Japanese Funds-in-Trust (JFIT) Coordinator (Jakarta, Indonesia) contract

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Jakarta

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Affiliated personnel

Duration of contract : 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 02-Mar-2026

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

UNESCO is inviting written proposals from Individual Consultants for the work assignment described below.

Your written proposal should comprise:

(a)  A Technical Proposal consisting of:

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae, and
• An approach and methodology for the assignment, a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference if any (in brief).

(b)   The amount to be charged for the assignment should be quoted in US dollars only. Please show any travel costs separately.

Your proposal should be submitted by email no later than 2 March 2026. E-mail proposals and any supporting documents must be in English and they should not exceed 5MB. The e-mail address is:  recruitment.jakarta@unesco.org

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation the best value for money.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Jakarta and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist for Natural Sciences, and in close cooperation with the Programme Specialist and staff of the Natural Science units of the Office, the Consultant shall:

Task 1: Coordinate and assist the implementation of the “Funds-in-Trust Science Programme on Global Challenges in Asia and the Pacific Region” funded by the Government of Japan (JFIT/Science).

The Consultant will be responsible for:

1)  Coordinating with different units in UNESCO Jakarta, UNESCO headquarters and other field offices, to ensure the development and smooth implementation of individual projects and inter-sectoral activities related to JFIT/Science activities;

2)  Assisting Programme Specialists in implementing programmes funded by the JFIT/Science by desk research, support for communication with stakeholder and for administrative and financial processes in line with UNESCO’s administrative rules and regulations, arrangement of meetings, and other tasks instructed by the Programme Specialists.

3) Maintaining close contact with donor institutions in the Government of Japan and providing reports and information to them promptly at their request.

4) Liaising, as necessary, with other partners such as government counterparts and project partners, National Commissions for UNESCO, partners in Japan and other countries in Asia and the Pacific.

5) Working with the Natural Science units of the Office in the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of JFIT/Science projects, including the writing of the background papers and providing support as necessary.

6) Monitoring the implementation rate and communicating it with the project officers, also facilitating timely discussions with the donor to get approval, if necessary, on possible re-programming of project activities and budgets.

7) Assisting Programme Specialists in exploring new project possibilities based on achievements of previous JFIT project activities and developing both of concept notes and project documents.

8) Assisting in the organization of national, regional and global events, meetings and conferences relevant to the UNESCO Natural Science Programmes supported by the JFIT/Science. 

9) Promoting the visibility of JFIT/Science through regular contributions to UNESCO Jakarta’s website, social media, office brochures, annual reports, and other promotional materials. 

​​​​​​Deliverable for Task 1:

1) Reports of the achievements, timeline, budget status and pending issues for the effective implementation of the JFIT/Science programme;

2) List of newly developed project proposals and their status; work done on partnerships and regional coverage of the programme;

3) Communication materials (such as brochures and annual reports) on the JFIT projects and JFIT/Science programme, including an update for the UNESCO Jakarta website and social media.

4) The progresses of above deliverables shall be reported monthly (for internal evaluation of the incumbent’s performance).

Task 2: Coordinate the organization of JFIT Annual Review Meeting(s) and its follow-ups, including but not limited to the development of meeting reports, note-taking and following up on recommendations and action points.

​​​​​​Deliverable for Task 2:

1) Draft minutes for all meetings to be prepared and circulated within five working days after the meeting at the latest.

2) Draft report of the JFIT Annual Review Meeting (which includes meeting minutes, list of participants, list of resolutions, and follow-up points), to be completed after circulation within UNESCO Jakarta, within seven working days after the meeting.

3) A final report of the JFIT Annual Review Meeting, which includes all meeting documents and agreed actions points, and a revised report upon accommodating inputs from all participants, the Government of Japan and others, by one month after the meeting at the latest.

4) Follow-up of action points agreed during the JFIT Annual Review Meeting by coordinating with responsible units in a timely manner.

Reporting and deliverables

• Monthly progress report on the advisory services provided.
• A final report, together with minutes, other meeting documents, and communication materials, to be submitted by the end of the contract.

Working conditions and schedule

• The Consultant will be based at the UNESCO Office in Jakarta. Working hours shall be the normal working hours of the duty station (40 hrs/week, Mondays to Fridays).
• The initial consultancy period is six (6) months and may be extended up to a maximum of eleven (11) months, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. 

Supervisory arrangements

• The Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the Director, UNESCO Office, Jakarta, and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Specialist for Natural Science.

Facilities to be provided by UNESCO

• Working station with a laptop
• UNESCO email address
• The necessary visa arrangement to be based in Jakarta.

Qualifications

• A Master’s or PhD degree preferably in natural science or social science related to ecology, sustainable development and/or natural resource management.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in implementing sustainable development projects and/or natural resource management (preferably within the context of a UN organization).
• Proven experience in proposal writing, reporting, and fundraising.
• An aptitude for teamwork and a collaborative disposition.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Desirable qualifications

• Familiarity with the UN system, especially with UNESCO.
• Having work experience in Southeast Asia and knowledge of the region.
• Having work experience with the Japanese Government, Research Institutions and Academia.