Project Officer (Natural Sciences)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : SC PA 057
Grade : P-3
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) : 24-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
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) Section of UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector strengthens STI governance worldwide. The Section offers evidence-based policy advice to Member States to support them in steering their STI systems towards sustainable development, monitors global trends through its Global Observatory of STI Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN), and supports the implementation of international normative instruments, including the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
Building on this foundation, the Section is launching a new initiative as part of UNESCO's contribution to the 2025 G20 South African Presidency: a Thematic Portal on STI Policies for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), building on UNESCO GO-SPIN. This global public good will provide policymakers with evidence-based tools to design and monitor policy landscapes that foster more inclusive STI ecosystems, thereby directly contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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, and direct supervision of the Chief of the STIP Section, the incumbent will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of the Thematic Portal as well as supporting the Section's strategic objectives and work programme.
In particular, the incumbent will:
- Manage the design and implementation of the Thematic Portal on STI Policies for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), defining its technical architecture and data models to enhance Member States' access to policy evidence for decision-making.
- Contribute to the work of the STIP Section on global STI policy monitoring tools and methodologies
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the Thematic Portal to track progress and assess impact.
- Identify strategic partnerships and new funding opportunities and lead resource mobilization efforts to ensure long-term impact of the Thematic Portal on STI Policies for DEIA.
- Manage partnerships with Member States, the G20, and other stakeholders to ensure sustained engagement and support for the STIP Section's STI policy monitoring tools, including the UNESCO Thematic Portal. Represent UNESCO in relevant forums and expert groups for this purpose.
- Identify opportunities to integrate Artificial Intelligence AI tools into the STIP Section's activities to enhance their impact, and lead integration efforts where applicable.
- Design, implement and oversee capacity-building activities for policymakers on STI governance, including DEIA in STI policies.
- Provide technical expertise and advice on STI policy-related topics, including science diplomacy, open science, and the governance of emerging technologies.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in one of the fields of Basic Sciences; Natural Sciences; Science, Technology and Innovation, science policy and/or other relevant fields.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of science, technology, and innovation policy, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level
- Proven experience in the design, management, and implementation of complex international projects related to STI policy and governance
- Demonstrated experience in STI policy analysis, monitoring, and evaluation
- Proven experience to design and deliver capacity-building programmes for government officials or policymakers
- Experience working in the context of high-level intergovernmental processes
Experience in building partnerships with bilateral or multilateral donors and multilateral organizations.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with a proven ability to engage and negotiate effectively with a wide range of high-level partners
- Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and policy briefs
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity
- Commitment to UNESCO’s values, including gender equality, inclusion, and sustainability.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and working knowledge of French.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Science and Technology Policy, Innovation Management or similar.
• A primary university degree in a field of natural sciences or engineering would be a significant asset.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Direct experience working with the UNESCO Global Observatory of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments (GO-SPIN) platform or similar STI policy databases.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of data analysis, visualization tools, or the application of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning) in a policy context.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences.
LANGUAGES
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or 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 110,583 USD.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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 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.