Associate Coordination Officer (MHPC) - Part-time (50%)

Associate Coordination Officer (MHPC) - Part-time (50%)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

July 27, 2026September 1, 2026TriesteItaly
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) was founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam. It is located in Trieste, Italy, and is dedicated to providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills necessary for long and productive careers in the field of theoretical physics. The organization aims to foster international collaboration and promote scientific research and education in developing countries. ICTP operates with a mission to enhance the capacity of scientists in these regions through training, workshops, and research opportunities, thereby contributing to the global scientific community. The center has a diverse workforce and collaborates with various international institutions to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Coordination Officer will work under the supervision of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) and will be responsible for providing technical expertise in High-Performance Computing (HPC) and scientific computing. This role is crucial for contributing to ICTP's training programs for young researchers, particularly the Master in High-Performance Computing (MHPC). The incumbent will play a significant role in the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP), which is part of ICTP's strategic plan for 2025-202
  • The position requires a proactive approach to support the development of the MHPC curriculum, organize course delivery, and teach specialized topics, ensuring that the program remains aligned with current advancements in HPC. The officer will also contribute to various ICTP programs and initiatives, providing support to staff, students, and visiting researchers, thereby fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment conducive to learning and research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Coordination Officer include:
  • Contributing to the Master in HPC by providing advanced technical expertise, coordinating and continuously updating the MHPC curricula, organizing course delivery, and teaching specialized topics such as Advanced C++.
  • Supporting the strategic development of the MHPC by formulating recommendations that ensure coherence with institutional priorities and emerging scientific and technological trends.
  • Contributing to ICTP programs by supporting initiatives in HPC and related fields, both at ICTP and through collaborative efforts with other institutions.
  • Providing technical support to ICTP staff in the field of HPC and scientific computing.
  • Offering comprehensive academic, technical, and logistical support to ICTP students and visiting researchers, fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment.
  • Assisting in mentoring, advising, and guiding students and program participants in HPC-related topics, supporting their academic progress and professional growth.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include an advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related fields. Candidates should have a documented record of excellence in teaching and supporting the organization of advanced training programs. Strong analytical and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. Excellent communication skills are also required, as the role involves interaction with diverse groups of students and researchers.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, specifically a PhD or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or closely related disciplines. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of HPC and scientific computing, as well as for effectively teaching and mentoring students in these areas.

Experience:
At least one year of relevant professional experience in High-Performance Computing (HPC) and advanced parallel programming is required. Experience in an international environment and familiarity with large-scale computational infrastructures are highly desirable. This experience will enable the incumbent to effectively contribute to the training programs and support the research initiatives at ICTP.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Italian is desirable, as well as proficiency in another official UNESCO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. These language skills will enhance communication with a diverse range of stakeholders and participants in the programs.

Additional Notes:
This position is a half-time (50%) role with a one-year contract. Specific working hours can be negotiated at the time of selection. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its staff members. The organization is committed to achieving equitable and diverse geographical distribution and gender parity among its staff. Candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 55,713 EUR, based on full-time (100%) employment, and benefits may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan.
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