Consultant for the Development of the UNESCO Science Report

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for the Development of the UNESCO Science Report
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 10 March 2025

Job Details

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 workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Development of the UNESCO Science Report is integral to the implementation of the UNESCO Programme and Budget for 2024–2025, specifically under Major Programme II: Natural Sciences. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the development and dissemination of the UNESCO Science Report, which aims to strengthen the capacities of Member States in improving science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies. This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external contributors, to ensure the successful execution of the report. The Consultant will initiate a workplan, prepare strategic documents for donor engagement, and develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the report. The position requires a proactive approach to gather data, engage authors, and produce thematic essays that reflect the current state of science and technology across different regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: initiating the implementation of a workplan and methodology for the next edition of the UNESCO Science Report; preparing the zero draft of a chapter on women in science in collaboration with relevant teams; drafting strategic documents and presentation materials for donor engagement; developing a communication plan that includes outreach strategies and initial communication materials; drafting a publication plan in collaboration with the publication board and communication officers; engaging authors for thematic essays; collating datasets and analyses on research investment and workforce; preparing zero drafts of regional chapters; coordinating with external authors and reviewers; and supporting the UNESCO Science Report team with additional tasks as required. The Consultant will also be responsible for delivering specific outputs such as drafts of regional chapters and visualizations for research investment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical and drafting skills, excellent IT skills, and the ability to present complex research findings clearly. The role requires a demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines and to engage effectively with a variety of audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science is required. A PhD degree or equivalent in these areas is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of professional experience with progressive responsibility in the fields of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science. Experience in editing or publishing global reports or scientific papers is highly valued, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage complex information and produce high-quality outputs.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and contributors.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position ranges from 1 to 11 months, and it is open to external candidates. The Consultant will work remotely from their own premises, which allows for flexibility in managing work hours. Interested candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application that includes a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and a brief technical and financial proposal. The proposal should outline the candidate's approach to the assignment and include a monthly rate in US dollars. It is important to note that applications submitted without a specified monthly rate will not be considered. The selection process may involve assessments and interviews, and only selected candidates will be contacted for further steps.