Programme Specialist (Social and Human Sciences) at UNESCO

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (SHS) and the direct supervision of the Director of the Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the UNESCO Social and Human Science Programme for the countries covered by the Abuja Office. He/she will ensure SHS’s contribution to the UNCTs programmatic work and Delivering as One exercise in the countries covered by the Office. The incumbent of the post in particular will:

• Plan and implement programme activities to achieve the expected results of the C/5 and UNDAFs of the countries covered by the Office.
• Identify needs, develop and seek funding for new project proposals to be supported by extra-budgetary sources, and execute those projects.
• Provide advice to national authorities, peers, management and colleagues on a variety of issues in the field of social and human sciences.
• Follow the developments and advancements related to the Sector’s fields of competence, in order to advise concerned stakeholders and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in the area of social and human sciences or a related field. 

Skills/Competencies

• Strong conceptual and analytical skills;
• Good organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication (oral and in writing), with ability to draft clearly and concisely;
• Capacity to establish partnership and coordinate with a range of partners at all levels, within and outside the Organization.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment;
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills;
• Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.

 Languages

• Excellent/very good knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French, and good knowledge (written and spoken) of the other language. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of professional experience in the UN system or in international development cooperation;
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks;
• Research and analysis in the fields relevant to the post as demonstrated through authored peer-reviewed publications;
• Previous working experience in sub-Saharan Africa Region.

Skills/Competencies

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work in the field, and familiarity with SHS Sector activities;
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System;
• Knowledge of fund-raising and other resource mobilization mechanisms;
• Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the region;
• Good project management skills.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).