Project Officer - Water Sciences Division
Organizational Context
UNESCO, the UN's scientific arm, fosters global peace through education, science, culture, and communication. It addresses global challenges via resilience and sustainable development, leveraging international science programmes like the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). This assignment is within the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, supporting projects focused on sustainable resource management and climate change adaptation, particularly around Lake Turkana.
Job Purpose
This UNV assignment focuses on the UNESCO project 'Sustainably Unlocking the Economic Potential of Lake Turkana,' a 10-year initiative addressing food and water insecurity in northern Kenya. The role involves supporting sustainable management of lake resources, nutrition, and livelihoods impacted by climate change. A key responsibility will be assisting with the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) methodology for natural resource management. The UN Volunteer will contribute to implementing UNESCO's activities, supporting decision-making processes, and enhancing the conservation of the Lake Turkana National Park, a World Heritage Site in Danger.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will support the management and rollout of the Lake Turkana project, including logistics, planning, fieldwork, and data collection. Responsibilities include assisting with project workshops, dissemination events, and community engagement. The role involves supporting activities within the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) and Water Quality Monitoring programmes, as well as hydrological studies and groundwater assessments. The UN Volunteer will also help develop water resource monitoring programs, create communication content for awareness campaigns, attend steering committee meetings, prepare minutes and action plans, and support progress reporting and resource mobilization strategies. Support for other projects like flood management and early warning systems is also expected.
Work Experience
Requires 1 month of experience, with 6 months of relevant experience being desirable. Experience is sought in climate change adaptation strategies, flood management, water resources management and quality, climate change scenarios for water and natural resources, and hydrological process monitoring and modeling.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, building trust, commitment, continuous learning, communication, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, and teamwork. Expertise in project management, program development, strategy, community development, climate change, and environmental issues is also required.