Apply now »

UNESCO Science Report 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 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) :  10 March 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 and direct supervision of the Chief of Section, the incumbent is responsible for the development and dissemination of the UNESCO Science Report. The Consultant will coordinate the development of the UNESCO Science Report, in particular, undertake the following tasks:

 

Work assignment

Work assignment

Initiate the implementation of a workplan and methodology for the next edition of the UNESCO Science Report, in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, in particular:

  1. Prepare the zero draft of a chapter on women in science, in coordination with the STIP Women in Science team and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
  2. Prepare strategic documents and presentation materials for donor engagement, including draft meeting scenario with donors, outreach plan to potential funders and partnership establishments.
  3. In collaboration with the Communication Officer of the Sector, develop a communication plan for the UNESCO Science Report. This will include initial communication materials, such as posts/announcements that the development of the UNESCO Science Report is launched, crowdsourcing inputs for thematic topics and an infographic on major Science Technology and Innovation developments.
  4. Draft a publication plan for the UNESCO Science Report in collaboration with the publication board, Press Office, and Communication Officer of the Sector.
  5. Engage authors to produce thematic essays.
  6. Collate initial datasets and analyses on research investment and workforce (UIS statistics for SDG 9.5.1 and 9.5.2) to inform zero drafts of global and regional chapters, using the UIS data release from March 2025.
  7. Engage external contributors for the production of bibliometric data on scientific publications at global and regional level for the Report.
  8. Prepare zero drafts of regional chapters, following an agreed chapter template. Where possible, coordinate with external authors and reviewers for the preparation of regional chapters.
  9. Other tasks in support of the UNESCO Science Report team, as required.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

Provide for approval, the following deliverables:

  1. Zero draft of chapter on women in science and Publication plan for the UNESCO Science Report.
  2. Data analyses and zero draft visualizations for research investment and workforce for global and regional chapters.
  3. Agreements with authors of thematic essays for the production of drafts.
  4. Communication plan for the UNESCO Science Report.
  5. Agreements with external data providers of bibliometric data on scientific publications for global and regional chapters.
  6. Zero draft of regional chapter on Latin America & Caribbean.
  7. Draft of regional chapter on Europe & North America.
  8. Draft of regional chapter on Asia-Pacific.
  9. Draft of regional chapter on Africa.
  10. Draft of regional chapter on Arab States.
  11. First draft design layout of the UNESCO Science Report.

Short Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)

-

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

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 

  • 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. 

 

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:

 

  1. A letter of interest explaining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the position.
  2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.

 

Footer

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.

Apply now »