OVERVIEW
Position Number: 1ITSC 1040TP
Grade: G-5
Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Trieste
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 23/07/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
INSTRUCTIONS
For G posts at HQs/ Field/Institutes ⭢ Only candidates who are entitled to work in the EU may apply to this position.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the immediate supervision of Head of Unit/Senior Human Resources Officer of ICTP and in collaboration with the Chief of Medical Service of the Occupational Health Service within the Bureau of Human Resources Management at UNESCO Headquarters (Chief, HRM/SST) as well as the Doctor(s)/Medical Consultant(s) contracted by ICTP, the incumbent will provide first-line medical and health care support to approximately 160 ICTP staff and 200-250 consultants, research fellows and visitors, and approximately 40 staff of the Academy of Sciences for Developing World (TWAS).
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential responsibilities include:
- Provide first aid care to all visitors and staff present at ICTP Miramare Campus, assess their needs and provide advice related to specific medical situation, or on preventive care in general.
- Provide advice to the best of own knowledge on disease management. When necessary, direct persons to the ICTP Medical consultant or where applicable to other physician(s). Follow up on hospitalized patients as required.
- Offer guidance on administration of prescribed medication and on self-care.
- Provide emotional support to patients and their family members. When necessary suggest a consultation on diet planning. Help with information on home care.
- Organise entry medical examinations for new staff prior to recruitment.
- Arrange periodic medical examinations for the categories at risk at the work place in line with the procedures established by Chief Medical Officer at UNESCO/HQ. Make appointments for staff at laboratory facilities as required.
- Assist with conducting routine and/or special initiatives (such as disease awareness, health promotion and vaccination campaigns) as determined by ICTP and/or the UNESCO Medical Services.
- Liaise with Chief, HRM/SST on confidential medical issues of individual staff members concerning individual staff members, related to sick leave approval, disability, etc.
- Maintain a list of medical specialists, laboratories, blood banks, ambulance services, pharmacies, and health care facilities. Inform clients and arrange appointments as necessary.
- Liaise with local health and civil protection authorities on matters requiring their involvement, such as infectious diseases requiring mandatory reporting, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and considering ICTP/TWAS’ status as part of an international organization.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Professionalism (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C)
Short Description
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Secondary, technical or vocational school as a nurse with registration with the Nursing Council - O.P.I (Ordine delle Professioni Infermieristiche) and a valid nursing license to practice.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least five (5) years of relevant working experience as a Nurse.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- BLSD qualification.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to interact with empathy and care on sensitive medical issues.
- Integrity, discretion, tact and diplomacy.
- Maintain confidentiality in appropriate areas of work.
- Ability to work independently, under pressure and manage emergencies.
- High level of reliability with a responsive and service-minded attitude and behaviour.
- Good computer skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English and good working knowledge of Italian.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- HIV/AIDS Management training.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Working experience in an international environment.
- Experience in Trauma and Emergency care.
Long Description
LANGUAGES
- Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 44 141 EUR (Based on full-time 100%).
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND HIRING 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 staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
- UNESCO applies to 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.
- 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.
- Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
