National Project Coordinator (Harare, Zimbabwe) contract NEW

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC8

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Harare

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 20/05/2026

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

Only the nationals of Zimbabwe are eligible to apply to this position 

Natural disasters are a common occurrence in Southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In March 2019, Zimbabwe and Mozambique were hit by severe flooding which also affected Malawi, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. These floods were caused by tropical cyclone Idai. Tropical cyclones affect southern Africa generally from November to March of the following year, and usually result in deaths and injuries to people, displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure. In addition to tropical cyclones, other extreme weather events that affect southern Africa include droughts, heatwaves and landslides.

To address some of the hydrometeorological challenges faced by Zimbabwe and Mozambique, a project titled ‘Building community resilience to climate-induced multi-hazards in the BuPuSa Transboundary River Basins” (Be Resilient BuPuSa) was designed. This is a follow up project to the one titled, “A community focused flood early warning system for the Buzi, Pungwe and Save (BuPusa) transboundary river basins” which was implemented from November 2021 to June 2025. The current project’s objective is to reduce the vulnerability of communities and institutions in the BuPuSa basins to extreme weather events and to increase their resilience to these multi hazards. In addition, the project will also determine future climate change scenarios for the basins and formulate adaptation strategies particularly in the water sector.

To support the day-to-day implementation of the project, a National Project Coordinator will be hired. The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Natural Sciences Unit. The Incumbent will be responsible for the overall coordination, technical implementation, and monitoring of the project “Building community resilience to climate-induced multi-hazards in the BuPuSa Transboundary River Basins” and will perform the following tasks.

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of the project activities across the Buzi, Pungwe and Save transboundary river basins in Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• Develop annual and quarterly work plans, and support procurement and contracting processes, including drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) and technical specifications.
• Providing technical and logistical support to the execution of the planned activities in the Buzi-Pungwe-Save River Basins of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
• Lead monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes, ensuring alignment with the project results framework and donor requirements.
• Serve as the primary focal point for engagement with partners, government institutions, civil society organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs), UN agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated implementation.

• Organize project related events such as stakeholder meetings, training workshops and (online) conferences and undertake project related missions to the field sites to support implementation and to track progress and advise on any required adjustments.
• Support in close collaboration with the communication officers the development and maintenance of project communication platforms, including a website, news articles and data repository, to enhance visibility and knowledge management.
• Support the work of the UNESCO Natural Sciences sector in ROSA and contribute as a team member to its activities. This includes identifying and proposing innovative approaches, building and promoting knowledge in the areas of Natural Sciences and Technologies, participating in resources mobilization in support of the Harare Office and ROSA.
• Participate in the Office work and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be requested by UNESCO.

The National Project Coordinator is expected to ensure adequate management of project resources, maintain active communication lines with partners and project stakeholders, including the Mozambican and Zimbabwean governments, prepare all inputs for the biannual Project Steering Committees and act as focal point for the Project Management Unit to outside actors, and manage its support staff.

• The contract shall be for 1 year with a possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. There will be a probation period of 6 months.

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

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the fields of natural sciences, climate related studies, disaster risk reduction, hydrology or earth sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in managing/coordinating programmes in one or more of the following fields: water resources, environmental sciences, climate change and natural sciences.
• Working experience within UNESCO or UN agencies is desired but not obligatory.
• Experience in working and collaborating with governments and in the public participation development process.
• Experience in the use of hydrological modelling techniques and disaster risk prevention and management tools.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing hydrometeorological Early Warning Systems.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Extensive knowledge, and high level of technical writing skills.
• Computer knowledge including skills in GIS and Remote sensing
• Knowledge of web development and programming language
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy;
• Strong strategic and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication skills.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in written and oral English.
• Proficiency in local language is an added advantage

EDUCATION

• Training/courses in project management and/or monitoring and evaluation

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2 years or more experience in the United Nations or Intergovernmental organizations.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of computer applications, web skills and social media;

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English. 

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).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.