Digital Communications and Web Assistant

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC PA056VC

Grade: G-5

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Public Information

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 23/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) implements programmes and activities which aim to build scientific capacity in research and education in the developing world, in order to tackle national and regional challenges and to promote wellbeing and a sustainable future.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Executive Director and the supervision of the Public Information Officer, the Digital Communications and Web Assistant will contribute to TWAS's objectives of expanding its impact through communication and building capacity in science communication, and to assure its continued influence on global science and policy.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will work closely with programme staff, editors, developers and designers to maintain website standards, shape and implement website improvements and to coordinate website content. The incumbent will also monitor, mantain, and expand the internal database infrastructure to contribute to programmes implementation and donor-funded activities supported by partners such as the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Long Description

Under the supervision of the Public Information Officer, the incumbent will:

• Help to manage the technical operation and contribute to the evolution of the TWAS website, and closely monitor technical, hardware and software needs and performance; discuss requirements with and prepare purchase orders and/or contracts (or liaise with Finance and Administration colleagues regarding use of Long Term Agreements) for external website developers employed on web site developments, and oversee the project’s implementation; act as a first line of response for website malfunctions;
• Coordinate work on TWAS's Online Forms platform carried out by an external software developer to provide system improvements, update existing forms and create new forms in cooperation with programme offices; and provide technical assistance to platform users (e.g. TWAS staff, applicants, reviewers);
• Provide general technical assistance to TWAS staff on use of the website and software applications and provide assessments and support on any technical components of new projects, Produce and analyse website usage statistics with Google Analytics or similar platforms and prepare six monthly usage reports;
• Maintain and improve the existing system of interconnected databases and create new databases as requested, working closely with external consultants, as appropriate, to ensure consistency of the overall database architecture; manage photo and other archives;
• Produce, edit and/or proof-read material for official reports and the TWAS website, such as texts and multimedia products (eg photo galleries and videos), in consultation with the Public Information Officer and other TWAS staff; create small publications, layouts and graphic designs for print and digital media with Adobe InDesign, and edit photos with Adobe Photoshop;
• Liaise with TWAS Fellows and provide assistance about the use of the TWAS web platforms, and for the creation and update of their account and profile.

Long Description

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

A successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability (C)
• Communication (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in public information, communications production or website management.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent drafting and editorial skills (English);
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail;
• Ability to take the initiative and to innovate;
• Results focus;
• Team player;
• Knowledge sharing;
• Communication skills;
• The incumbent must have proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Given the particular nature of this position, good experience with specialised graphic design and editing softwares, HTML, Content Management Systems, Google Analytics, and website management is required.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent oral and written skills in English essential.
• Ability to communicate in Italian essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

● Time spent working in an international and/or multicultural setting would be an advantage.

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 44 141 EUR.

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

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.