Associate Research Officer

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC PA130TP

Grade: P-1

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/10/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct supervision of the Research Scientist (Head of the STI Unit), the incumbent will support project activities related to two extra-budgetary projects: the UNEP-ICTP project “TRACT”, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and – for 20% of his/her time – the UNESCO project “FRIEND-NILE”, funded by the Flemish UNESCO Science Trust Fund (FUST). Both projects aim to strengthen environmental and water-resources monitoring through low-cost weather stations and IoT/wireless technologies, with a strong focus on capacity building of local technical and scientific staff.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to TRACT (Maldives). Support project Output 2 (Strengthened observations, monitoring, modelling and impact-based forecasting) and Sub-activity 2.1.4 (IoT and wireless technologies) of the GCF-funded UNEP-ICTP project “TRACT – Toward Risk-Aware and Climate-resilient communities”, deploying low-cost weather stations, terrestrial gateways and water-level sensors — including their photovoltaic powering, masts and civil works — across the Maldives.
• Contribute to FRIEND-NILE (Nile Basin, 20% of time). Support project Output 1 (in particular 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4) of the FUST-funded UNESCO project “FRIEND-NILE”, deploying similar monitoring equipment across selected Nile Basin countries, managing datasets and services through IHP-WINS, and piloting a Digital Twin for at least one sub-basin in collaboration with the IHP AI Task Force.
• Build local technical capacity. Design and deliver training workshops on IoT and wireless technologies for environmental monitoring, building the capacity of local technical and scientific staff in the Maldives and in the Nile Basin countries.
• Manage project activities. Assist in managing project activities, including regular reporting and communication with stakeholders, and maintain contacts with UNEP, national partners and the UNESCO IHP AI Task Force.
• Document deployments. Document the technical details of all deployments and share the documentation with local stakeholders.
• Conduct applied research. Conduct research on the resilience and effectiveness of the deployed technical solutions, contributing to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

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

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or in related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least one (1) year of relevant experience, particularly within the context of environmental or water resources management, preferably in an international environment, and experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to coordinate technical platforms, ensuring operational management, data governance, and strategic development
• Proficiency in one of the major programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript), with hands-on experience in data automation, geospatial analysis, and database management
• Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement, working with intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, and technical partners
• Ability to plan and conduct training programs for diverse audiences, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations

LANGUAGES

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 56,151 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

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

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.