Science Policy and Natural Sciences Consultant
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Level 1 - Junior Consultancy Closing soon: 28 Feb 2026
Type of contract : Consultant Contract
Level : Level 1 - Junior
Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station : Jakarta
Work location : Remote
Duration of contract : 3 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 01/03/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
A. Background
UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta serves as the Secretariat for the Science and Technology Policy Asian Network (STEPAN) and the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SeaBRNet). The consultant will support the implementation of the STEPAN Action Plan 2026-2030 and assist SeaBRNet in aligning its activities with the Hangzhou Action Plan 2025-2035. The Unit has recently established preliminary frameworks for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project and the SeaBRNet Assessment Survey. The consultant is required to operationalize these tools, manage data population, and conduct analysis to support the networks' strategic planning and capacity development.
B. Scope of Work
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of Science Policy and Basic Science (SC/PBS), and the guidance of the Head of Science Unit, the individual consultant shall provide substantive technical contributions to the Science Unit’s regional network activities. Specifically, the consultant shall undertake the following activities:
1. Support for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project
1.1 Consolidate a dashboard with national STI Governance System datasets across the region based on the existing Go-SPIN framework (https://www.unesco.org/en/go-spin).
1.2 Coordinate and manage the data collection process in coordination with national focal points and researchers.
1.3 Provide technical support for the regional GO-SPIN training workshop.
1.4 Conduct analyzis to identify gaps and good practices in National STI Governance Systems, in coordination with national focal points and researchers.
2. Support for the SeaBRNet Survey
2.1. Support the finalization and deployment of the SeaBRNet Network Assessment Survey to relevant stakeholders, including Biosphere Reserve managers, national committees and other key stakeholders.
2.2. Facilitate the dissemination process, follow up with respondents to ensure participation, and perform data clearing on incoming responses.
2.3. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the survey results to identify operational gaps, capacity-building needs, and knowledge-sharing opportunities within the network.
2.4. Develop a SeaBRNet survey analyzis report, accompanying presentation slides and communication materials for social media, and a consolidated report of findings, with proposed short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations and/or action plans.
The consultancy is expected to require a total of 45 working days over a three-month contract period.
1. Deliverables for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project
1.1. A functional dashboard with validated data from 21 member countries of STEPAN https://www.unesco.org/en/fieldoffice/jakarta/science-network/about-stepan, including a brief technical report on data gaps filled, and a guideline for using the dashboard, no later than the end of April 2026.
1.2. A synthesis report on the Regional Mapping of STI Governance Systems, no later than the end of June.
2. Deliverables for the SeaBRNet Survey
2.1. SeaBRNet Survey Dataset and Preliminary Analysis: Cleaned survey data and a preliminary presentation of results, no later than the end of March.
2.2. A final consolidated report including the analysis of the questionnaire, presentation slides, communication materials, and strategic recommendations, no later than the end of June.
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Policy, Science Policy, Environmental Science, or related fields.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in international or regional organizations
• Proven experience in coordinating with national authorities and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region
• Proven experience in data management, data analysis, and data visualization.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Strong ability to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative data into coherent reports.
LANGUAGES
Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Applicants are invited to submit written proposals for the work assignment described above. The proposal should include the following:
(a) Technical Proposal, comprising:
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae, and
- A brief description of the proposed approach and methodology for the assignment, including a work plan and any comments on the Terms of Reference, if applicable.
(b) Financial Proposal
The professional fee shall be quoted in US dollars (USD) for non-Indonesian applicants and in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for Indonesian applicants, as applicable.
Proposals shall be submitted by email to recruitment.jakarta@unesco.org, no later than 25 February 2026. All proposals and any supporting documentation must be submitted in English and shall not exceed 5 MB.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in theTerms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria inthe Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation the best value for money.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
