Partnership Manager - MFX

Description de poste

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : [[Home based with frequent missions]]

Job Family : Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 23-MAR-2025

UNESCO Core Values : Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background and Context

In the framework of the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2024-2025 (42C / 5), Major Programme II, Output 3.SC2 : “Water science, innovation, education, management, cooperation and governance bolstered for a water secure world in a changing environment” and of IHP-IX “Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment” (2022-2029), the Section on Groundwater Sustainability and Water Cooperation, within the Division of Water Sciences, Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO (SC / HYD / GSW), is seeking for a hydrogeologist to provide technical support for the execution of activities and projects that the GSW section is either leading or supporting.

The individual consultant shall work from his / her own premises.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall responsibility of the Director of the Division of Water Sciences and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, the overall supervision of the Chief of the Section of Groundwater Sustainability and Water Cooperation, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of GSW, the expert will provide technical support in line with the following :

1. Provide input for the organization of a Scientific Symposium of the MedProgramme (Output 2.5), which is expected to take place in Q1 2026 (2 days), in UNESCO HQ. For this meeting, the consultant will : (1) prepare a list of participants, (2) prepare a concept note and a draft agenda, (3) prepare at least 2 PowerPoint presentations, (4) review abstracts and presentation materials as necessary, (5) moderate at least 2 sessions, and (6) draft a report of the meeting (up to 15 pages).
2. Prepare, based on the outcomes of the MedProgramme, draft publications on :
1. a. Policy Brief : Methodology for the preparation of Coastal Aquifer Management Plans (up to 20 pages);
3. b. Contribute, from a technical perspective to the review and finalization of other MedProgramme-related draft publications on aquifer characterization, submarine groundwater discharge and conjunctive water management (up to 20 days).
4. Review and provide inputs for the reports produced by the national consultants and partner institutions implementing the MedProgramme activities related to :
1. a. Output 2.4 – Coastal Aquifer Management and GIS-based informed management system (up to 5 reports);
2. b. Output 2.5 – Contribution to CP 2.1. Gender Action Plan (up to 2 reports).
5. Provide input for the organization of the consultation meetings for the development of coastal aquifer management plans under the framework of Output 2.4. of the MedProgramme (up to 7 meetings), including : (1) review of agendas and participants lists; (2) prepare at least 4 PowerPoint Presentations with an introduction of the activity, and (3) moderate at least 4 sessions.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be based on the submission and validation of the deliverables. All submitted reports / materials should be drafted in English. The fee is payable in instalments upon certification by UNESCO of satisfactory performance by the consultant for the work corresponding to each payment. All payments shall be made by bank transfer.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant should have the following qualifications :

1. A PhD in Water Sciences, Water Management, Hydrogeology, Environmental Sciences or related fields. A Master's degree with 15 years of working experience might replace the PhD requirement.
2. At least 10 years of relevant experience in Water Sciences, focusing on the assessment, management, and governance of aquifers, including conjunctive water management and transboundary contexts.
3. Previous work experience with groundwater and a geographical focus on the Mediterranean region. Experience in the Mekong region is an asset.
4. Demonstrated previous experience providing technical assistance to national stakeholders, including government officials, national academics, and technical staff from multilateral / bilateral organizations.
5. Previous experience and a good knowledge of the UN system is an asset.
6. Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English and a good knowledge of French.
7. Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), proficiency working with communication tools (Microsoft Teams and Zoom).

Application process

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document). Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information :

1. Curriculum vitae with contact details;
2. Name and contact details of at least 2 references;
3. Technical proposal on approach / methodology to carrying out the assignment, including a Gantt diagram (up to 10 pages);
4. Description of one relevant previous working experience related to the tasks listed above (up to 5 pages);
5. List of relevant publications, including peer-reviewed articles and technical reports, in the fields of groundwater, aquifer assessment, conjunctive water management, and / or transboundary aquifers;
6. Proposed fee, including total fee and daily rate as a senior level consultant, as well as the number of working days disaggregated per task.

Note : These Terms of Reference are intended to provide a general framework for the consultancy. Further discussions and negotiations may be required to finalize the TORs and contract details.