Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences Sector (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences (DIR/EES) and direct supervision from the Chief of Section Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section (EES/EG), the incumbent is responsible for providing professional and technical support, research and analysis to sectional and divisional work as well as cross-sectional, divisional and programmatic activities and initiatives specifically in relation to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and its statutory processes. The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and Sustainable Development Goals, as well as any relevant global or regional development plans.
In particular the incumbent will:
Contribute to the implementation of projects and initiatives related to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) through: Planning, and implementing the annual meetings of the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) Council and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; identification of areas for development and improvement of the IGGP.
Assist in the preparation of statutory revalidation and evaluation missions and prepare reports of the council sessions.
Contribute to project drafting, planning and implementation and assist in the preparation of technical support to Field Offices and diverse institutions as related to assignments and priorities.
Maintain existing and establish new cooperative links with designated partners like the National Commissions and National Geoparks and Geoscience Committees, governmental departments or scientific institutions with a view to identifying trends and needs in research, policy formulation and capacity building.
Contribute to the preparation of international, national and regional capacity building related activities in the field of earth sciences in cooperation with field offices and partners.
Conduct research, compile analysis, data and inputs for publications, documents, projects, assessments and policy proposals and ensure that knowledge management systems are current and content is coordinated and shared with Headquarters and Field Office science staff.
Contribute to Public Information and awareness raising activities, organizing and participating in supporting outreach tasks, researching, writing, feeding social media, hosting information points. Assist in the development and maintenance of communication tools (e.g. Website, social media, e-publication, exhibitions).
Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events and missions.
Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and fundraising events and opportunities for Earth Sciences, assist in the preparation of project proposals.
Update and improve databases and other information systems.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Geological Sciences and/or a related field of Earth Sciences.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of geological sciences and or in the field of earth sciences, of which preferably one year in an international environment.
Participation in the development, implementation and management of scientific projects.
Skills:
Good analytical, organizational and project management skills.
Good communication skills in the field of Geoscience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside the organization and through various channels including the web and social media.
Excellent drafting skills with ability to produce high quality reports.
Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
Good level of autonomy.
Ability to work and maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment with sensitivity for diversity.
Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
