Consultant Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2025

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) :10 January 2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

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 STI policies, access to scientific and technological advancements and enhance knowledge sharing, including through Open Science, work under the overall authority of the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences, and under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Section (SC/PCB/STIP), the consultant will:

Work assignment

Work assignment

A. Science Diplomacy Support

1. Coordinate the preparation of the Technical Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 Global Ministerial Dialogue

The consultant will plan and organise the technical preparatory meeting, including developing comprehensive background documentation, strategic briefing materials, and coordinating expert inputs to establish a technical foundation for the 2025 Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy.

2. Coordinate the development of the Draft Declaration on Science Diplomacy

The consultant will coordinate the contributions from experts in science diplomacy and synthesise these inputs to produce a draft Declaration on Science Diplomacy. This document will reflect the collective insights, principles, and recommendations of experts, serving as a foundational text for adoption and endorsement during the Ministerial Dialogue.

3. Quantum Technology and Science Diplomacy Issue Paper 

The consultant will develop a concise policy brief examining the intersection of quantum technology and science diplomacy. The paper will analyse the current state of quantum technology development, including geographical distribution and key stakeholders, with particular emphasis on governance challenges and equity considerations. The brief will address the predominantly private sector governance of this technology, explore potential benefits and challenges that science diplomacy could address, and propose frameworks for shared development and new governance models.

4. Execution and reporting of the 2025 Global Ministerial Dialogue

The consultant will offer on-site support during the 2025 Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy and prepare a summary report of the proceedings. Responsibilities include assisting with logistical arrangements, coordinating with stakeholders, facilitating sessions as needed, ensuring the smooth execution of the event to meet its objectives, and producing a report documenting the key outcomes of the Dialogue.

B. GO-SPIN Enhancement

1. Harmonization of STI Policy Information Collection Practices

The consultant will conduct an analysis of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy information collection practices across major international organisations. This assessment will map existing frameworks, identify methodological gaps and overlaps, and analyse technical challenges in data standardisation. Building on this analysis, the consultant will develop recommendations for advancing inter-organizational collaboration, including a detailed concept note outlining potential mechanisms for harmonisation through a technical workshop, complete with objectives, key participants, expected outcomes, and implementation considerations.

2. Develop a Draft Data Model for GO-SPIN to Incorporate Open Science Recommendation Data

The consultant will design a new data model for the GO-SPIN platform that accommodates data elements from UNESCO's Open Science Recommendation. This involves analysing the requirements and key components of the Open Science Recommendation, reviewing the existing GO-SPIN data structures, and identifying necessary enhancements.

3. Align Taxonomies between GO-SPIN and OECD STIP Compass

The consultant will work on aligning the taxonomies used in GO-SPIN with those of the OECD STIP Compass. This involves cooperation with the OECD to map and reconcile classification systems and terminologies to enhance interoperability and data sharing between the two platforms, thereby enriching the data available to stakeholders.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

• A. Science Diplomacy Support

• Technical Meeting Report
• Draft Declaration on Science Diplomacy
• Quantum Issue Paper 
• Ministerial Dialogue Report

• B. GO-SPIN Enhancement

• Report on STI Policy Information Collection Practices
• Draft GO-SPIN Data Model
• Framework to map GO-SPIN/STIP Compass taxonomies
• Paper on LLMs in GO-SPIN
• Integration Plan of OSR Monitoring data into GOSPIN

• C. G20 Research and Innovation Contributions

• DEIA Analytical Framework Input
• Integrated STI Policy Compendium

Travel:

If deemed necessary by UNESCO, the Individual Specialist may be required to travel in order to perform some of the work described above.

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, STI, or applied statistics/data science, or other related discipline. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, STI, applied statistics/data science, or other related discipline. 
• Experience working with and reconciling data from multiple sources.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGE
Knowledge of other UNESCO official language/s: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• Excellent data collection and analysis skills.

• 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. 

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit as one single document incorporating all the required elements (pdf format) to be uploaded in the application section "Employment History Form, including the following elements:

• An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications and work experience, including a letter of interest explaining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the position.
• An indication of the approach that you will adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO.
• A brief technical and financial proposal of no longer than 1500 words (approximately 3 sides of A4) indicating the monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (applications submitted without a monthly rate will not be considered). Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. Please note that this will be a full-time position, and the consultant will operate from his/her own premises.

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 (21878) in the subject line of your e-mail.

Note: Applications missing any of the requested application documents will not be considered

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

  To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

Please note:

• That all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
• The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based 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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