Project Officer

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Type of contract: Non Staff (Service Contract)

Level: SC8

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 01-SEP-2025

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

Only candidates who are entitled to work in Brazil may apply to this position

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO in Brazil, the overall supervision of the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Coordinator, and with the direct support and technical guidance of the SHS Programme Officer and Criança Esperança Coordinator, the project officer will participate in the elaboration, execution, monitoring and evaluation of projects of the SHS Sector, in the selection process of social projects, and in the monitoring and follow up of the activities of the Criança Esperança programme.

The incumbent will be the focal point for one or more specific themes within the field related to the SHS Programme regarding project implementation. In particular, the incumbent will make proposals and will coordinate technical cooperation agreements in accordance with priorities, guidelines and orientations established, by providing technical and operational inputs for the design, elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extra-budgetary projects. To this end, the successful candidate shall cover the following competencies:

Planning:

• Provide assistance to the SHS Programme Coordinator in mapping-out the development stage of topics under UNESCO's mandate in social and human sciences and the need for technical cooperation in Brazil with the public and private sectors;
• Provide contributions to the preparation of UNESCO Brasilia Office's framework and planning documents, including the IT-based management tools such as Core Manager, as well as subsidizing issues for UNESCO's planning documents (medium-term strategy and Programme and Budget - C/4 and C/5);
• Propose annual action plans for the specific theme(s) for which he/she is responsible in the Programmatic Area.

Technical Cooperation:

• Prepare project proposals and revision proposals, suggesting UNESCO cross-cutting activities and opportunities for cooperation with other UNESCO offices and networks in Brazil or in the region;
• Manage and supervise technical cooperation agreements (extra-budgetary and UNESCO regular budget) by following up budget and financial situation, monitoring and systematizing evaluations and preparing document revisions and using project management tools; analyzing and interpreting background history and documentation of projects under his/her responsibility;
• Add technical value to projects by providing technical and strategic solutions to project needs based on the UNESCO expertise under the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) programme;
• Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise products carried out within the projects under his/her responsibility;
• Organize and revise UNESCO books, articles and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
• Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request.

National negotiations and fundraising:

• Attend qualified meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director of UBO;
• Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners (both from the public and private sectors), selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation;
• Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, in areas where the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) programme can offer expertise to a country such as Brazil.

Management:

• Supervise, orient and review the completion of duties conducted by the sector Programme Assistant(s) related to the themes and projects under his/her responsibility, according to the priorities defined by the Programme Coordinator;
• Participate in the analysis and selection of the projects submitted by the NGOs to be supported within the Criança Esperança Programme by: elaborating technical reports on the performance of the NGOs and their compliance to the work plans originally proposed; participating in monitoring visits to the NGOs; participating in the annual revision of the online tool; following-up and rendering technical support to the selected NGOs; participating in the Steering Committee meetings with partners and in missions whenever needed.

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

• Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters or Post-graduate studies) in any area of Social or Human Sciences.

• Four (4) to six (6) years of relevant experience in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects or programme in the fields of social and human sciences, public policy, management, or related areas. Experience must include:
  • At least 3 years of experience with programmatic and financial management of technical cooperation projects or with non-governmental organizations;
  • At least 3 years of experience in coordinating relations with stakeholders and institutional partners, including communication activities and presentation of programme outcomes;
  • At least 3 years of experience in roles involving strategic engagement with civil society organizations.
• Experience in managing technical cooperation projects' activities and expenditures, at national and international level.
• Experience in supporting technical or managerial professionals at the national or international level.

• The position requires proficiency in Portuguese and English.

• Strong sense of ethics, initiative, creativity, discretion and maturity of judgement;
• Pro-activeness and ability to work under pressure; timely responses, accuracy and sense of confidentiality; ability and flexibility to manage workload;
• Team and service-oriented, autonomy, emphasis on quality, efficiency and results;
• Analytical, problem solving, organizational and coordination skills;
• Resource mobilization and negotiation skills;
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills;
• Ability to write texts with clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy;
• Ability to maintain accurate files and records; good organization skills;
• Good IT skills (Microsoft package).Ability to handle web-based management systems;
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment: with people of different national and cultural background. Gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Specialized training or courses in the fields related to this position.

• Proven experience in organizing and coordinating public selection processes;
• Previous experience within UN agencies;
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO's mandate for social and human sciences.
• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP system.

• Working knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Frenchor Spanish).

This assignment is of full-time nature (Monday to Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30 / 14h to 18h; Friday: 8h30 to 14h).

For this position, the monthly remuneration, which will be paid in local currency, will be BRL 16.368,99.

The initial contract is intended for the year 2025 and shall be linked to a project-funding source, which is expected to be renewed. Any contract renewal shall be dependent upon budgetary availability and satisfactory services.

Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only.

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 a competency-based 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.

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 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. Individuals 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.Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment