Vacancy: Deputy Secretary, International Hydrological Programme, Senior Programme Specialist in Hydrological Sciences (Division of Water Sciences)

Location: Paris (France)

Organisation: UNESCO

Closing Date: 26 June 2011

EN

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 senior specialist in the field of water sciences holding an advanced university degree (preferably at doctorate level) in hydrological sciences and or water resources engineering / management.

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:

• Act as Deputy Secretary of the international Hydrological Programme and assist the Director of the Division in the smooth planning and management of IHP.
• Coordinate the organization of the sessions of the Intergovernmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme and its Bureau, including the preparation of the working and information documents, and the follow-up of the implementation of their decisions; coordinate the evaluation of the various programmes;
• Coordinate the cooperation between IHP and WWAP with particular attention to the timely production of the World Water Development Report, as well as between IHP the graduate level and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, and with related freshwater programmes of other UN organizations, in particular through the UN-Water coordinating mechanism, and coordinate the joint planning and implementation of collaborative initiatives and projects;
• Coordinate the preparation of strategic plans of IHP, considering the decisions and recommendations of the IHP Intergovernmental Council, the programme and objectives of UNESCO as decided by the General Conference and other agreed upon international goals and targets.
• Coordinate the water-related activities of the regional bureaux for science and relevant cluster offices and water-related centres under the auspices of UNESCO; coordinate the preparation of Division’s draft biennial workplan and budget in collaboration with the programme specialists of the Division and the field offices;
• Organize and monitor the execution of the activities of the international Hydrological Programme, including those emanating from the strategic plan of the current phase, the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme and Budget documents, cross-cutting themes and other transdiciplinary efforts, in cooperation with other UNESCO Divisions, NGOs, IGO, IHP National Committees and other partners; Oversee the execution of the projects and the preparation of the related publications;
• Lead, and/or contribute to, activities within his/her expertise; develop contacts with funding agencies for the extra-budgetary financing produced by the Division.
• The successful candidate will have excellent communication in written and spoken English or French. A good working knowledge of the other language would be an asset. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) would be an added advantage.

Experience Required

• 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of water resources, of which at least 5 years acquired at international level, preferably within intergovernmental organizations.
• Working experience in the international scientific cooperation, particularly with international water resources programmes and NGOs, preferably in several regions of the world including development countries. Demonstrated experience in the establishment of international/regional water centres.
• Experience in the international technical cooperation related to the application of hydrology and water resources planning to development would be an advantage.
• Research and teaching experience in hydrology or one of the water sciences. Proven capacity to plan and set up training courses in the field of water sciences. Experience within government in the water sector would be an asset.
• Experience in formulating, implementing and managing water resources development projects.
• Strong managerial and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and teams in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing.

Salary Benefits

Please see detail on: https://recrutweb.unesco.org/pdf/SC419.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/SC419.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

Contact Details

Recrutweb@unesco.org