the Brussels Office and the Natural Sciences Sector, particularly in the facilitation of communication and exchanges and the development and implementation of join activities and reporting.

The project officer will work 70% on the project **Resiliage** and 30% on the project **Synergies**. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ———————————— Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** —– For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf).

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** —————————

**EDUCATION** – Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the natural, environmental sciences, social sciences or a related field.

***WORK EXPERIENCE*** – A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of earth sciences or related field, of which preferably at least two years in an international environment/level (including the United Nations common system and/or international organisation); – Experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks; – Solid working experience in the field of geohazard and disaster risk reduction with multiple partners, international organisations; – Experience in developing, implementing, and managing international scientific projects, such as EU funded projects.

**SKILLS/COMPETENCIES** – Good analytical, organizational and project management skills in natural hazards and disaster risk reduction; – Knowledge of funding mechanisms such as, of the EU; – Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills; – Excellent written and oral communication skills; Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside the organization; – Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations; – Ability to work effectively maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment; – Ability to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail; – Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.

**LANGUAGES** – Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) or French, good knowledge of the other language.

**DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** —————————- **EDUCATION** – Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent degree) in the natural, environmental sciences, social sciences or a related field

**WORK EXPERIENCE** – Experience coordinating work packages in EU funded projects; – Research and analysis in the field of resilience and disaster risk reduction. **SKILLS/COMPETENCIES** – Knowledge of international, multi-hazard risk mitigation strategies and networks; – Familiarity and knowledge with the functioning of international organisations and/or the UN System.

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