Associate Project Officer (Natural Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : SC PA 055

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 13-NOV-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences (SC/PBS) and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and the Chief of Section for Science Technology and Innovation Policy (SC/PBS/STIP), the Associate Project Officer will support the Project Coordinator in the implementation of the "Strengthening Inclusive STEM Ecosystems and Mobilizing Evidence and Best Practices for Equitable and Inclusive Science Institutions and Policies" project. 

In line with the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”, UNESCO will serve as IDRC’s Knowledge Mobilization Partner, leveraging its convening power, global networks, and evidence-sharing platforms to foster institutional reform and engage policymakers in bridging the gap between institutional change and policy-level impact. Implemented by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) at the national/regional level and the STI Policy Section at UNESCO Headquarters at the global level, this project seeks to strengthen institutional support systems and policy environments that enable greater participation and leadership of women in science, particularly in underrepresented regions, by promoting gender-responsive practices in research and innovation. The incumbent will support activities related to the collection of evidence-based institutional best practices, the production of knowledge products, the project’s communication activities, and the liaison with partners.

The incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Identify, collect, and synthesize evidence-based institutional best practices that advance women’s participation and leadership in STI

• • • Gather information on institutional gender policies and frameworks; existing monitoring mechanisms and data disaggregation practices; initiatives promoting gender equality in recruitment, retention, and career advancement; and perspectives from staff and leadership on organizational culture and inclusivity.
    • Identify and connect relevant institutions across the world (public and private universities and research institutes) that champion gender equality in science and foster a community of practice.
    • Conduct national and regional online workshops with the identified institutions to highlight lessons learned and develop policy recommendations to inform the development of gender-transformative institutional frameworks.

2.  Produce a set of knowledge products

• • • Draft knowledge products (policy briefs and/or thematic summaries) based on the evidence and best practices collected and the workshops held, providing actionable policy recommendations.
    • Design the knowledge products.

3. Communicate on the project and disseminate its knowledge products ensuring stakeholder engagement at the global level

• • • Develop a communication strategy and creating social media content, web articles and human stories.
    • Organize and facilitate events on gender equality in STI, including activities for the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
    • Participate as needed in roundtables and conferences related to higher education and/or gender equality in STI to promote the project.
    • Engage the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science network, the OWSD community and the UNESCO Call to Action network in the project.
    • Coordinate with relevant divisions and services within and outside UNESCO, including the UNESCO Gender Division and gender focal point.

4. Support the project coordinator in liaising with IDRC and OWSD

• • • Develop a detailed project work plan, including clear objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables required for timely implementation.
    • Set regular meetings and related material.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, International Relations, Social Sciences, or another relevant field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project management and/or programme coordination, of which preferably 1 year acquired at an international level.
• Demonstrated professional experience in gender equality in STI and communications.
• Proven experience in organising international meetings and events.
• Proven experience in gender mainstreaming in STI.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with a focus on gender equality.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Solid communication skills, including to convey complex gender concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to integrate gender perspectives into policies, programmes, and projects.

LANGUAGE

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience within a United Nations Agency or programme(s) or within an international organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks.
• Project management in the field of Natural Science and/or gender.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment.
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional, and international scientific organizations and professional organizations, especially related to STI and gender.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 86,881 $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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