UNESCO Associate Programme Officer Job 2026: Water and Groundwater Project in Nairobi

Overview

UNESCO is recruiting an Associate Programme Officer, functioning as a Project Technical Officer, for the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System (KTAS) Project, based on site in Nairobi, Kenya. The post is in UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector. It is a 12-month Service Contract at SB5, open to external candidates, with the possibility of renewal.

The project, Unlocking the Groundwater Potential of the Kilimanjaro Water Tower, is a five-year Global Environment Facility International Waters initiative approved in June 2026. FAO is the GEF Agency, and UNESCO executes the project with the Governments of Kenya and Tanzania. It aims to improve sustainable management of the shared groundwater, covering water security, livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience, through groundwater assessment, diagnostic analysis, exploratory drilling, managed aquifer recharge, harmonized monitoring and information systems.

Who can apply

The post suits early-career candidates with less than two years of relevant professional experience. Applicants need an advanced university degree, such as a master's or equivalent, in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management, environmental science, geoinformatics or a closely related field.

Requirements

Candidates need practical experience collecting, checking, analysing or presenting environmental or water data and the ability to prepare technical records, maps, figures, briefs or reports. A sound grounding in hydrogeological principles, groundwater and surface-water interactions and field data-quality practices is expected, along with GIS and data-analysis skills. Databases, remote sensing or telemetry are an advantage. Excellent English is required, working Kiswahili is desirable and French or another UNESCO official language is an asset. Field exposure in Kenya or Tanzania and knowledge of volcanic aquifers, hydrochemistry or managed aquifer recharge can strengthen an application.

The officer converts field observations, partner inputs and technical studies into validated datasets, maps, implementation records and concise technical products. This includes preparing task plans, field protocols and schedules, supporting hydrogeological, geophysical, hydrochemical, isotope, ecosystem and socio-economic data work across Kenya and Tanzania, and supporting site surveys, sampling, borehole and spring inventories, aquifer testing, monitoring equipment, drilling and recharge demonstrations. They also compile and clean data, support GIS mapping, dashboards, the Groundwater Information Management System and the Hydro-Environmental Observatory, and prepare briefs, indicator trackers, report sections, training materials and standard operating procedures.

How to apply

Applications are completed online and cannot be modified once submitted, so information must be complete and accurate. The selection process may include recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews and reference checks.

Key dates

The deadline is 16 October 2026 at midnight UTC+3.