Consultant

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 8 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 09/07/2026

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

Background

In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43/C5), Major Programme II: Sciences, Output 3.3SC, UNESCO contributes to the Consolidating EUropean Science Diplomacy (CUSP) project, which promotes science diplomacy at the interface of scientific systems and foreign policy to advance peace, human rights, and sustainable development. As lead of the project's global strand, UNESCO brings global perspectives, actors from the Global South, and multilateral organizations into the broader effort to consolidate European science diplomacy, while fostering collaboration among science diplomacy stakeholders across regions in line with the strategic direction established by the 2025 UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy.

ASSIGNMENTS

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief of Section for Science Technology Innovation Policy (SC/ERT/RGD) and direct supervision of the project officer in charge of Science Diplomacy activities, the consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

Long Description

1- Provide expert advice on science diplomacy, with special focus on inclusivity, pluralism and peacebuilding, for the development of events, knowledge products and other activities.

a- provide technical support and input to the development of coordinated work plans in collaboration with partners

b- Provide technical support for the conceptualization, project design and production of outputs (including summary reports) of the Tech Diplomacy Forum, Chief Science Advisor’s Roundtable (CSAR), Foreign Ministries Science & Technology Advice Network (FMSTAN).

2- Contribute to the development of a methodology and analytical framework for conducting global-level study of science diplomacy actors and initiatives:

a- Design the analytical fundamentals and data-collection methodology for the study, in consultation and collaboration with project partners

b- Gather stakeholder feedback on first draft of analytical framework and integrate accordingly

c- Prepare streamlined data collection resources such as draft surveys, interview templates and analytical coding terms

Long Description

3- Contribute to the implementation of a needs assessment for science diplomacy training in a multilateral context:

a- Disseminate a pilot survey to key science diplomacy stakeholders within the UNESCO system

b- Analyze survey results and compile into a needs assessment report for future capacity-building initiatives

4- Contribute to the design of an integrated science diplomacy policy observatory on the GOSPIN platform

a- Conduct desk research on the global policy landscape of science diplomacy to inform design of the platform

b- Contribute to developing the structure, organization and launch basic functionality of the platform

Long Description

5- Develop plans for a policy dialogue in the margins of the Open Science Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean (CILAC) 2026

a- In collaboration with UNESCO field offices and partners develop a regional policy dialogue in the margins of CILAC, to be hosted in Brazil from 24 to 26 November 2026

b- Develop concept and background notes in preparation of the event

c- Identify and suggest a list of suitable speakers and participants to invite

d-Consolidate a report on outcomes and policy implications of the dialogue

Travel:

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

CONTRACT DURATION

8 months

DELIVERABLES

To submit to UNESCO for approval:

1- Concept note and programme of the Tech Diplomacy Forum (Task 1.b)

2- Project work plans developed in consultation with project partners (Task 1.a)

3- Draft of the structural design of the science diplomacy policy section on the GOSPIN platform (Task 4.b)

4- Summary report for Chief Science Advisor’s Roundtable (Task 1.b)

5- First draft of methodology and analytical framework for science diplomacy landscape study (Task 2.a)

6- Concept and programme on policy dialogue hosted at CILAC (Task 5.d)

7- Final draft of methodology, analytical framework and data collection resources for science diplomacy landscape study (Task 2.a,b,c)

8- Analysis of science diplomacy training needs-assessment (Task 3.b)

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, basic sciences, science policy, International Relations, Development studies or other related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 4 to 5 years relevant professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong analytical and drafting skills for a variety of audiences.

Ability to present research findings and complex relationships clearly in graphs, figures.

Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills.

Ability to provide advice and guidance.

Excellent IT skills to carry out the work.

Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science, or other related natural science discipline.

LANGUAGE

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

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).

Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. Please note that this will be a full-time position, and the consultant will operate from his/her own premises.

The approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment including any inputs that maybe required from UNESCO.

Long Description

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 quoting the reference Consultancy XXXX 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.

Long Description

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.