Consultant Contract (Research and Policy , SCS/ERT/RGD)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 8 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 01/08/2026

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

Background

The Research, Governance and Diplomacy (RGD) Section within the Division of Ethics, Research and Technology (ERT), Sciences Sector of UNESCO supports global efforts to strengthen science, technology and innovation (STI) systems, science-policy interfaces, scientific cooperation, ethical governance of emerging technologies, Open Science, scientific literacy, and public engagement with science.

As part of these efforts, the RGD section is coordinating the preparation of the 8th edition of the UNESCO Science Report (USR), the Organization’s flagship global assessment of trends in science, technology and innovation. RGD Section is also advancing initiatives on scientific literacy and science popularization to strengthen public understanding of science, evidence-informed decision-making, inclusive participation in science, and science communication capacities globally.

To support the activities of these initiatives, RGD Section is recruiting a Research and Policy Consultant to contribute to research coordination, technical analysis, editorial processes, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and programme implementation related to the UNESCO Science Report and scientific literacy and science popularization initiatives.

ASSIGNMENTS

In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2026–2027 (43 C/5), Major Programme II: Natural Sciences, and in particular Output 3.1.SC - Member States supported in strengthening Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystems and their access for all, including the most vulnerable populations, to advance open science, gender equality in science, evidence-based policymaking, and science literacy, and Output 3.3.SC - Dialogue across science and society enhanced to foster global science culture and evidence-based decision-making, under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division for Science Policy and Basic Sciences and oversight of the Chief of Section, the consultant will report to the Programme Specialist in charge of the UNESCO Science Report and Scientific Literacy and Science Popularization programmes, undertaking the following tasks:

Long Description

a) Contribute to the technical, analytical and editorial development of the UNESCO Science Report, including the review of draft chapters, figures, tables, references and supporting materials.

b) Conduct research, literature reviews, policy analysis, evidence synthesis and data analysis on science, technology and innovation (STI) issues to support UNESCO’s policy and knowledge products.

c) Contribute to the coordination of Editorial Board members, authors, reviewers, consultants, Member States and partner institutions involved in the UNESCO Science Report process.

d) Provide quality assurance inputs to strengthen the analytical coherence, policy relevance, data integrity and editorial consistency of the UNESCO Science Report.

Long Description

e) Support the development and implementation of UNESCO initiatives on scientific literacy and science popularisation, including consultations, surveys, workshops, stakeholder engagement activities and partnerships.

f) Engage in consultations and coordination with experts, Member States, institutions and partner organisations, including the preparation of briefing materials, meeting documentation and follow-up actions.

g) Provide substantive inputs to the preparation of policy briefs, discussion papers, consultation reports, knowledge products and the Global Call to Action on scientific literacy and science popularisation.

CONTRACT DURATION

8 months

DELIVERABLES

To submit to UNESCO for approval:

1- Progress report including:

Technical and editorial review inputs for UNESCO Science Report chapters, figures, tables, references, and supporting materials.

• Literature review and evidence synthesis on scientific literacy and science popularization.

• Support documents for consultations, surveys, and stakeholder engagement activities.

2- Progress report including:

• Analytical summaries and synthesis notes supporting UNESCO Science Report development.

• Policy mapping and stakeholder analysis on scientific literacy and science popularization.

• Coordination support for authors, reviewers, Editorial Board members, and partner institutions.

3- Progress report including:

• Technical briefs, data analysis outputs, and analytical summaries supporting UNESCO Science Report and scientific literacy and science popularization activities.

• Draft consultation materials and background documents.

4- Progress report including:

• Support documents for the establishment of the Expert Group on Scientific Literacy and Science Popularization.

• Summaries and briefing notes for meetings with Member States, experts, and partners.

5- Progress report including:

• Background documents (Concept note, timeline, mapping of potential experts) for the establishment of the Community of Practice on Scientific Literacy and Science Popularization.

• Draft policy briefs, consultation reports, and related knowledge products.

6- Progress report including:

• Technical and editorial review inputs for draft documents including Call to Action produced for Scientific Literacy and Science Popularization

• Background documents for the development of UNESCO's Call to Action on Scientific Literacy and Science Popularization.

• Partnership concept notes and collaboration support documents.

7- Progress report including:

• Consolidated analytical summaries and synthesis of consultation outcomes.

• Meeting and workshop reports, and action plan for follow-up initiatives

• Background documents for Expert Group, Community of Practice, and Call to Action processes.

8- Final report including:

• Final technical and editorial support inputs to UNESCO Science Report processes.

• Finalized policy-oriented knowledge products and supporting documentation.

• Final consultancy report summarizing activities undertaken, outputs delivered, key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Payments shall be made upon satisfactory submission and approval of agreed deliverables in accordance with the consultancy contract.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

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

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent;) in natural sciences, engineering, data science, science and technology policy, or other relevant quantitatively oriented fields, including social sciences such as economics.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, programme coordination, editorial coordination, or international development;
• Experience supporting research publications, policy reports, scientific assessments, or international initiatives;
• Experience coordinating with international experts, institutions, and stakeholders;
• Experience in science policy, scientific literacy, science communication, Open Science, STI systems, or related fields is desirable;

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, research, and drafting skills;
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines;
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments;
• Possess intermediate to advanced data analysis and visualization skills (e.g. Excel, R, Python, Stata, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools) including online collaboration platforms.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

Confidentiality

The Consultant shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all unpublished information, documents, data, and materials produced or accessed during the consultancy and shall not disclose such information without prior written authorization from UNESCO.

DESIRABLE QUALICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree ( PhD degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, engineering, data science, science and technology policy, or other relevant quantitatively oriented fields, including social sciences such as economics.

LANGUAGE

Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience working within the United Nations system or other international organizations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit one single document including the following elements:

• A letter of interest explaining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• 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).

Please note that this will be a full-time position, and the consultant will work from UNESCO’s premises in Paris.

The approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment including any inputs that maybe 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"

Application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (24057) in the subject line of your e-mail.

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.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT 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 personnel 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.
• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.