Open Science consultancy 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 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26 May 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 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 the overall supervision of the Chief of Section for Science Technology Innovation Policy (SC/PBS/STIP) and the supervision of the Programme Specialist coordinating the work on Open Science, the consultant shall undertake the following activities to contribute to the implementation of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science :
Work assignment
Work assignment
- Analyze the national reports of Member States on the 2021 Recommendation on Open Science.
- Prepare draft reports on the implementation of the 2021 Recommendation on Open Science for the consideration of the UNESCO Executive Board and General Conference in Autumn 2025.
- Contribute to the drafting, editing and publication of the next edition of the Open Science Outlook (foreseen for the end of 2025/beginning of 2026).
- Finalize UNESCO Open Science Toolkit elements on data policies in times of crises facilitated by open science.
- Prepare background documents for Open Science Working Group meetings and coordinate the preparation of the meetings of the UNESCO Open Science Working Groups.
- Prepare background documents for open science related meetings organized or co-organized by UNESCO, namely the conference on open science monitoring planned for July 2025, and the UN Open Science Conference planned for October 2025.
- Update and publish open science practices submitted to the Open and Inclusive Science Hub.
Long Description
DELIVERABLES
Provide for approval, the following deliverables:
- Final UNESCO Open Science Toolkit elements on data policies in times of crises, facilitated by open science..
- Summary of national reports on the monitoring of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
- 1st Draft report on the implementation of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science for the Executive Board.
- First draft outline of the 2nd Open Science Outlook.
- 2nd Draft report on the implementation of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science to be submitted to the UNESCO General Conference.
- Report on the preparation of international and regional meetings and conferences and events on Open Science and the outcome documents.
- Reports from Open Science Working Group meetings including key take aways and recommendations for further actions suggested by experts.
Short Description
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
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
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Strong analytical and drafting skills for a variety of audiences.
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Ability to present research findings and complex relationships clearly in graphs, figures and in compelling narratives tailored to a variety of audiences,
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Excellent IT skills to carry out the work.
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Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in n natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science, or other related natural science discipline.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit one single document including the following elements:
- A letter of interest explaining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the position.
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- A brief technical and financial proposal of no longer than 1500 words (approximately 3 sides of A4) indicating monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (Applications submitted without a monthly rate will not be considered). The consultant will work from his/her own premises.
- The approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO.
Your application should be submitted as one document incorporating all the required elements (pdf format) to be uploaded in the application section "Employment History Form"
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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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.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.