UNESCO Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization operates with a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees, working across various sectors including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information.

Job Overview:
The position of UNESCO Consultant is integral to the Natural Sciences Sector (SC) and focuses on the Consolidating European Science Diplomacy (CUSP) project. This role requires the consultant to provide expert advice on science diplomacy, emphasizing inclusivity, pluralism, and peacebuilding. The consultant will be responsible for developing events, knowledge products, and other activities that align with the strategic direction established by the 2025 UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy. The consultant will work closely with project partners to create coordinated work plans, conceptualize projects, and produce outputs such as summary reports. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to the development of methodologies for studying science diplomacy actors and initiatives, implement needs assessments for training, and design an integrated science diplomacy policy observatory on the GOSPIN platform. The consultant will also be involved in planning a policy dialogue at the Open Science Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean (CILAC) 2026, which will require collaboration with UNESCO field offices and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing expert advice on science diplomacy, focusing on inclusivity and peacebuilding, and supporting the development of coordinated work plans with partners.
• Contributing to the development of a methodology and analytical framework for a global study of science diplomacy actors and initiatives, including designing data-collection methodologies and preparing analytical resources.
• Implementing a needs assessment for science diplomacy training by disseminating surveys and analyzing results to inform future capacity-building initiatives.
• Designing an integrated science diplomacy policy observatory on the GOSPIN platform through desk research and contributing to the platform's structure and functionality.
• Developing plans for a policy dialogue at CILAC 2026, including creating concept notes, identifying speakers, and consolidating reports on outcomes and implications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, science policy, international relations, development studies, or a related discipline. They should have strong analytical and drafting skills, excellent communication and coordination abilities, and proficiency in IT skills necessary for the role. The ability to work under tight deadlines and provide guidance is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to UNESCO's core values of integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, international relations, or development studies is required. A PhD degree or equivalent in these areas is desirable and would enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 to 5 years of relevant professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, or science policy. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of science diplomacy and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and would be an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time consultant position with a contract duration of 8 months. The consultant will operate remotely from their own premises. Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application document that includes a letter of interest, a CV, and a brief technical and financial proposal. The application process is conducted online, and candidates must provide complete and accurate information by the specified deadline. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and the organization does not charge any fees during the hiring process.