{"schemaVersion":3,"releaseId":"rel_20261114_8683fef1649f","builtAt":"2026-11-14T23:00:00.221Z","canonicalUrl":"https://www.diplomatic.careers/jobs/unesco-associate-project-officer-island-watch-project-paris-1377463457","job":{"slug":"unesco-associate-project-officer-island-watch-project-paris-1377463457","title":"Associate Project Officer (Island Watch Project)","state":"open","closesAt":"2026-11-30T23:00:00.000Z","publishedAt":"2026-11-14T05:08:26.204Z","updatedAt":"2026-11-14T08:00:40.802Z","lastVerifiedAt":"2026-11-14T05:08:26.265Z","sourceUrl":"https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Associate-Project-Officer-%28Island-Watch-Project%29/1377463457/","sourceName":"UNESCO careers","applicationUrl":"https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Associate-Project-Officer-%28Island-Watch-Project%29/1377463457/","workModes":["on-site"],"grades":["P-2"],"gradeKey":"p-2","careerLevel":"l2","professionalFunction":"programme_project_management","subjectArea":"environment","requiredLanguages":["English"],"requiredLanguagesOneOf":[],"citizenshipEligibility":"open","degreeLevel":"master","yearsExperienceMin":2,"positionsCount":1,"internationallyRecruited":true,"summary":"The role supports implementation of the IslandWatch citizen science initiative across three Small Island Developing States to strengthen environmental monitoring and resilience.","sourceDescription":"OVERVIEW\n\nPosition Number: SCS/PA 064\n\nGrade: P-2\n\nParent Sector:  Sciences Sector (SCS)\n\nDuty Station: Paris\n\nJob Family: Natural Sciences\n\nContract Type: Project Appointment\n\nDuration of contract: 1 year\n\nRecruitment open to: Internal and external candidates\n\nApplication deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 30/11/2026\n\nUNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism\n\nInitial appointment is for one (1) year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.\n\nORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT\n\nSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the frontline of climate change, biodiversity loss, water insecurity, ecosystem degradation and disaster risk. At the same time, they hold significant ocean, coastal, freshwater, terrestrial and cultural knowledge systems that are central to global sustainability, resilience and climate action.\n\nUNESCO’s 2023–2029 Operational Strategy for Small Island Developing States provides an intersectoral framework to support SIDS through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Within this framework, and under the Accelerator Programme 1, IslandWatch has been developed as a multi-ecosystem citizen science initiative to strengthen environmental monitoring, education, digital innovation, community engagement and evidence-based decision-making in SIDS.\n\nOVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST\n\nUnder the overall authority of the Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences and Secretary of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section for Man and the Biosphere, Biodiversity and Ecosystems and in articulation with the SIDS Section in PAX, the incumbent shall support the implementation of the Island Watch initiative in the three selected SIDS.\n\nKEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES\n\nIn close coordination with relevant programme officers in the Sciences Sector, the Education Sector, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and concerned UNESCO field offices (Dakar and Nairobi Regional Offices), the incumbent shall contribute to the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activities, with a view to ensuring coherent country-level implementation, stakeholder engagement, capacity development, knowledge management, environmental monitoring, data systems development and donor reporting.\n\nIn this context, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:\n\nCitizen Science, Environmental Monitoring and Country Implementation\n\n• Support the design, implementation and scaling-up of citizen science-based environmental monitoring systems across participating SIDS, covering freshwater, coastal, marine, biodiversity and other priority ecosystems, in coordination with the identified internal and external experts.\n\n• Contribute to the development and operationalisation of monitoring frameworks, methodologies, indicators and implementation approaches that support long-term ecosystem observation, environmental stewardship and resilience-building.\n\n• Support processes for the selection of ecosystems and monitoring sites, including stakeholder consultations and validation.\n\n• Assist in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of country roadmaps, workplans, deliverables and milestones.\n\n• Maintain regular engagement with national counterparts, technical institutions, UNESCO Field Offices relevant United Nations/inter-agency partners, implementing partners and community stakeholders.\n\n• Support the planning and implementation of field missions, technical consultations, training activities and stakeholder meetings, including preparation of documentation, reports and follow-up.\n\nData Management, Quality Assurance and Digital Innovation\n\n• Support the development and implementation of data management and quality assurance approaches for citizen-generated environmental data, including data collection, validation, documentation, and reporting processes.\n\n• Assist in coordinating and documenting data flows, monitoring processes, and country submissions, in collaboration with technical experts, implementing partners, and participating countries.\n\n• Contribute to the coordination and continuous improvement of digital tools and platforms supporting IslandWatch, including mobile data collection, dashboards, visualization tools, artificial intelligence-assisted analysis, and linkages with relevant UNESCO-supported data systems.\n\nAnalysis and Knowledge Development\n\n• Contribute to research and analysis related to citizen science, environmental monitoring, human-nature connections, biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental education, and community-generated data systems, including emerging trends, innovations, and best practices.\n\n• Contribute to and support the development of technical guidance, monitoring methodologies, training materials, toolkits, and other knowledge products.\n\n• Support the preparation of technical notes, policy briefs, concept notes, reports, lessons learned products, and other knowledge resources.\n\n• Contribute to documenting and disseminating experiences, results and lessons emerging from country implementation.\n\nCapacity Development, Institutional Engagement and Strategic Partnerships\n\n• Support efforts to strengthen the uptake and use of citizen-generated environmental data in environmental management, resilience planning, reporting, and decision-making processes.\n\n• Assist organizing training activities, workshops, consultations, and other capacity development initiatives for government institutions, schools, youth, civil society organizations, and technical partners.\n\n• Support collaboration with UNESCO Chairs, Category 2 Centres, universities, scientific institutions, centres of excellence and other strategic partners.\n\n• Support engagement with relevant regional and global initiatives, networks and policy processes related to citizen science, biodiversity, climate resilience and environmental monitoring.\n\n• Contribute to partnership development, project visibility, resource mobilization, and engagement with relevant regional and global networks.\n\nProject Coordination and Operational Support\n\n• Support day-to-day project coordination, including progress tracking, internal reporting, consolidation of inputs to technical deliverables, and monitoring of implementation timelines to proactively identify and address bottlenecks, delays, and implementation risks.\n\n• Assist with procurement processes, contract follow-up, administrative coordination, and budget monitoring of project activities, in close coordination with administrative and finance colleagues.\n\n• Maintain relevant project documentation and contribute to the preparation of progress updates, implementation reports, and information required for internal and external reporting.\n\nCOMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)\n\n• Communication (C)\n\n• Accountability (C)\n\n• Innovation (C)\n\n• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)\n\n• Planning and organizing (C)\n\n• Results focus (C)\n\n• Teamwork (C)\n\nShort Description\n\nFor detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.\n\nREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS\n\nEDUCATION\n\n• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the fields of science, international development, or related fields.\n\nWORK EXPERIENCE\n\n• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience, of which prefereably one year at the international level.\n\n• Experience supporting the design and/or implementation of environmental monitoring activities, preferably involving multiple stakeholders or countries.\n\n• Experience in project coordination, including preparation and monitoring of workplans, deliverables, and implementation timelines.\n\n• Experience in technical analysis and preparation of reports, guidance materials, or knowledge products.\n\nLong Description\n\nSKILLS AND COMPETENCIES\n\n• Ability to work effectively with government counterparts, scientific and technical institutions, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders;\n\n• Ability to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary and intersectoral initiatives in addressing the complex and interconnected development challenges faced by Small Island Developing States;\n\n• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft technical, operational, governance and policy-related documents clearly and succinctly in English;\n\n• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and prepare clear recommendations;\n\n• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and manage multiple workstreams, priorities and deadlines.\n\n• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multicultural teams.\n\nLANGUAGES\n\n• Excellent knowledge of English (written, spoken, reading comprehension).\n\nDESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS\n\nWORK EXPERIENCE\n\n• Experience within the United Nations System, or other international organizations in project implementation, advocacy, and communication activities.\n\nSKILLS AND COMPETENCIES\n\n• Understanding of the environmental and social context in SIDS and its importance for project design and implementation.\n\n• Knowledge of international frameworks and policy processes relating to biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development.\n\nLANGUAGES\n\n• Basic knowledge of French.\n\n• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).\n\n• Knowledge of Portuguese.\n\nLong Description\n\nBENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS\n\nUNESCO’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.\n\nThe approximate annual starting salary for this post is 84 349 EUR.\n\nFor full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.\n\nSELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS\n\nPlease note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.\n\nTo apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.\n\nThe 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.\n\nPlease note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.\n\nShort-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).\n\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION\n\n• 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.\n\n• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.\n\n• 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.\n\n• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.\n\n• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.\n\n• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.\n\n• 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\n\n• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.\n\n• 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.\n\n• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.","description":["The role supports implementation of the IslandWatch citizen science initiative across three Small Island Developing States to strengthen environmental monitoring and resilience."],"responsibilities":["Coordinate country workplans, deliverables, stakeholder engagement, field activities, and implementation timelines.","Support environmental monitoring systems, data quality processes, digital tools, and country submissions.","Prepare technical guidance, reports, knowledge products, training materials, and project updates."],"requirements":[],"applicationInstructions":[],"engagementType":"staff","datePosted":"2026-11-13","applicationDeadline":"2026-11-30","locations":[{"label":"Paris, France","city":"Paris","country":"France","countryCode":"FR","remote":false}]},"organization":{"slug":"unesco","name":"United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization","shortName":"UNESCO","websiteUrl":"https://www.unesco.org","careersUrl":"https://careers.unesco.org"},"filters":[{"field":"organization","value":"unesco","label":"UNESCO"},{"field":"city","value":"paris","label":"Paris"},{"field":"country","value":"france","label":"France"},{"field":"area","value":"environment","label":"Environment"},{"field":"area","value":"programme-project-management","label":"Programme & project management"},{"field":"level","value":"l2","label":"P2 Early-career professional"},{"field":"engagement","value":"staff","label":"Staff"},{"field":"education","value":"master","label":"Master's degree"},{"field":"experience","value":"2","label":"2+ years"},{"field":"language","value":"english","label":"English"},{"field":"citizenship","value":"open","label":"Open to all nationalities"},{"field":"mode","value":"on-site","label":"On-site"}],"eligibilityGuide":null,"salaryBand":{"gradeKey":"p-2","grade":"P-2","careerLevel":"l2","currency":"USD","minimum":84349.23,"maximum":112333.2,"valueType":"range","calculationMethod":"base_plus_location_adjustment","calculationNote":"UN common-system net base salary plus the 50.5% duty-station adjustment for France, Paris. Excludes benefits, bonuses and personal allowances.","location":{"countryCode":"FR","placeKey":"FR-paris","label":"France, Paris"},"adjustmentPercent":50.5,"sourceUrl":"https://www.unicsc.org/Home/GetDataFile/5490","lastReviewed":"2026-08-30","updatedAt":"2026-11-08T06:16:16.710Z"},"organizationBenefits":[{"title":"Diplomatic document","summary":"UNESCO issues a United Nations laissez-passer to designated officials who need it for official travel. Member states recognize the document for that purpose. It is not a personal diplomatic passport or a residence permit.","details":["UNESCO issues a United Nations laissez-passer to designated officials who need it for official travel. Member states recognize the document for that purpose. It is not a personal diplomatic passport or a residence permit."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Functional immunity","summary":"UNESCO officials have immunity from legal process for words and acts performed in an official capacity. The organization holds the authority to waive this protection. It does not cover private conduct. Coverage follows designated official status.","details":["UNESCO officials have immunity from legal process for words and acts performed in an official capacity. The organization holds the authority to waive this protection. It does not cover private conduct. Coverage follows designated official status."],"sourceUrl":"https://treaties.un.org/doc/treaties/1949/08/19490816%2010-43%20am/ch_iii_2p-full%20text.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Home leave","summary":"UNESCO provides paid home leave to eligible internationally recruited staff serving outside their home country. The standard cycle is 24 months, with a 12-month cycle at designated difficult duty stations. Appointment length and staff rules determine family travel.","details":["UNESCO provides paid home leave to eligible internationally recruited staff serving outside their home country. The standard cycle is 24 months, with a 12-month cycle at designated difficult duty stations. Appointment length and staff rules determine family travel."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Income tax exemption","summary":"Limited eligibility","details":["UNESCO salaries and emoluments paid to designated officials are exempt from national income tax under the applicable privileges framework. National reservations and taxes imposed by a staff member's home country remain outside that exemption. Non-staff fees are not covered by the staff rule."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Relocation","summary":"UNESCO provides appointment travel, shipment support and a settling-in grant to eligible internationally recruited staff moving to a duty station. Appointment length and family status determine the entitlement. Locally recruited staff do not receive the international relocation package.","details":["UNESCO provides appointment travel, shipment support and a settling-in grant to eligible internationally recruited staff moving to a duty station. Appointment length and family status determine the entitlement. Locally recruited staff do not receive the international relocation package."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"},{"title":"Visa sponsorship","summary":"UNESCO facilitates the French Type D visa required for non-EU International Professional staff appointed to Paris headquarters. The staff member sends passport copies for accompanying family members to Human Resources before travel for inclusion in the application.","details":["UNESCO facilitates the French Type D visa required for non-EU International Professional staff appointed to Paris headquarters. The staff member sends passport copies for accompanying family members to Human Resources before travel for inclusion in the application."],"sourceUrl":"https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf","updatedAt":"2026-07-18T11:23:51.110Z","scope":"organization-wide"}]}