By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

CHIEF OF SECTION FOR CAPACITY BUILDING IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Paris

  • Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • Location: Paris
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
    • Education, Learning and Training
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Managerial positions
    • Natural Sciences - Basic Science
  • Closing Date: Closed

 

 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC) and the direct supervision of the Director of Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building (SC/PCB), the incumbent, as Chief of Section for Capacity Building in the Basic and Engineering Sciences, will be responsible for\: defining and driving section priorities and translating those into programmatic and thematic strategies; designing programmes and activities; leading staff in the achievement of priorities; locating and engaging resources; maintaining and pursuing partnerships; and identifying and promoting cross-sectional, -divisional and -programmatic work assigned to the section.

 

The incumbent will support the Director in strengthening and extending scientific networks for the promotion of scientific and engineering capacity in Centers, Institutes and Chairs, and in developing training and career development opportunities for scientists and engineers through the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP). The incumbent will lead multidisciplinary teams for the achievement of priorities, ensure fund-raising, maintaining and pursuing strategic partnerships and promoting programmatic work in order to deliver a comprehensive basic and engineering sciences strategy.

 

The Section provides an overarching platform to fulfil UNESCO’s unique mandate in the basic sciences and STEM education. Its purpose is to build human and institutional capacities in the basic sciences and engineering through the development of policy, research, networks, educational and training activities. The Section also services the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and is the focal point for cooperation with ICTP, TWAS, CERN, SESAME and Scientific Unions and Institutions, with the UNESCO-affiliated centres and Chairs in the field of STEM and manages the related science prizes.The Section prioritises building strong relationships with science and engineeering networks, forging new partnerships, and advocating the adoption of the Science for Sustainable Development framework and development of science systems, as well as the 2030 agenda within the global context.

 

The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), the global and regional development sciecne plans and the SDGs.

 

In particular, the incumbent will\:

 

Vision

• Provide intellectual leadership and guidance to the Section in order to\: develop, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive science strategy and the expected results stated in the C/4 and C/5 for basic sciences, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and engineering in areas related to the SDGs; build institutional and human capacity through policy research and educational and training activities; and to enhance access to scientific information and knowledge.

• Develop a comprehensive strategy for basic sciences and engineering for the Organization's Member States, targeting the popularisation of science for sustianable socio-economic development, and increased visibility of the basic science and engineering programme as a tool for sustainable development. Deliver to Member States visible and high quality expected results. Define priorities and agendas for the Section and advise Member states and Senior Management appropriately on basic sciences and engineering. Contribute to reports to the Governing Bodies.

 

 

Programme Design and Management

• Direct the conceptualisation, design, implementation and monitoring of science and engineering and regular and extrabudgetary initiatives and activities, ensuring the continuous optimization of resources. Transform work plans into programmes and projects in close collaboration with Field Offices. Determine C/5 items, translating into Section objectives and aligning with overall Sector priorities. Oversee and manage international trends in science and engineering, and coordinate publications and dissemination of guidelines and other policy and capacity development materials, documents and other technical products and information. Evaluate and report on their effectiveness.

• Plan and ensure the monitoring of regular and extra budgetary funded project and programme implementation, lead corrective actions, and ensure that UNESCO’s work is designed and implemented in a coherent and integrated manner, consistent with sector-wide development frameworks and in collaboration with UNESCO Field Offices, ICTP, Category II Centers and UNESCO Chairs.

• Lead and coordinate evaluations and ensure integrated and relevant reporting on projects and programmes (funded within C/5 and extra budgetary frameworks). Interpret guidelines and lead discussions to reconcile competing objectives. Ensure appropriate use is made of relevant tools, including the System of Information on Strategies, Tasks and the Evaluation of Results (SISTER).

 

Representation, Knowledge and Expertise Exchange

• Facilitate dialogue across networks and areas of expertise, and keep abreast of emerging trends, application of best practices and exchange of ideas in basic and engineering sciences fields. Manage contributions to subject-specific knowledge bases, and ensure thorough dissemination of outcomes.

• Represent the Section in internal and external networks, such as universities, academies, agencies, organizations and ministries. Proactively network and advise to create synergies, to strengthen and identify key partnerships and to mobilise funding and increased visibility for the programme. Establish and pursue alliances on cross–organizational, transciciplinary and cross–sectional issues and develop working frameworks and systemic approaches to increase capacity. Influence and guide the development of concept notes, policy positions, formulation and implementation. Ensure the development and provision of working tools, guides, outputs and outcomes that meet country needs and Member States’ priorities in close collaboration with Field Offices.

• Serve as the focal thematic advisor in charge of Expected Result (ER) for science, engineering, technology and innovation (SETI) and STEM education. Work in close collaboration with regional senior programme specilaists in the field to develop comprehensive regional and global projects in SETI and STEM to mobilise the full spectrum of sciences to advance sustainable development and to address complex and interlinked global challenges in a transdisiplinary way.  

 

Resource Mobilization

• Seek, explore and lead resource and partnership mobilization in the context of an incresingly competitive international and multinational environment, and develop alternative funding mechanisms at national, regional and global levels by developing concept notes and project proposals to enhance extrabudgetary resources for relevant programmatic and thematic areas. Engage potential donors with project plans to attract support. Deal with UN Agencies seeking or marketing joint programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, development banks, the private sector, and international institutions. 

• Engage potential donors with attractive plans working with Field and HQ. Lead and supervise the funding process, including developing and writing proposals, validating progress reports and ensuring the timely implementation and completion of project/programme activities. Track submissions and coordinate donor meetings. Establish collaborative and influential partnerships enhancing UNESCO’s standing and influence in the Field. Nurture emerging high-level sponsorships and collaborations.

• Establish/lead joint HQ-Field Office extra budgetary fund mobilisation teams in delivering together, to take advantage of calls for proposals in research and training in SETI, STEM Education, renewable energy or to address complex scientific challenges.

• Provide support and lead as focal point in developing transversal and inter-sectoral fund mobilisation projects and activities in basic and engineering sciences and STEM education.

 

Administrative Management and Staff Development

• Supervise and motivate personnel. Monitor progress and ensure continuous learning and development, provide regular feedback and follow-up in line with the performance management cycle. Manage budget and ensure that other administrative tasks, such as oversight of documents, and monitoring and reporting, are completed in line with rules and regulations.

• Lead or perform project management, including technical, financial and human resources management, and backstopping both at HQ and in the Field. Lead/manage intersectoral and interdivisional group activities, and maximize synergies in UNESCO's work, both at HQ and at Field Offices. Lead the management of sectional  strategies and related work plans. Provide leadership and guidance as Chief of Section.

• Additional activities may be required to ensure the success of the work team, such as supporting key Science Sector or intersectoral initiatives that are of relevance and importance to the Division, as assigned by the Director.

 

 

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in basic sciences and/or engineering.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of basic sciences and/or engineering.

• Relevant professional experience acquired at the international level.

• Experience in forging partnerships and cooperation, and in driving global science advocacy initiatives.

• Experience in high-level policy advice to Member States or decision makers in capacity building in science, engineering technology and innovation.

 

Skills and competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, UNESCO’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.

• Demonstrated skills in science communication and advocacy.

• Ability in planning and setting up training courses.

• Demonstrated record of scientific publications.

 

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UNESCO Secretariat. For this post, excellent knowledge of English is required.

 

 

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: