Project Officer (Natural Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : SC TA/011

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 09-SEP-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

With the adoption of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, Member States have recognized the transformative potential of open science for reducing the existing inequalities in science, technology and innovation (STI) and accelerating progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Open Science Platform will provide an operational tool to assist with the implementation of the 2021 Recommendation, and in particular advancing open access to scientific information focusing on UNESCO’s science related priorities – climate change, biodiversity loss and vulnerabilities in face of natural and human made disasters.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences Sector (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section for Science Technology and Innovation Policy, the incumbent will be  responsible for providing professional and technical coordination, to sectional and divisional work as well as cross-sectional, divisional and programmatic activities and initiatives specifically in relation to the implementation of the UNESCO Open Science platform activities. S/he will work within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium -erm Strategy (C/4), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), SDGs as well as any relevant global or regional development plans.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Establish the UNESCO Open Science Platform by developing a detailed project implementation plan, including clear objectives for the platform, and clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables needed for its timely operationalisation.
• Develop a detailed platform design, including key elements and necessary functionalities for sharing of data and information, fostering collaborations, accessing funding opportunities and building equitable long-term sustainable open science collaborations and partnerships.
• Work with technical experts to develop the most appropriate architecture of the platform, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and user-friendliness. Work with technical experts to also ensure the integration of features that support multilingualism and accessibility for users with disabilities.
• Coordinate with the different relevant divisions and services within and outside UNESCO for the implementation of the project.  
• Ensure stakeholder engagement by organizing and facilitating stakeholder workshops and focus group discussions to gather requirements and feedback.
• Develop a communication strategy around the UNESCO Open Science Platform and the necessary communication tools.
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the platform's impact and effectiveness.    

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

• Minimum of (4) four years of relevant professional experience in project management and/or, programme coordination. 
• Proven experience of developing, implementing and managing international scientific projects.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment and with relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.
• Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside the organization and through various channels.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining professional scientific networks.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.
• Good level of autonomy.
   

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and knowledge of or commitment to learn French in a reasonable timeframe.
   

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (PhD 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

• Experience in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy.
• Experience in organising international meetings and events.
• Experience within a United Nations Agency or programme(s) or within an international organization.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks.
• Project management in the field of natural sciences.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment.
• Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international scientific organizations, professional organisations especially related to STI. 
• Good knowledge of UNESCO's work and programmes in the area of natural sciences. 
• Basic knowledge of web design.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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