Job Description

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level : SB5

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Nairobi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 16/10/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

BACKGROUND

The Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System (KTAS) Project, entitled "Unlocking the Groundwater Potential of the Kilimanjaro Water Tower" (GEF ID 11547), is a five-year Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters initiative approved in June 2026. The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the GEF Agency and executed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in close collaboration with the Governments of the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The five-year GEF International Waters project will strengthen water security, climate resilience and ecosystem health through improved scientific understanding, recharge protection and storage, groundwater-management tools, and sustain transboundary cooperation.

The project aims to strengthen the sustainable management of the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System, a strategically important shared groundwater resource underlying the Kilimanjaro Water Tower. The aquifer plays a critical role in supporting water security, livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience for communities and ecosystems on both sides of the Kenya–Tanzania border. Increasing pressures from climate change, land-use change, growing water demand, and ecosystem degradation underscore the need for coordinated transboundary management based on sound scientific knowledge and strengthened institutional cooperation.

The project comprises groundwater assessment and a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA); exploratory drilling, managed aquifer recharge and recharge-area protection; harmonized monitoring, information systems and a Hydro-Environmental Observatory; a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and permanent consultation mechanism; stakeholder engagement, knowledge management and project monitoring and evaluation.

Long Description

PURPOSE

The Project Technical Officer (PTO) will provide hands-on technical implementation and assurance for assigned KTAS activities. Working under the CTA’s approved plans, methodologies and priorities, the incumbent will help convert field observations, partner inputs and technical studies into validated datasets, maps, implementation records, monitoring evidence and concise technical products that can be used for project decisions and reporting.

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical implementation and work-package follow-up

• Prepare detailed technical task plans, field protocols, checklists and schedules for assigned activities within approved AWP/Bs and consultant scopes.
• Support implementation of hydrogeological, geological, geophysical, hydrochemical, isotope, ecosystem and socio-economic data activities, ensuring consistent use of agreed methods in Kenya and Tanzania.
• Follow up technical milestones with national counterparts, service providers and field partners; maintain implementation records; and promptly flag slippage, dependencies or decisions to the CTA.
• Verify that field activities follow approved technical specifications, health and safety measures, environmental and social safeguards, and agreed inclusion measures.

Long Description

2. Field investigations, monitoring and demonstrations

• Support site reconnaissance, sampling, surveys, borehole and spring inventories, aquifer testing and other field investigations, including preparation and verification of field records and georeferenced evidence.
• Provide day-to-day technical follow-up for installation, calibration, testing and maintenance arrangements for groundwater monitoring equipment and telemetry, in collaboration with responsible institutions and contractors.
• Check the application of harmonized monitoring indicators and protocols and compile quality-controlled observations on groundwater levels, quality, abstraction and groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
• Support technical execution and monitoring of exploratory drilling, managed aquifer recharge, flood-water management, recharge protection and other pilot demonstrations; document deviations and propose corrective measures for CTA decision.

Long Description

3. Data, GIS and information systems

• Compile, clean, structure and document datasets from fieldwork, national systems, remote sensing and project partners, applying agreed metadata and data-quality requirements.
• Undertake or support technical analysis, GIS mapping, visualization and preparation of dashboards and evidence summaries for project management and stakeholder review.
• Support configuration, population, testing and routine technical functioning of the harmonized Groundwater Information Management System and the Hydro-Environmental Observatory.
• Maintain version-controlled technical files, data dictionaries, QA/QC logs and archiving records, while respecting approved access, sharing, confidentiality and data-governance arrangements.

Long Description

4. Technical Committee and expert-process support

• Prepare technical briefs, datasets, maps and questions for meetings of the Technical Committee and thematic expert groups.
• Record and synthesize technical conclusions, areas of agreement, outstanding evidence gaps and assigned actions, and follow up completion under the CTA’s direction.
• Consolidate inputs from national experts, consultants and partners into internally consistent working drafts and evidence packages for the conceptual model, TDA, pilot documentation, policy review and SAP.
• Refer issues requiring strategic judgement, intergovernmental negotiation, contractual direction or formal approval to the CTA.

Long Description

5. Technical monitoring, reporting and learning

• Maintain the technical indicator tracker and assemble verifiable evidence, including sex-, age- and other relevant disaggregation, georeferenced records and source documentation.
• Draft assigned technical sections of progress reports, mission reports, consultant-review notes, briefs and evaluation evidence, ensuring accuracy, traceability and consistency.
• Identify emerging technical risks, data gaps, field constraints and lessons, analyse practical response options, and submit recommendations to the CTA.
• Support retrieval and organization of technical documentation for supervision missions, audits, the Mid-Term Review and Terminal Evaluation.

Long Description

6. Capacity development and technical communication

• Prepare training materials, practical exercises, standard operating procedures and user guidance on groundwater assessment, monitoring, data management and sustainable groundwater practices.
• Support delivery of technical workshops, field demonstrations and peer-learning activities with national agencies, local authorities, communities, women and youth groups, and academic partners.
• Translate technical findings into clear maps, graphics, short notes and presentations suited to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Document lessons, case studies and good practices and provide verified technical content for the project website, IW:LEARN products and other approved knowledge channels.

EXPECTED RESULTS

PRINCIPAL OUTPUTS AND PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE

1. Approved technical task plans, protocols, checklists and mission inputs for assigned activities.
2. Complete and traceable field records, including georeferenced observations, sampling and equipment logs, photographs and safeguard evidence.
3. Quality-controlled datasets, metadata, GIS products, technical figures and documented QA/QC actions.
4. Current monitoring-network, information-system and Hydro-Environmental Observatory implementation and issue logs.
5. Concise Technical Committee briefing packs, records of technical conclusions and tracked follow-up actions.
6. Accurate technical indicator updates and draft technical contributions to project, donor and evaluation reports.
7. Usable training materials, standard operating procedures and accessible knowledge products based on verified project evidence.

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

1 Year with a possibility of renewal

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management, environmental science, geoinformatics or a closely related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Relevant early-career professional experience in applied hydrogeology, groundwater monitoring, water-resources data, GIS or environmental fieldwork; in line with the NO-A level, the post is intended for candidates with less than two years of relevant professional experience.
• Practical experience collecting, checking, analysing or presenting environmental or water data.
• Experience preparing clear technical records, maps, figures, briefs or reports from multiple sources.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Sound grounding in hydrogeological principles, groundwater/surface-water interactions and field data-quality practices.
• Ability to use GIS and data-analysis tools and to learn project-specific monitoring and information platforms; familiarity with databases, remote sensing or telemetry is an advantage.
• Strong analytical ability, attention to detail and commitment to reproducible, well-documented technical work.
• Ability to organize assigned tasks, meet deadlines, communicate constraints early and work constructively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to explain technical information to different audiences.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable. Knowledge of French or another official UNESCO language is an asset.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Field exposure in Kenya or Tanzania involving groundwater monitoring, sampling, boreholes, springs, wetlands or ecosystem assessments.
• Familiarity with volcanic aquifers, groundwater modelling, hydrochemistry or environmental isotopes, managed aquifer recharge, drilling supervision or ecosystem-based approaches.
• Exposure to multi-institutional projects, government water agencies, basin organizations, universities, or United Nations/development-partner programmes.
• Experience supporting training, stakeholder consultations or production of accessible technical communication materials.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT 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 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.