National Programme Officer (IOC and Natural Sciences)

Overview

The National Programme Officer (IOC and Natural Sciences) will assist in initiating and overseeing activities related to the development and implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction programmes and the sustainability of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC). The role ensures the implementation of work plans and achievement of related outcomes.

Tasks Summary

• Assist and coordinate the planning and implementation of activities and projects related to disaster risk reduction, including tsunami early warning, preparedness and resilience-building initiatives.
• Support the design and development of programmes strengthening national capacities, including the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme.
• Prepare work plans, budgets, task descriptions, and output indicators for projects and programmes.
• Implement project activities in line with approved plans, sector priorities, and the C/5 framework.
• Provide substantive, logistical, and administrative support to projects, meetings, consultations, missions, and events.
• Facilitate coordination with national institutes, ministries, National Commissions, and relevant stakeholder networks.
• Contribute to UN joint programming processes, including UNDAF and Delivery as One initiatives.
• Liaise, foster collaboration, discuss developments, and exchange ideas with counterparts within the Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Resilience Section, and the ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat.
• Coordinate and supervise contract staff and interns within the Disaster Risk Reduction unit and Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre.
• Monitor and report regional trends on disaster risks, particularly tsunami hazards, and prepare project proposals for funding.
• Conduct research and situational analyses to support concept notes, publications, and briefings.
• Contribute to outreach activities, social media, and information exchanges.
• Maintain institutional records and identify partnership and collaboration opportunities.
• Compile and analyze data to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration and future initiatives.
• Provide regular inputs and reports on activities.
• Attend and contribute to meetings, prepare related materials, and represent UNESCO at relevant events.
• Promote communication and collaboration across HQ, field offices, and partner institutions involved in DRR and tsunami resilience.
• Support advisory missions of UNESCO experts to assist national and international partners in project design, evaluation, and policy formulation.
• Undertake additional tasks, as required, to ensure the effective performance of the work team.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction, environmental management, or related natural sciences, including experience in project coordination and implementation at national, regional and international level.
• Proven experience in the field of disaster risk reduction, tsunami preparedness, and resilience-building, as well as in coordinating science-based programmes and designing and implementing related projects, preferably with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following domains: UNESCO Natural Sciences programme, Disaster Risk Reduction programme and IOC Tsunami programme.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in the UN system or in international development cooperation (desirable).
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks (desirable).
• Experience in developing countries or field settings, especially in the Indian Ocean region (desirable).
• Knowledge and Involvement in UNESCO’s DRR, IOC, IOTIC, or IOTWMS programmes (desirable).
• Relevant training or experience in sustainable development linked with Agenda 2030 (desirable).

Qualification Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in the field of Environmental Science, Oceanography, Geosciences, or another field with a relevant combination of professional experience and academic qualifications.

Other Details

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

Languages Preferred: • Good/fair knowledge of French. • Knowledge of other official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

Contract Duration: 2 years, renewable

Work Modality:

Remuneration: • The approximate annual starting salary for this post is IDR 721,862,000.