Project Coordinator

The Project Coordinator will contribute to the implementation of activities for the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) under the Regular and Extra-budgetary programmes, specifically the Adaptation Fund projects. The role involves coordinating and monitoring project activities related to water security and disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe, ensuring technical outputs meet standards, and supporting resource mobilization and partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor the development and implementation of activities related to water security and disaster risk reduction (DRR) within the Southern Africa region, specifically the Adaptation Fund project in Zimbabwe.
• Oversee and coordinate development and formulation of detailed implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management plans for the project.
• Ensure that technical outputs are provided according to plans and up to highest technical standards and review and clear technical outputs for quality.
• Provide leadership and guidance for Water programmes/projects in the Southern Africa region.
• Provide support to National and Regional IHP activities and promote cooperative activities through regular programme resources.
• Identify and contribute to the formulation of UNESCO ROSA resource mobilization strategy and develop interdisciplinary concepts and project proposals.
• Undertake monitoring and reporting on the activities with respect to the project implementation framework and coordinate progress reporting with UNESCO colleagues and project partners.
• Manage accurate and timely high-quality results reporting on project progress and achievement of annual targets to the Project Steering Committee and Adaptation Fund.
• Establish adequate monitoring procedures and systems throughout project activities in consultation with Government, UNESCO, consultants and project team.
• Oversee the appropriate use of project funds and ensure consistent application of UNESCO rules and regulations.
• Monitor budget implementation and accounting to ensure accuracy and reliability of project expenditure.
• Undertake project-related missions to field sites to support implementation and track progress.
• Keep the Technical and Steering Committees updated regarding project implementation, progress, opportunities, and challenges.
• Monitor risks and ensure compliance with fund requirements.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the fields of natural sciences, climate related studies, disaster risk reduction, hydrology or earth sciences or any other related fields.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in project implementation in the field of natural sciences and or related fields.
• Relevant experience at the international level, preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Relevant experience in programme management, advocacy, resource and partnership mobilization.
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s work at the country level and the activities of the Natural Sciences Sector.
• Familiarity with the political context of the country and region.
• Strong analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with national/local authorities, scientific and research institutions, academia, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Ability to work in a multicultural team with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
• Good IT skills including knowledge of office software.
• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Desirable: Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences or related field of natural sciences.
• Desirable: Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
• Desirable: Knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of natural sciences and/or related fields.
• Desirable: Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish).

Skills

• Project Implementation
• Programme Management
• Advocacy
• Resource Mobilization
• Partnership Mobilization
• Stakeholder Communication
• Project Management
• Analytical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Multi-cultural Team Collaboration
• IT Skills
• Office Applications
• Hydrology
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Natural Sciences
• Water Security Strategy
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• International Experience
• UNESCO Programmes
• Intergovernmental Coordination

Languages

English