Programme Director, (Natural Sciences) Job Vacancy - Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO is a State Corporation established under the KNATCOM Act of 2013 which aims to contribute to peace and sustainable development in Kenya by promoting collaboration among stakeholders through five fields of competence namely: Education, Natural Sciences, Social & Human Sciences, Culture and Communication & Information. 

To enable it fulfill its mandate, the Commission wishes to recruit dynamic, result-oriented and self-driven persons to fill the following vacant position:

Programme Director, Natural Sciences

Grade KC 13 - HR/2/2015
Terms: 4yr contract renewable
 

Duties and Responsibilities
 

The officer will be responsible to the Secretary General/CEO through the Deputy Secretary General, Technical Programmes for the coordination and implementation of the Natural Sciences programme in a results oriented and timely manner to achieve the Commission’s goals, objectives and agreed performance targets. 

This will entail inter alia:

1. Providing intellectual, technical leadership and strategic guidance to managers and staff in the Natural Sciences Programme;
2. Coordinating the development and implementation of the Natural Sciences programmes long/short term strategy, plans, operating budgets and performance contract;
3. Coordinating the Natural Sciences programme representation, participation and reporting in UNESCO’s international meetings and processes;
4. Coordinating the formulation, implementation and evaluation processes of UNESCO Natural Sciences policies, programmes and activities;
5. Promoting strategic bi-lateral and multi-lateral networks and partnerships with other agencies, development partners and UNESCO institutes and centers;
6. Coordinating the dissemination of UNESCO Natural Sciences programme information to stakeholders and providing for such follow-up activities as may be required;
7. Executing the functions of the Office of Secretary to the Natural Sciences Programme and Expert Committees and provide follow-up activities as may be required;
8. Coordinating the preparation and evaluation of the Natural Sciences programme technical proposals, reports and other submissions;
9. Coordinating the search for national candidates for UNESCO Natural Sciences posts financed under the regular programme or from extra-budgetary sources, and in the placement of UNESCO fellowship holders;
10. Coordinating the search for national candidates for UNESCO Natural Sciences international prizes and awards;
11. Coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of Natural Sciences programme related proposals and the mobilization of resources thereof;
12. Providing oversight for the effective implementation of UNESCO Natural Sciences programme based projects in the country;
13. Coordinating the planning and execution of Natural Sciences programme based activities in the country entrusted to UNESCO which are undertaken with the assistance of other United Nations organs and other international agencies; and
14. Coordinating any other activities related to the general objectives of the UNESCO Natural Sciences programme.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in the natural sciences from a recognized and accredited institution;
• Possess a minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive experience in the relevant field or profession five (5) of which at a comparable senior management level;
• Possess wide professional experience in development issues related to natural sciences undertaken in association with national and/or international organizations;
• Working knowledge of the UNESCO system with proven record of high level assignments will be an added advantage;
• Possess a certificate in strategic leadership and development from a recognized and accredited institution; and
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in natural sciences management issues;
• Demonstrated ability to articulate, interpret and implement natural sciences National and/or International policies and development goals;
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources, as well as exercised appropriate supervision and control;
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, integrity, high sense of objectivity and flexibility in performing and/or overseeing the analysis and/or implementation of complex national issues related to natural sciences;
• Proven ability to function effectively at senior governmental levels, and to build collaborative partnerships and networks;
• Excellent judgment and decision making abilities including strong analytical and negotiation skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment whilst maintaining sensitivity and respect for gender and diversity issues; and
• Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities

How to Apply

1. All applicants MUST fill the provided application form.
2. The application form can be downloaded from the Commissions website www.unesco.or.ke
3. Each applicant should submit the form in BOTH hard and soft copy.
4. The soft copy should be sent to the email hrunesco.ke@gmail.com (word format)
5. The hard copy can be dropped at the Commission’s Offices National Bank building 14th Floor, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, or mailed to Secretary General/CEO, P.O. Box 72107-00200, Nairobi.
6. Applicants must attach all the necessary relevant supporting documents to the hard and soft copy submissions
7. All applications should be received on or before Friday 27th March, 2015.
8. Applicants should obtain relevant clearances from; (KRA, EACC, HELB, CID)

Note: Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 

KNATCOM is an equal opportunity employer. 

Women and Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.