JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Post Number : SC PA 054

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22-SEP-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 2 years with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General of the natural Sciences Sector, guidance from the Director of SC/PBS and the direct supervision of the Chief of SC/PBS/RIE, the Project Officer will implement and coordinate the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences and the Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa. These initiatives promote scientific excellence, international cooperation, and capacity-building in life sciences across the African continent. The Project Officer will be responsible for developing and managing project activities, ensuring smooth coordination with stakeholders, and maintaining high visibility and relevance of both initiatives. The incumbent may also contribute, as needed, to related UNESCO initiatives in STEM fields that promote excellence and capacity-building in scientific research.

The incumbent will perform the following tasks:

UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences

 

• Develop, implement, and oversee the strategic workplan and roadmap for each edition of the Prize, ensuring compliance with established objectives and deadlines.
• Manage the end-to-end application and evaluation processes, including thorough analysis of submissions, provision of candidate support, and coordination of jury activities and documentation.
• Coordinate all aspects of the award ceremony, including communications, logistical arrangements, contract management, and effective collaboration with UNESCO Headquarters and external partners.
• Planning and organizing the procurement of goods and services and closely monitoring its implementation
• Design and execute comprehensive communication strategies to maximize the Prize’s visibility, manage and monitor the project budget, cultivate media relations, and prepare detailed reports for donors and senior stakeholders.
• Assist Member States, including Permanent Delegations, National Commissions, and related Ministries, in organizing initiatives that fulfill the Prize”s requirements

UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa

• Design, implement, and monitor project activities to support African women researchers in life sciences, including the management of research grants, scholarships, mentorship programmes, and leadership training.
• Coordinate application and selection processes, including overseeing proposal evaluations, budget assessments, and disbursement of research grants in accordance with programme guidelines and timelines.
• Planning and organizing the procurement of goods and services and closely monitoring its implementation
• Strengthen regional and international collaborations by organizing conferences, workshops, and networking events that promote visibility and connectivity for women scientists.
• Ensure project visibility, reporting, and impact evaluation, including preparing communication materials, tracking progress, documenting success stories, and producing detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Communication (C)

Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Basic Sciences or in a related science discipline, project management, administration, or a related discipline.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in project management, event coordination, or administration. of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Relevant work experience in managing science, education, or gender-related programmes.
• Proven experience in grant administration, stakeholder coordination, event management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in desktop publishing.

Long Description

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
• Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan; ability to work under tight deadlines as well as flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Competencies in organization and coordination, communication, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent project management skills, including results-based management and monitoring budget.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in relevant software applications.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience acquired in the United Nations System or in similar international organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and setting up scientific meetings and multi-stakeholders’ workshops.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Research on sustainable development, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• relevant experience in managing science, education, or gender-related programmes, preferably in Africa or developing regions.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 111 707 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements