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UNESCO is Hiring for a Project Coordinator to be Based in South Africa

EugenJune 11, 2025

3 minutes read

UNESCO is Hiring for a Project Coordinator to be Based in South Africa

In the heart of Pretoria, UNESCO is seeking a dedicated and experienced Project Coordinator to oversee a pivotal initiative aimed at restoring South Africa’s landscapes through innovative, nature-based solutions. This one-year contract positions an individual to play a central role in implementing the Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA) project, a flagship effort funded by the German government to promote climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.

About UNESCO and ReLISA

UNESCO, renowned worldwide for advancing education, science, and culture, is also actively engaged in environmental conservation. The ReLISA project exemplifies UNESCO’s commitment to sustainable land management by fostering landscape-level restoration across South Africa’s diverse biomes, including grasslands, savannas, and thickets. The project aims to demonstrate the economic viability of landscape restoration, attract private sector investment, and promote equitable, gender-responsive approaches.

The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s broader mission to support environmentally sustainable development and resilience, contributing to global climate goals and biodiversity preservation.

The Role: A Leadership Position in Landscape Restoration

The Project Coordinator will be at the forefront of this ambitious project, responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of its implementation. Operating under UNESCO’s regional leadership in Southern Africa, the coordinator will ensure that project objectives are met effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with donor expectations.

This role involves a combination of strategic planning, technical oversight, stakeholder engagement, and communication. The incumbent will work closely with a diverse array of partners—including government agencies, research institutions, civil society, and private investors—to advance landscape restoration efforts across targeted regions.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation and Coordination:

Oversee day-to-day activities related to the ReLISA project, ensuring timely achievement of milestones and deliverables.
Coordinate with UNESCO’s regional team, project lead agencies (such as UNEP), and other consortium partners to facilitate seamless project execution.
Develop detailed annual work plans, including procurement strategies, staffing, capacity-building activities, and risk management procedures.
Conduct field missions to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and support on-the-ground activities.

Technical and Administrative Leadership:

Provide expert guidance on water resources, land management, and ecological restoration, supporting technical teams across activities.
Prepare comprehensive progress reports for internal use and for submission to donors, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Draft and oversee the implementation of Terms of Reference (ToR), partnership agreements, and procurement processes.

Representation and Advocacy:

Act as the project’s primary representative in national and regional forums, fostering partnerships and promoting project objectives.
Participate in high-level events, conferences, and policy dialogues to showcase project achievements and advocate for landscape restoration.
Prepare communication materials, including newsletters, briefings, and multimedia content to raise awareness and share lessons learned.

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates should possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Water Resources Management, Earth Sciences, or a related field. They must have at least two years of proven experience in project coordination, natural sciences, or environment-focused program management.

Essential skills include:

Strategic planning and result-oriented management.
Strong interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy for engaging diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with government, academia, UN organizations, and civil society.
Analytical skills for data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
Proficiency in MS Office tools and reporting software.

Languages:
Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of local languages spoken in project regions and other UN languages (e.g., French) is an asset.

Desirable Qualifications

A Ph.D. in relevant fields is highly desirable.
Additional training in project management, environmental risk assessment, or social sciences.
Familiarity with landscape programs within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, including transfrontier conservation areas and community-based natural resource management.

Why Join UNESCO?

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence environmental policy and landscape management at a critical regional level. The Project Coordinator will work within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The role also provides a platform to collaborate with international partners, contribute to impactful projects, and develop expertise in landscape restoration and environmental governance.

Application Details

Only South African nationals are eligible to apply. The application deadline is July 7, 2025. The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Benefits include competitive salary, 30 days of annual leave, medical insurance, pension plan, and other staff entitlements, with an approximate annual starting salary of ZAR 898,229.

For professionals passionate about environmental action, sustainable development, and landscape restoration, this UNESCO Project Coordinator role presents an impactful career opportunity. Join UNESCO in shaping a greener, more resilient South Africa—one landscape at a time.

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