UNESCO Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) was established to promote scientific capacity in developing countries. It focuses on enhancing research and education to address national and regional challenges, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future. TWAS operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to implement programs that build scientific capacity. The organization is dedicated to fostering collaboration among scientists and institutions, and it has a significant presence in the international scientific community.

Job Overview:
The UNESCO Coordination Officer position is a Project Appointment role that involves providing strategic advice and support for TWAS, OWSD, and IAP activities. The incumbent will play a crucial role in strengthening collaboration and coordinating initiatives across different units. This position requires managing the office of the Director of TWAS, overseeing the preparation and approval of annual work programs, budgets, and grant agreements. The role also includes supporting the Director in monitoring and reporting on various programs. The successful candidate will be instrumental in establishing a Science Hub in Trieste, working closely with ICTP, WWAP, and UNESCO to create a unified administrative platform. The position demands a proactive approach to communication and collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with organizational priorities and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordination & Advisory Role: Serve as the primary liaison between TWAS and other organizational units, including ICTP administration and UNESCO HQ. Manage communications from the Director's office, ensuring compliance with standards and handling sensitive correspondence. Assist in fundraising efforts and maintain relationships with major donors. Provide high-level support to the Director, preparing briefings and talking points.
• Membership & Committee Support: Coordinate governance and membership activities, serving as the focal point for TWAS President and academic committees. Organize statutory activities, manage meeting logistics, and ensure timely documentation. Maintain contact with TWAS members and oversee the election process for the TWAS Council.
• Work Programme & Budget Planning: Identify operational needs and coordinate the preparation of annual work programs and budgets. Monitor compliance with approved budgets and assist in sensitive personnel matters.
• Monitoring & Follow-up: Track progress on governance decisions and maintain an annual activities calendar. Organize management meetings and ensure follow-up on decisions.
• Quality Control & Risk Management: Assist in implementing risk management and audit recommendations, ensuring compliance with organizational frameworks and proposing process improvements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Public Policy, Business Administration, International Studies, or a related discipline. They should have a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in management, finance, and administration or related areas. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, along with the ability to manage resources effectively and resolve complex problems. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for strategic analysis and the ability to foster a collaborative work environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Business Administration, International Studies, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively managing the responsibilities associated with it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in management, finance, and administration or related areas. Candidates should have experience in program coordination, particularly within an international organization, and familiarity with the administration of grant and partnership agreements is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a good working knowledge of other UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Project Appointment with a duration of 1 year. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 88,954 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities to apply. All applications will be treated confidentially, and geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.