Author's Contract: UNESCO Science Report
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Paris
Type of contract: Author’s Contract: UNESCO Science Report
Duration of contract: 6 Months
Recruitment open to: External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 07-jan-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background
In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2024–2025 (42C/5), Major Programme II: Natural Sciences, Output 4.SC4 Member States capacities strengthened to improve science, technology and innovation (STI) policies, access to scientific and technological advancements and enhance knowledge sharing, including through Open Science, under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division for Science Policy and Basic Sciences and direct supervision of the Chief of Section and in coordination with the Programme specialist in charge of the UNESCO Science Report , the incumbent will co-editor responsibility for the development of selected sections of the UNESCO Science Report. In particular, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:
I- Work assignment
Serve as contributor to three thematic sections/ chapters:
a) Draft the thematic essay “7.1 Policy Trends” in Chapter 7 within Part II, “Global Trends in Science, Technology, and Innovation”. This sub-section of Chapter 7 covers topics such as Open Science, Research Security, Responsible Research, and Reform of Research Assessment.
b) Draft the thematic essay “6.1 Trends in Publications, Patents, and Innovation Metrics and collaborations” in Chapter 6 within Part II, “Global Trends in Science, Technology, and Innovation”.
c) Draft up to six specific sections and co-edit the production of regional and national sections within Part III, including 10.3 Central & Eastern Europe in Chapter 10 and 11.3 East Asia & Pacific in Chapter 11.
Serve as co-editor for three major sections of the forthcoming 8th edition of the UNESCO Science Report, in particular:
d) Contribute by editing the chapters which make up the UNESCO Science Report by liaising with the relevant author(s) (the list will be provided by UNESCO); copyediting and proofing of each chapter.
e) Coordinate with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and other data providers on the data required for the various sections of the Report.
f) Liaise with the authors for the appropriate use of the validated data in the preparation of the chapters and sections.
g) Verify the appropriate usage and accuracy of the data by the authors in all chapters and sections of the Report
h) Proofread and copyedit the draft chapters submitted by selected authors
i) Respond to regular requests received from authors, external stakeholders, and partners and deal with other matters which may arise during the production cycle of the UNESCO Science Report in coordination with the Science Report editor.
II- Deliverables:
Submit for UNESCO approval the following deliverables:
1. Draft of the thematic essay titled “Policy Trends”, in chapter 7 within Part II of the UNESCO Science Report, in English up to 15 pages. Article Reference a.
2. Draft of the thematic essay titled “Trends in Publications, Patents, and Innovation Metrics and collaborations”, within Part II of the UNESCO Science Report, in English, up to 15 pages. Article Reference b.
3. Drafts of three specific regional and national sections within Part III, including 10.3 Central & Eastern Europe in Chapter 10 and 11.3 East Asia & Pacific in Chapter 11, in English, up to 30 pages. Article Reference c.
4. Submit progress report, in English, up to 10 pages, including brief synthesis on the three co-edited sections, outlining the overview of all substantive and copyediting actions, consistency checks performed across narrative and data elements, and confirmation of alignment with UNESCO editorial standards and the UNESCO Science Report structure and content. Article Reference d; e and h.
5. Report of data validation summary for the co-edited sections, detailing verification of all datasets used, correspondence with the respective authors, UIS, and other data providers, and confirmation that authors have applied validated data accurately and consistently throughout their chapters, in English, up to 10 pages. Article Reference d, e, f, and g.
6. Report on author coordination log documenting exchanges with contributors, status of chapter drafts and revisions, and key issues addressed during the editorial process, in support of transparent workflow management for the UNESCO Science Report team. Article Reference e and i
Please refer to the draft outline of the UNESCO Science Report (link here)
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least 4 years of professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science.
- Experience working on editing/publication of global report or scientific papers.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Strong analytical and drafting skills for a variety of audiences
- Ability to present research findings and complex relationships clearly in graphs, figures and in compelling narratives tailored to a variety of audiences
- Excellent IT skills to carry out the work
- Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science, or other related natural science discipline.
LANGUAGE
- Knowledge of another UN language.
Please refer to the draft outline of the UNESCO Science Report (link here)
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in “Employment History Form / My Documents”. Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one combined file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
- a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
- Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing progress, and timeline..
- Financial proposal in US dollars or Euros with a budget breakdown.
Application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (23310) in the subject line of your email.
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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