About the opportunity
The Project Technical Officer (PTO) will provide hands-on technical implementation and assurance for assigned activities within the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System (KTAS) Project, entitled “Unlocking the Groundwater Potential of the Kilimanjaro Water Tower.” Working under the Chief Technical Advisor’s approved plans, methodologies, and priorities, the incumbent helps convert field observations, partner inputs, and technical studies into validated datasets, maps, implementation records, monitoring evidence, and concise technical products used for project decisions and reporting. The position is a 12-month service contract based at the Natural Sciences Sector in Nairobi, Kenya, with a possibility of renewal.
Salary and benefits
- 1-year service contract with a possibility of renewal
- Professional experience supporting an international United Nations project addressing transboundary water security and climate resilience
- Involvement in multi-institutional technical implementation across Kenya and Tanzania
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management, environmental science, geoinformatics, or a closely related field
- Relevant early-career professional experience in applied hydrogeology, groundwater monitoring, water-resources data, GIS, or environmental fieldwork, intended for candidates with less than two years of relevant professional experience
- Practical experience collecting, checking, analysing, or presenting environmental or water data
- Experience preparing clear technical records, maps, figures, briefs, or reports from multiple sources
- Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)
- Working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable; knowledge of French or another official UNESCO language is an asset
Required documents
- Online application via the UNESCO Careers website with complete and accurate information
When to apply
- Application deadline: 16/10/2026 (Midnight UTC+3 Time)
How to apply
- Visit the UNESCO Careers website
- Complete the online application and provide complete and accurate information before the deadline
- Submit the application online
Additional information
- Hiring unit: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
- Duty station: Nairobi
- Work location: On site
- Type of contract: Service Contract, Level SB5
- Hiring open to external candidates
- The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews, and reference checks
- Short-listed candidates may be added to Talent Pools subject to their consent
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career professionals holding an advanced degree in hydrogeology, water resources, or environmental science who want practical UN field experience
- Candidates with solid GIS, data analysis, and environmental field data collection skills
- Professionals comfortable working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams across different national contexts like Kenya and Tanzania
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a 1-year service contract based on-site in Nairobi, requiring local relocation or residence if not already based there
- The role targets early-career applicants with less than two years of relevant professional experience, so highly seasoned experts may exceed the intended scope
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an excellent entry point for an early-career water resources or hydrogeology professional seeking to build hands-on international project management, field investigation, and GIS experience within a major United Nations framework.
Our take
Early-career hydrogeology and environmental science graduates with strong GIS and data skills based in or willing to relocate to Nairobi should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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