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) : 28 June 2024

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 Science, 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

1. Follow up on the 3rd meeting of the G20 Working Group for Research and Innovation:

The consultant will integrate comments from G20 members into Deliverable 5.2, which pertains to the concept note for the G20-UNESCO Platform for collecting data and monitoring policies and policy instruments that promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in science. This task involves reviewing feedback provided during the meeting, synthesizing relevant suggestions, and incorporating these insights into a revised version of Deliverable 5.2.

2. Elaborate background notes and other relevant information documentation for the 4th meeting of the G20 Working Group on Research and Innovation:

The consultant will prepare background notes and relevant information documentation to support discussions at the 4th meeting of the G20 Working Group on Research and Innovation. This involves researching and compiling key data relevant to UNESCO’s involvement in the working group. The notes will contribute to UNESCO’s preparation for the meeting.

3. Develop a concept note about how UNESCO’s STIP section can work on the anticipatory governance of emerging technologies:

The consultant will create a concept note outlining how UNESCO’s STIP section can support Member States in engaging in anticipatory governance of emerging technologies. The concept note will address the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies, emphasizing UNESCO’s comparative advantage. 

4. Elaborate the preliminary programme of the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference:

The consultant will draft the preliminary programme for the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference. This involves coordinating with UNESCO officials to outline the preliminary conference agenda, including keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. The consultant will ensure that the programme reflects the conference’s objectives, promotes engagement, and addresses pertinent issues in global science and technology.

5. Prepare background notes and other relevant documentation for the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference:

The consultant will compile and prepare background notes and other essential documentation to support the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference. This task requires gathering information on the conference topics, preparing briefing materials, and creating reference documents that provide context and insights into the discussions.

6. Provide on-site support for the organisation and execution of the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference:

The consultant will undertake a travel mission to contribute to the organisation and implementation of the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference. This task involves providing on-the-ground support during the conference, coordinating with stakeholders, and contributing to the smooth execution of the event.

7. Summarise the main outcomes of the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference in a report:

The consultant will undertake follow-up actions with stakeholders and partners to ensure the effective closure of the UNESCO Global Science Ministerial Conference. The consultant will develop a concise report summarizing the main outcomes, key discussions, and conclusions from the Ministerial Conference. This report will also include recommendations for future actions and a follow-up plan to ensure the implementation of the conference outcomes.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

• Updated G20 Deliverable 5.2 document
• Background notes for the 4th G20 meeting
• Concept note on anticipatory governance
• Preliminary programme for the Ministerial Conference
• Background notes and documentation for Ministerial Conference
• Ministerial Conference Summary Report

Travel:

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

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, 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, 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. 

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.

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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.