Head of Section / Senior Research Scientist (Earth System Physics)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0834TP

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 10/12/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the supervision of the Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the coordination of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will lead the one of the Research Programmes of ICTP,bdefining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The incumbent will engage with Research and Partnerships Division to promote the research in the respective area and the mission of ICTP in the developing world and design and implement joint activities as well as, engage into the negotiations conducted by the Institute Advancement Unit with leading scientific institutions worldwide to drive funding in support of the respective research programme. S/He will provide guidance and mentoring to ICTP scientists, post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students. The incumbent will teach courses as required at the ICTP and lead the organisation scientific activities and events in the area of expertise.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific Research Leadership:

• Identify, develop and manage research activities, and provide strategic advice on research priorities to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships).
• Build partnerships and collaborate with leading research institutions worldwide to exchange scientific information and establish collaboration on scientific programmes.
• Identify resources needed for the new research programmes, select staff and research fellows.
• Ensure a high level of scientific excellence in the implementation of existing research programmes.
• Provide overall scientific guidance and mentoring to staff, fellows, associates and visitors to the Centre.
• Represent ICTP at major international scientific meetings, reporting on the results of the research and presenting opportunities for collaboration.
• Supervise 10-15 staff members, creating an engaging and motivating working environment, ensuring that Research Scientists stay on top of scientific achievements in the research areas and constantly develop their skills.
• Proactively search for and attract new talent in the field.

Long Description

Programme Leadership:

• Provide authoritative technical advice to the Director and to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) on the scientific aspects of ICTP educational and training programmes in the field of Mathematics.
• Serve as a major expert contributor to the formulation of scientific agreements with institutions and governmental bodies
• Participate in the funding drive of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and their potential benefits in moving forward innovative scientific ideas.
• Advocate the need for capacity building in the field of research in developing countries.
• On request of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institution in order to promote the ICTP and its mission.
• Contribute to the management of ICTP Partner institutes by sitting on their scientific governing and advisory boards and executing strategic policy of ICTP.

Long Description

Education and Training:

• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc & Ph.D. students.
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
• Teach in the international programmes of the ICTP, both those held at ICTP and elsewhere.

Long Description

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:

• Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to the field of research.
• Formulate appropriate recommendations how to address these needs within ICTP programmes.
• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held in the respective research area and oversee their organization.
• Organise ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in the field of research that is of interest to the outreach aims or more generally to the mission of the ICTP.
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Physics, or related disciplines, relevant for the Earth System Physics Section.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in Physics or a related fields, relevant for the Earth System Physics Section of which preferably five (5) years at international level.
• Proven publication record of high caliber and international recognition.
• Technical expertise to handle complex scientific issues and determine new research directions.
• Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.
• Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Experience in donor relations and/or scientific outreach.
• Experience in coordinating and managing research collaborations and projects with developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising teams.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to propose innovative research directions and approaches.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Broad scientific perspective to be able coordinate the diverse reserach priorities of the Centre.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in planning and managing significant budgets.
• Experience in organizing scientific conferences and events.
• Experience in international collaboration, such as educational and training activities in low and middle income (LMI) countries.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of Italian or of an official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) other than English.

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 128 646 US$.

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.