Project Coordinator

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6ZASC0037PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Pretoria

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-JUL-2025

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

Only nationals of South Africa can apply for this position.

Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO is an implementing partner of the consortium implementing the Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA): Nature-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and people’ project, funded by the Government of Germany, and scheduled to be implemented between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2029.

The overall aim of the ReLISA project is to make the economic case for landscape-level restoration and create the conditions for a just transition of South Africa’s land-use sector, to adapt to climate change and address biodiversity loss while improving livelihoods of rural communities and farmers. This will be achieved through biophysical/economic assessments as inputs to planning restoration activities, leveraging private sector investment through pre-feasibility studies and project development, on-the-ground implementation at landscape level for thicket, grassland and savanna biomes, and dissemination and communication.

ReLISA has four interconnected principal outputs:

Output I: Biophysical / socio-economic assessments, restoration strategies and planning. Viable options and comprehensive restoration strategies for the three biomes that align with political priorities and stakeholder needs are developed and validated through stakeholder consultations – based on thorough analyses of costs / benefits, cash flows, and environmental and distributional impacts (e.g. effects on poverty and on gender).

Output II: Leveraging restoration finance through private sector investments and other sources. On-the-ground implementation and upscaling of restoration projects in the three biomes are made investible for impact investors and financial intermediaries through addressing specific investment barriers and supporting investment preparation for Voluntary Carbon Market projects and other marketable benefits, including enhanced biodiversity, increases in freshwater quality and quantity, and enhanced community involvement.

Output III: Direct landscape-level interventions and on-the-ground implementation. Restoration and conservation of selected landscapes in the identified priority areas of the three biomes through coordination, need- and opportunity-based technical and legal support and facilitation of stakeholder dialogues.

Output IV: Gender responsive dissemination and outreach. Innovative models and approaches, technical solutions and fundraising strategies for implementing restoration of degraded lands at scale in the three biomes are translated into target-specific knowledge products that highlight the contribution of women in particular, and the diversity therein, and are disseminated nationally and at relevant international fora.

UNESCO’s role in the project includes leading Output III

- Design and implement a Water Fund in at least one savanna Biosphere Reserve, and explore the feasibility of a Water Fund in one other Biosphere Reserve, and support targeted demonstration restoration actions in savanna Biosphere Reserves.
- Support the expansion of a Biosphere Reserve area to increase landscape integrity and management capacity; and development of landscape indicators for BR to monitor landscape integrity, build monitoring capacity.

Long Description

In addition, UNESCO will contribute to a number of activities with by other partners in the consortium, including

- Conducting 11 pre-feasibility studies for potential investments through different restoration approaches in grassland, savanna and thicket and developing 6 bankable, privately financed restoration investment projects for the three biomes .
- The development of a concept note for a publicly funded adaptation grant program for restoration of savannas, identification of a suitable accredited entity and coordination with relevant authorities of the GoSA
- The development of communication products including infographics, policy briefs, radio broadcasts, podcasts etc. to reach a diverse audience including those with low literacy levels or disabilities; and a video series on ecosystem restoration in South Africa including 'women in restoration' videos.
- Disseminate project objectives and outcomes in national and international policy fora, e.g. the Global Landscapes Forum, or side events of UNFCCC, UNCCD and CBD meetings.

Short Description

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and Representative for Southern Africa, the supervision of the Regional Head of the Natural Sciences Unit and the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Specialist in charge of Ecology and Hydrology, the incumbent will;

Lead the day-to-day implementation of the project and will perform the following tasks:

Project Implementation Coordination:

▪Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the UNESCO component of the project, Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA): Nature-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and people’ to ensure the achievement of project targets and results;
▪Coordinate with the ReLISA project lead Agency (UNEP), the project steering committee and other consortium partners to ensure smooth implementation of the project;

Technical and Administrative Lead
▪Develop and formulate detailed annual implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication, capacity building, Monitoring and Evaluation, and risk management plans for the Project;
▪Provide technical leadership to the project, particularly in the field of hydrology; and support the wider consortium as hydrology expert where required;
▪Plan and undertake project-related missions to the field sites to support implementation and track progress;
▪Prepare bi-annual progress reports within the required formats and standards of the Agreement with the donor;
▪Prepare necessary ToR, Implementing Partner Agreements, subcontracts, other procurements and budget operations for submission to administration and finance units;

Representation and communication
▪Maintain collaborative working relationships with UNESCO’s national partners and represent the project where required;
▪Integrate the project in UNESCO’s high-level and regional events, such as MAB/AfriMAB, and IHP events;
▪Prepare communication materials for the project and newsletters.

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

- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s equivalent) in the field of Water Resources Management, Earth Sciences or a related field of Natural Sciences.

Work Experience
• At least two years of proven work experience in coordination, result-based management, implementation and monitoring of programmes in the field of natural sciences and or related fields.
• Relevant experience in advocacy, resource and partnership mobilization.
• Relevant experience in the project management cycle.

Skills and competencies
• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning and administration with a strong result focus.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and be accountable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and ability to maintain professionalism in all situations.

• High-level abilities to build strategic partnerships and collaborate with a wide range of partners, including national and local authorities, academia and relevant United Nations Organizations, financing institutions and partners, expert bodies and networks, and civil society)
• Strong analytical skills including collecting, consolidating, and interpreting data from various sources, results-based writing and communication.
• Ability to take initiative and work in a multicultural team with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
• Demonstrated skills in knowledge management and continuous self-improvement, and innovation.
• Good IT skills including knowledge of MS Office Software ( Word, Excel, Office, etc.).

Languages
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the field of Water Resources Management, Earth Sciences or a related field of Natural Sciences.
• Training in project management and/or environmental and social risk assessment

Competencies and Skills
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
• Knowledge of United Nations work in the field of natural sciences and/ or related fields.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work at the country-level and familiarity with activities of the Natural Sciences Sector.
• Good understanding of landscape programmes in the SADC region, such as TFCAs, RBOs and CBNRM.

Languages
• Knowledge of the local language spoken in project locations.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 898 229 in ZAR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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 tests and/or assessments, as well as an 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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