Project Coordinator

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 6ZWSCS0004PA

Grade: NO-B

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Harare

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 29/10/2026

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

Only nationals of Zimbabwe may apply to this position

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Zimbabwe has received funding from the Adaptation Fund (AF) for the project entitled “Strengthening local communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilisation in Zimbabwe.” The objective of the proposed project is to increase local communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilisation for food security and other productive uses in rural areas of Zimbabwe. To achieve this, the project will implement an array of actions starting at national to local levels. These include: (i) Strengthening technical, institutional and human capacity for improved and sustainable utilization of groundwater at national and local level; (ii) conducting comprehensive assessments of groundwater resources in two poverty-stricken and highly vulnerable sub-catchments of Lower Gwayi and Upper Save and develop sample plans for improving climate resilience through sustainable groundwater utilization; (iii) Strengthening the capacity of water and land management institutions in Lower Gwayi and Upper Save sub-catchments by developing integrated catchment management plans that promote groundwater use whilst protecting groundwater resources; (iv) Piloting and demonstrating concrete climate change adaptation measures based on sustainable groundwater utilisation by diversifying and strengthening the livelihoods of the most vulnerable population in Lower Gwayi and Upper Save sub-catchments; and (v) Compiling and disseminating lessons learnt from the project to facilitate future upscaling and replication of good practices in groundwater extraction and management. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is the counterpart partner in the Government, and the initial implementation period is for 4 years from June 2023 to June 2027.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Regional Director for UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa (ROSA) and the direct supervision of the Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO ROSA, the incumbent 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 incumbent is responsible for developing project proposals, providing advice, research and knowledge management expertise, partnership development and contributing to resource mobilization

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the day-to-day implementation of the project, the Project Coordinator shall perform the following tasks:

Project Implementation

• 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 incumbent will plan and coordinate implementation of Adaptation Fund project entitled ‘Strengthening local communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change through sustainable groundwater utilisation 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 in, and promote cooperative activities through regular programme resources;
• Identify and contribute to the formulation of UNESCO ROSA resource mobilization strategy developing in collaboration with other team members interdisciplinary concepts and project proposals aimed at consolidating and complementing the regular budget funded programme activities in Natural Sciences.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Undertake monitoring and reporting on the activities with respect to the project implementation framework, and coordinate progress reporting in liaison with UNESCO colleagues and project partners;
• Manage the accurate and timely high-quality results reporting on the progress of the project and achievement of annual targets to the Project Steering Committee and Adaptation Fund. Ensure that Adaptation Fund and UNESCO reports are prepared according to UNESCO’s standard operating procedures and quality standards and in line with the contractual obligations to AF; and ensure that all internal and external reports are submitted by deadlines;
• Establish adequate monitoring procedures and systems throughout project activities in consultation and collaboration with the Government, UNESCO, consultants and project team and ensure that adequate systems are in place to gather data and information for project monitoring and that systematic monitoring of project progress against targets is undertaken;
• Oversee the appropriate use of project funds as well as the 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 the 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

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

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

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• 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.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 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. of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Relevant experience in programme management, advocacy, resource and partnership mobilization.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• 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.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the field of natural sciences or related field of natural sciences.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
• Knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of natural sciences and/ or related fields.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish).

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 50 857 USD

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

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.