Non-Staff Service Contract
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Nigeria
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Non Staff
Level :
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 15-JUL-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Abuja Office and direct supervision of the National Professional Officer for Science, the project assistant will do the following:
a) follow up on Ref -1.1A - Inception and launch event
- Follow up on the final reviewed version of the steering committee TOR document
- Follow up on the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST), thanking them for their support and requesting nominations to the steering committee
- Support an online group to be created to facilitate discussion for the steering committee members
- Participate in reporting
b) Ref - 2.3A - Mapping and Review of UK-Nigeria ST&I Partnerships
The work here involves a comprehensive review of the existing UK-Nigeria partnerships in key sectors, as well as mapping actors and identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for scaling up successful initiatives. Through stakeholder consultations and the findings from the mapping exercise, insights will be gathered to inform the UK FCDO and FMIST in developing a bilateral UK-Nigeria ST&I strategy. This will involve i) Gap and Opportunity Analysis; ii) Stakeholder Consultations and Engagements. iii) Comprehensive report of mapping and Gap analysis as a useful tool for developing of UK-Nigeria ST&I Strategy, iv) Validation of report
The project assistant will do the following
- Develop TORs, Technical Note and all other technical documents (memo, budget, template, etc.)
- Handle all administrative aspects with respect to Mapping and Review of UK-Nigeria ST&I Partnerships
- Participate actively in doing the reports (Zero, review and final drafts)
Long Description
c) Ref- 2.3B - Development of a UK-Nigeria ST&I Strategy
Develop a UK-Nigeria bilateral ST&I strategy aligned with Nigeria's ST&I-related policies, to foster collaboration, identify investment opportunities, and enhance UK-Nigeria partnerships across key sectors. The development will be based on the report of 2.3A (Mapping) and will draw valuable insights from the experiences and outcomes of the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy created in 2024
The project assistant will do the following
- Develop TORs, Technical Note, and all other technical documents (memo, budget, template, etc.)
- Handle all administrative aspects with respect to Mapping and Review of UK-Nigeria ST&I Partnerships
- Participate actively in doing the reports (Zero, review, and final drafts)
d) Ref -2.3C - Activation of Nigeria's National Research and Innovation Fund
Reviewing and refining the operational framework, governance structures, and funding modalities for the proposed NRIF.
- Handle all administrative aspects
- Follow up on the reporting
e) Technical Guidance and Commercialization Support
- Work with UKCEH and Nigerian teams to facilitate consultations and activities with respect to the operationalization of NRIF
- Handle all administrative aspects
- Follow up on the reporting
Long Description
Other ditties - The project assistant shall also perform the following
- Contribute to developing periodic reports of the project for submission to UNESCO Dakar office as well as FCDO
- Facilitate and organize the steering committee meetings
- Facilitate project monitoring meetings.
- Follow up on all processes for evaluation of the project.
- Assist in programmatic tasks in the Science sector as may be assigned by the National Profesional officer.
- Develop TORs, technical, notes and all other technical documents for the stakeholder Consultations and Technical reviews as well as Capacity Building
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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Skills and Competencies:
- Very good knowledge of office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
- Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially.
- Ability to work under pressure, flexibility, and adaptability to work schedules and priorities according to workload, emergencies, and deadlines.
- Ability to design, work, and execute tasks independently with thoroughness, care, and method.
- Ability to work with and within multicultural teams.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Completed secondary, technical or vocational education. Post secondary Education will be an advantage
Long Description
Work experience:
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience in administrative services, programmes, project administrative management, or related field.
- Experience in a UN agency is also an added advantage.
- Experience in backstopping programmes and/or projects
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Long Description
- Very good knowledge (oral and written) of the English Language
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
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