Role summary
UNESCO seeks a Senior Project Officer (Sciences), Grade P-4, to lead the Project Management Unit for the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System project in Dar es Salaam. Requires a PhD in hydrogeology, geology, water-resources management or related field and at least 7 years’ relevant experience. Project appointment is 12 months and may be renewed subject to performance and funding. Approximate starting salary: USD 113,814 per year. Deadline: 29 October 2026, midnight Paris time.
About the role
The official posting describes the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System project as a five-year Global Environment Facility International Waters initiative. FAO is the GEF agency and UNESCO executes the project with the governments of Kenya and Tanzania. The work aims to improve water security, climate resilience and ecosystem health through groundwater assessment, protection, storage, monitoring and management.
Responsibilities and duties
Lead the Project Management Unit and set strategic and technical direction; coordinate project execution across Kenya and Tanzania; supervise staff, consultants and partners; provide technical quality assurance for groundwater assessment, monitoring and management; oversee work plans, budgets, reporting, compliance and stakeholder coordination.
Qualifications
Required: PhD in hydrogeology, geology, water-resources management or closely related field; minimum 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience; experience leading a complex multidisciplinary water, environment or natural-resource program involving multiple institutions and countries; groundwater assessment/management; staff and consultant supervision, budgets and donor reporting; partnership-building with government and technical institutions. Excellent written and spoken English and Swahili. International-level experience is preferred; GEF International Waters, TDA/SAP, transboundary aquifer and Eastern Africa experience are desirable.
Education level
Advanced university degree (PhD) in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management or a closely related field
Field of study
Hydrogeology, geology, water resources management or closely related field
Experience required
At least 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, preferably including 3 years at international level; leadership of complex multidisciplinary water/environment/natural-resource programs; groundwater assessment or management; supervision of staff and consultants; work plans, budgets, donor reporting and government partnerships.
Remuneration
Approx. USD 113,814 annual starting salary
How to apply
Apply online
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Dar-es-Salaam-Senior-Project-Officer-%28Sciences%29/1374308057/Apply online through the UNESCO Careers portal by 29 October 2026 at midnight Paris time. The posting says applications must be complete and accurate and cannot be modified after submission.