Director, Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences

The Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences includes three sections covering: 
–    MAB Research and Policy, Ecology and Biodiversity, UNESCO Strategy for Action on Climate Change
–    MAB networking, Biosphere Reserves and Capacity Building 
–    Earth Sciences and Geo-hazards Risk Reduction

The Division aims to support Member States at a national, regional and global level in advancing science and capacity for sustainable management of their natural resources and biodiversity, through its programs in Earth and Ecological Sciences towards the implementation of Agenda 2030. A special focus is given to UNESCO’s two global priorities, Africa and Gender.

The Division is responsible for the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), their secretariats and their global networks of Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks. It also leads the house-wide coordination of UNESCO’s Strategy for Action on Climate Change and for its programme on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), towards strengthening climate change resilience and geohazard risk management in Member States. It carries out its activities in close cooperation with UNESCO-affiliated centres, UNESCO Chairs and institutions inside and outside the United Nations system (IPBES, Future Earth, IUCN, etc.). A particular focus is given to the Networks of Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks. They serve as learning opportunities for sustainable management of natural resources, for local economic development and for conflict resolution through shared governance.

The Division is responsible for publications such as the World Maps of Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks, training material for DRR, and it manages international days and awards related to the Division’s programmes, funded by both public and private sector.

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General of the Natural Sciences Sector, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of the Division’s human and financial resources, administration and operations, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures. S/he will lead the Sector’s efforts in establishing and maintaining effective relations with relevant partners inside and outside the United Nations system; building and entertaining fundraising strategies and productive partnerships with donors. S/he will also be responsible for the Division’s strategic planning and coordination of programmes and plans of action as well as reporting to the UNESCO Governing Bodies, as required. This includes the promotion of interdisciplinary research, sustainability sciences and training activities in natural resources management. S/he will provide immediate supervision to the Division’s Chiefs of sections and ensure intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in the development and execution of the relevant programme activities of the Division towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.