Consultant (Program Assistant – Science)

Consultant (Program Assistant – Science)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

September 1, 2026October 2, 2026Ukraine
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine is part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which was established in 194
  • The organization aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine specifically supports the implementation of UNESCO’s mandate across key programmatic areas, including education, culture, communication, and science. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, with a mission to foster collaboration among nations and promote sustainable development. The Antenna Office in Ukraine plays a crucial role in assisting national authorities and stakeholders in strengthening the country's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, ensuring alignment with global ethical, inclusive, and sustainable standards. UNESCO employs thousands of individuals globally, working towards its mission in various capacities and sectors.

Job Overview:
The Consultant (Program Assistant – Science) will play a vital role in supporting the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative. This initiative is designed to enable scientists in under-resourced regions to access sophisticated scientific equipment without leaving their home country, thereby addressing significant challenges faced by researchers in Ukraine. The Consultant will be responsible for providing programmatic and technical support, ensuring coherence with the broader UNESCO Sciences Programme, and fostering collaboration with national and international partners. The position requires a deep understanding of the local context of Ukraine’s science and innovation landscape, as well as the ability to design analytical frameworks, deploy surveys, and assess the scientific infrastructure needs of researchers. The Consultant will also facilitate training sessions and workshops to enhance the professional development of beneficiaries, ensuring they can effectively access international research infrastructures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: coordinating the implementation of UNESCO’s remote access to laboratory equipment initiative in Ukraine; designing analytical frameworks and deploying surveys to assess the scientific infrastructure needs of researchers in Ukrainian institutions; building partnerships with foreign universities, research institutions, and technology providers to expand the network of available equipment; facilitating collaboration between Ukrainian and international research infrastructures, particularly with Flemish and European partners; supporting the delivery of online and offline training sessions and workshops; preparing project reports and other deliverables; and ensuring that all activities align with UNESCO’s strategic priorities and the specific needs identified within the country. The Consultant will also be responsible for producing monthly progress reports, concept notes, draft project proposals, and communication materials, as well as conducting needs assessments and reporting on best practices in remote access to research equipment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, or a related field. A PhD or Doctor of Sciences (DSc) degree would be considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in science and applied research, including participation in international research or technical cooperation projects. Demonstrated experience in the use of research equipment, along with a sound understanding of laboratory research methods, experimental procedures, and scientific workflows in the natural sciences, is required. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a PhD or Doctor of Sciences (DSc) degree will have an advantage in the selection process, as this level of education indicates a deeper understanding and expertise in scientific research and methodologies relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the fields of science and applied research. This experience should include participation in international research or technical cooperation projects, which demonstrates the candidate's ability to work in diverse environments and collaborate with various stakeholders. A strong background in the use of research equipment and familiarity with laboratory research methods and scientific workflows is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Ukrainian, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess knowledge of another UNESCO official language will be considered favorably, as this can enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNESCO's work.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 4 months, starting from the date of contract signature, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. The Consultant will work under a hybrid working arrangement, which combines remote work with on-site presence at the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in Kyiv, as required by project activities. The position is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its personnel appointments. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
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