UNESCO Hiring 2026: Programme Officer Opportunity Now Open in Nairobi, Kenya. The position supports a major groundwater and water-security project involving Kenya and Tanzania, with applications closing on 16 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
UNESCO is recruiting for a Service Contract at SB5 level within its Natural Sciences Sector in Nairobi, Kenya. The role is part of the Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System (KTAS) Project, a five-year Global Environment Facility initiative focused on groundwater management, water security and climate resilience.
The position is on-site, with an initial 12-month contract and possibility of renewal. The project is implemented with the governments of Kenya and Tanzania and involves groundwater assessment, monitoring, GIS, information systems and stakeholder engagement.
Tasks
The successful candidate will support technical implementation, field investigations, groundwater monitoring, GIS mapping, data management and technical reporting.
Key duties include preparing technical plans, supporting field activities, maintaining datasets and GIS products, preparing technical briefs, tracking project indicators and helping develop training and knowledge materials.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management, environmental science, geoinformatics or a closely related field.
Experience
The vacancy targets early-career professionals with less than two years of relevant experience. Experience in hydrogeology, groundwater monitoring, water-resources data, GIS or environmental fieldwork is relevant. Candidates should also be able to analyse and present environmental or water data and prepare technical records, maps and reports.
Excellent English is required, while working knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable. Knowledge of French or another official UNESCO language is an asset.
Additional Information
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract: Service Contract
Level: SB5
Work arrangement: On-site
Duration: 12 months, with possibility of renewal
Deadline: 16 October 2026
Hiring: External candidates are eligible.
Applications must be submitted online through the UNESCO Careers website. UNESCO states that it does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the UNESCO Programme Officer application deadline?
The stated deadline is 16 October 2026.
Where is the UNESCO opportunity based?
The position is based on-site in Nairobi, Kenya.
What qualifications are required?
A Master’s degree or equivalent in hydrogeology, geology, water resources management, environmental science, geoinformatics or a related field is required.
Is professional experience required?
The vacancy is intended for early-career candidates with less than two years of relevant professional experience.
Final Thoughts
This UNESCO opportunity may interest early-career professionals with backgrounds in water resources, hydrogeology, environmental science, GIS, and geoinformatics who want to contribute to a regional groundwater and climate-resilience project.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with UNESCO and are only sharing the publicly listed opportunity. Applicants should confirm the vacancy and requirements on the official UNESCO Careers website before applying.
Keywords: UNESCO jobs 2026, UNESCO hiring 2026, UNESCO Nairobi jobs, Programme Officer UNESCO, UNESCO Kenya jobs, UN jobs in Kenya, groundwater jobs, hydrogeology jobs, GIS jobs, environmental jobs
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