Associate Programme Officer
at UNESCO, Nairobi, Kenya
- Contract
- SB5
- Closing date
- 15 November 2026
- Listed
- 1 October 2026, from UNESCO
The advert
JOB DETAILS 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, ProfessionalismORGANIZATIONAL 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