Post Number : 1ITSC 0015PA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Venice
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30-OCT-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe leads the Organization’s work in South-East Europe and the Mediterranean across natural sciences, culture, and cross-sectoral initiatives. Within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), the Bureau is implementing the project “Digital Futures for a Smart Europe: A Feasibility Study on Digital Transformation and Green Innovation”, funded by Huawei Technologies. The project aims to assess digital and green innovation ecosystems in five European countries, improve the literacy of science and technology, and build the foundation for a future regional initiative.
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, and the direct supervision of the Regional Advisor for the Natural Science Programme, the Project Officer will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities. The Project Officer will also support the Regional Advisor to plan, coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate UNESCO intergovernmental programmes on natural sciences and contribute to the Regional Bureau’s work within UN cooperation, including IBC on Environment and Climate Change in supporting RCs and UNCTs in Europe and Central Asia.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will undertake the following key responsibilities:
• Coordinate and oversee implementation of the project Digital Futures for Smart Europe, ensuring alignment with UNESCO rules and donor requirements.
• Conduct policy mapping, desk reviews, data collection, and analysis of national digital and green innovation frameworks.
• Organize and support field visits, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building workshops in the target countries.
• Liaise with governments, universities, innovation hubs, UNESCO Chairs and Category II Centres, civil society, and private sector partners to ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement.
• Develop knowledge products, including national profiles, a comparative feasibility study, training resources, and communication materials.
• Monitor project performance using agreed indicators and prepare narrative and financial reports for submission to the donor.
• Ensure visibility and communication of project activities through UNESCO’s platforms and partner networks.
• Integrate gender equality and youth engagement across all project activities and outputs.
• Support the Regional Advisor in planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating UNESCO intergovernmental programmes on natural sciences, as relevant to and in support of the objectives and activities of the project.
• Contribute to the Regional Bureau’s engagement in UN cooperation mechanisms, including IBC on Environment and Climate Change, in support of RCs and UNCTs in Europe and Central Asia, where such collaboration advances the implementation and visibility of the project.
EDUCATION
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy, science education, environment, green innovation, or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level, in the design, coordination, or management of STI-related projects.
• Experience in policy analysis, stakeholder consultation, and capacity development.
• Proven experience in working with governments, academia, and private sector partners.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
• Strong knowledge of digital transformation and green innovation trends, particularly in Europe.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-country projects and produce evidence-based reports.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and drafting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team and build partnerships.
• Commitment to UNESCO’s values, including gender equality, inclusion, and sustainability.
LANGUAGE:
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
• Familiarity with the EU Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and international frameworks such as the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021).
• Experience in liaising with donor-funded projects, especially with private sector partners.
• Knowledge of the South-East Europe and Mediterranean regional context.
• Knowledge of French or another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian) is an asset.
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 92, 679 US dollars $.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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 an 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.
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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
