National Programme Officer (IOC and Natural Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4IDIOC1001RP

Grade: NO-B

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Jakarta

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 09/03/2026

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

Please note: Only nationals of Indonesia may apply for this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta and direct supervision from the Chief of Section of Natural Sciences Unit, the incumbent will work closely with the Head of the UNESCO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Tsunami Resilience Section, and the Head of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) unit in the Science Sector (SC) in UNESCO HQ. (S)he will also be collaborating with the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation (ICG/IOTWMS) Secretariat and partners of the UNESCO-IOC Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC). The Incumbent will assist in initiating and overseeing activities related to the development and Implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction programmes and the sustainability of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC) and will ensure the implementation of bi-­annually developed work plans as well as the achievement of related outcomes described in UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) by:

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

1. Coordination and Implementation Support for Tsunami and Disaster Risk Reduction:

  • 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. This involves working in consultation with relevant stakeholders (including disaster risk reduction and tsunami specialists at the Field Office and HQ, IOC Tsunami Resilience Section and IOTWMS Secretariat) to harness programme and activities in the context of Disaster and tsunami risk reduction across the Indian Ocean and the cluster countries of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta.
  • 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 (notably SC/HQ DRR Unit), UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Resilience Section, the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS) Secretariat, and across other sectors, Field Offices, Headquarters, and Institutes.
  • Coordinate and supervise contract staff and interns within the Disaster Risk Reduction unit and Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre.

Long Description

2. Monitoring:

  • 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.

3. Reporting:

  • 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. Notably, the post holder will liaise, foster collaboration, discuss developments, and exchange ideas with colleagues within the Natural Sciences Sector (notably SC/HQ DRR Unit), UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Resilient Section, the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS) Secretariat, and across other sectors, Field Offices, Headquarters, and Institutes.

4. Support advisory missions of UNESCO experts to assist national and international partners in project design, evaluation, and policy formulation.

5. Undertake additional tasks, as required, to ensure the effective performance of the work team.

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) preferably in the field of Environmental Science, Oceanography, Geosciences, or another field with a relevant combination of professional experience and academic qualifications.

Work Experience

  • 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.

Long Description

Skills and competencies

  • Good analytical, organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
  • Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside the organization. 
  • Knowledge of fund-raising and other resource mobilization mechanisms. 
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
  • Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software 

Languages 

  • Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

  • At least 2 years of professional experience in the UN system or in international development cooperation.
  • Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks.
  • Experience in developing countries or field settings, especially in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Knowledge and Involvement in UNESCO’s DRR, IOC, IOTIC, or IOTWMS programmes
  • Relevant training or experience in sustainable development linked with Agenda 2030.

Skills and competencies

  • Good knowledge of UNESCO's work in the field and familiarity with SC Sector and IOC activities.
  • Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
  • Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the region.

Languages

  • Good/fair knowledge of French.
  • Knowledge of other official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, 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 IDR 721,862,000.

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.
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