OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Unit
Duty Station: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Type of contract : Service Contract
Level : SC 6 (SB3)
Duration of contract : 1 year (upon successful completion of 3 months probationary period)
Recruitment open to : Cambodian National
Application Deadline : 5 April 2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
(Only candidates who are entitled to work in Cambodia may apply to this position)
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Background
United Nations specialized agency with a specific mandate for science, UNESCO works to advance and promote science in the interests of peace, sustainable development, and human livelihoods, in close collaboration with its Member States and a wide variety of partners. Recognizing the urgent need to address cross-cutting global issues such as climate change and natural disaster reduction, UNESCO has acted as a catalyst for many initiatives with far-reaching implications for sustainable human security and well-being.
UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is a scientific program launched in 1971 that aims to improve the relationship between people and their environments. It uses Biosphere Reserves (BR) as a tool to promote the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use.
The \"Groundwater Resources in the Greater Mekong Sub-region\" project, funded by the Adaptation Fund (ADF), focuses on groundwater management and climate resilience in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam. The project aims to develop policies, improve technical systems for monitoring and management, and build capacity through education and technical assistance.
The \"Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer\" project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), focuses on improving the governance and sustainable utilization of the shared Cambodia-Mekong Delta Aquifer. The project involves joint scientific studies, piloting solutions for transboundary groundwater management, establishing cooperation mechanisms, implementing legal and policy reforms, and enhancing institutional capacity.
With financial support from EU through FAO, UNESCO Phnom Penh Office in Cambodia has been managing and implementing the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve (TSBR) project. The project implemented as part of the โComplementary Support to the Cambodia Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Fisheries Sector โ Capture Component (CAPFISH-Capture program)โ, in partnership with FAO, and with overall support from the European Union.
II. Scope of the assignment
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer of the Natural Sciences Unit at the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, the National Project Assistant shall undertake the following tasks:
1. The Project on โGroundwater Resources in the Greater Mekong Sub-region: Collaborative Management to Increase Climate Change Resilienceโ Project in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam) under Adaptation Fund (ADF) and the Project on Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia -Mekong River Delta Aquifer under GEF fund (GEF).
Long Description
โข Draft and provide inputs for, and review project reports, including progress narratives, donor reports, and thematic papers including concept notes, policy brief etc.
โข Organize workshops, conferences, and consultative meetings and prepare meeting notes/minutes and provide support for follow-up activities.
โข Assist the Unit in designing communication materials, including website news articles, social media content, and advocacy materials, to ensure wide circulation of UNESCOโs initiatives related to groundwater resources with relevant stakeholders.
โข Literature review, collecting and mapping out the related data, maps and information on groundwater resources in Cambodia as well as in region and global.
โข Mapping projects, experts and stakeholders related to groundwater and build network.
โข Partnership building and strengthen coordination such as i) liaise with academic institutes, universities, and stakeholders working in the projects and ii) strengthen coordination among various actors to promote effectiveness and efficiency of project implementation.
โข Support and engage in capacity-building efforts, particularly in water security, climate change resilience, and sustainable management of groundwater resources.
โข Support the project team, experts/consultants and partners in managing and conducting field missions.
Long Description
2. Support the implementation of TSBR Project and the Women for Bees programme in Cambodia
โข Provide input in drafting the terms of reference (ToR), concept notes, reports and relevant thematic papers.
โข Assist in monitoring project activities by following up with partners, experts, and conducting site visits.
โข Coordinate with communities, partners, experts, and other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment and strengthened network.
โข Promote awareness and visibility of project through development-of communication materials, such as stories, posters, articles, social media posts and other knowledge products.
3. Provide technical assistance to the SC Unit to promote and expand UNESCOโs Natural Science initiatives in Cambodia, including enlisting UNESCO-designated sites (Biosphere Reserve, Geoparks), Education for Sustainable Development, and other initiatives. This includes through research and analysis, drafting thematic papers, concept notes, and conducting site visits.
4. Support the Unit with translating documents and thematic papers from English to Khmer and vice versa, as required.
5. Assist admin and financial functions of the projects as well as SC unit, including monitoring budget expenditures, preparing financial reports and other admin and operational supports such as contract initiative and management.
6. Carry out any additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Natural Sciences Unit and the UNESCO Representative.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelorโs degree in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, GIS applications, Natural Resources Management or other related subjects.
Language Skills:
Fluency in both English and Khmer.
Working Experiences:
Minimum 2 years of experience engaging in projects related to water management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development with UN agencies and other international partners.
Skills and competencies:
a. Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
b. Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organization.
c. Proven conceptual and analytical skills related to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, water resource management and stakeholderโs coordination.
d. Good Knowledge and understanding of government functioning.
e. Ability to take initiative, establish priorities and capacity to work efficiently under pressure.
f. Comfortable with working in a multicultural workplace, ability to work in a team and manage other people to achieve shared objectives.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experiences:
3 years of professional experience in project management, natural resource management, partnership and network building, GIS and water resource management.
Skills and competencies:
a. Project management and natural resource management
b. Experience working with the UN, and knowledge of UN regulations and guidelines
c. Good understanding of UNESCOโs mandate, procedures and policies
d. Good ICT skills, particularly with the MS Office suite and data management
e. Ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, and international partners.
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 written 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.
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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. 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.