Associate Project Officer (Virtual Museum Project)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: SC/PA 063

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 30/11/2026

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

Initial appointment is for one (1) year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNESCO Virtual Science Museum is an initiative of the Sciences Sector contributing to the objectives of the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) by promoting access to scientific knowledge, science popularisation and public engagement for global audiences. The position will support the implementation of established strategic priorities and the day-to-day implementation of the Museum, helping to ensure coherence between its editorial, scientific, partnership and programme objectives.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43 C/5), Major Programme II: Sciences, and in particular Output 3.3.SC, “Dialogue across science and society enhanced to foster global science culture and evidence-based decision-making,” and within the framework of the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum, the Associate Project Officer will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Sciences (ADG/SCS), with guidance from the Director of the Division for Ethics, Research and Technology, and under the immediate supervision of the Chief of the Section for Research, Governance and Diplomacy (SCS/ERT/RGD).

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will support activities related to the development and publication of virtual exhibitions, engagement with experts, museums and partner networks, resource mobilisation, communication and public engagement, the development of audience-engagement resources and activities, and the continued development and improvement of the Museum’s digital platform. 

In this context, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

1.    Support the coordination and editorial development of the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum 

Support the coordination and editorial development of the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum 

• Supporting the implementation and coordination of key project activities between the Museum's editorial, scientific, partnership, and programmatic objectives.
• Contributing to the application and development of the approved curatorial framework for virtual exhibitions and supporting editorial co-production, review and publication processes to ensure consistency across exhibitions and alignment with the museum's approved strategic positioning and editorial standards.
• Supporting the establishment and coordination of the Expert Advisory Group, facilitating consultations with experts and partners, ensuring that expert input informs relevant stages
• Supporting calls for contributions to virtual exhibitions, including contributing to the preparation of selection criteria in consultation with the Expert Advisory Group and supporting the review of proposals for consideration and selection by the designated decision-making body, with attention to quality and regional balance of the project cycle, and facilitating the Museum's community of practice.
• Providing guidance to interns/volunteers on operational tasks related to calls for contributions and partner communications, and ensuring quality control of related deliverables.

2.    Develop partnerships, networks and institutional coordination.

Develop partnerships, networks and institutional coordination

• Engaging with partner museums, scientific and cultural organisations and regional networks worldwide, and supporting the development of the UNESCO Global Science Museums Network.
• Liaising and coordinating with relevant UNESCO divisions and services, the Global Engagement Network for Science (GENS), UNESCO Field Offices and Chairs, and other relevant networks to support the implementation and expansion of the Museum.
• Contributing to UNESCO-wide coordination on museums, including participation in the cross-sectoral Museum Task Force and other intersectoral consultation processes, and preparing inputs to support representation of the Sciences Sector as required.
• Supporting the preparation and follow-up of partnership arrangements and agreements in coordination with relevant administrative units, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and procedural requirements.

3.    Contribute to resource mobilisation and fundraising for the Virtual Science Museum.

Contribute to resource mobilisation and fundraising for the Virtual Science Museum

• Identifying funding opportunities within UNESCO's extra-budgetary framework and through relevant external networks, including bilateral donors, foundations, private sector partners, philanthropic actors and international cultural foundations, and contributing to resource mobilisation activities aligned with programme objectives and institutional priorities.
• Drafting and contributing to funding proposals, concept notes and partnership packages in support of the financial sustainability and strategic development of the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum.
• Supporting donor relations and the timely preparation of narrative and financial progress reports in line with donor requirements and liaising with UNESCO's Division for Partnerships and relevant colleagues to ensure alignment with institutional fundraising priorities and compliance requirements.

4.    Support communication, public engagement and science popularisation.

Support communication, public engagement and science popularisation.

• Contributing to the design and implementation of communication, visibility and science popularisation activities to increase the Museum's visibility and engagement with audiences and partners at national, regional and international levels.
• Supporting outreach to science museums, National Commissions, partner institutions and relevant networks, coordinating with partner communication teams to align messaging for co-produced activities, and contributing to the development of communication materials and tools.
• Organising and supporting Museum-related meetings, consultations and events, including initiatives such as Science Museums Week, through the preparation of agendas, coordination with speakers and partners, logistical and substantive follow-up, and support to the Museum's participation in relevant events and consultations.

5.    Support the audience-engagement components of the Virtual Science Museum. 

Support the audience-engagement components of the Virtual Science Museum

• Supporting coordination with partner museums, relevant institutions and appropriate UNESCO divisions in the development of audience-engagement resources associated with the Museum's exhibitions, toolkits and activities that promote science literacy and cultural engagement.
• Supporting the coordination of the integration and publication of exhibition and other Museum content on the digital platform, in collaboration with the relevant web editor, technical experts and external service providers, and supporting follow-up on technical and design requirements.
• Supporting quality assurance processes prior to the deployment of new content or platform features, ensuring consistency with the Museum's editorial and objectives, and monitoring platform data, audience engagement and the educational reach of activities in order to identify improvements to the Museum's digital and educational offer.  

COMPETENCIES - Core (C)

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

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Sciences, International Relations, or another relevant field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project management and/or programme coordination, of which preferably 1 year acquired at international level;
• Demonstrated professional experience in science communication, public engagement and/or coordination with museums or other scientific, cultural or educational institutions including engagement with experts;
• Experience supporting the development of digital platforms, virtual exhibitions, museums, knowledge portals, or online educational resources;
• Experience in partnership development and stakeholder engagement, particularly with international organizations, museums, research institutions, NGOs, foundations, and government entities;
• Experience in resource mobilization and fundraising, including identifying funding opportunities and engaging with donors, foundations, philanthropic organizations, and private-sector partners;
• Experience preparing funding proposals, concept notes, grant applications, and partnership packages;
• Experience developing communication materials and coordinating communication strategies with multiple partners.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, organisational and project management skills.
• Proven experience in organising international meetings, consultations and events.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Solid communication skills, including the ability to convey scientific and institutional content to diverse audiences.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and French (written & spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience within a United Nations Agency or programme(s) or within an international organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks.
•  Project management or programme coordination experience in the field of natural sciences, science communication, museums or public engagement.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•  Ability to work effectively in a complex and evolving project environment and manage multiple priorities.
•  Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of national, regional and international museums, scientific and cultural institutions, experts and professional networks.
•  Good understanding of science communication, public engagement and digital cultural initiatives, as well as knowledge of UNESCO’s work and programmes in the area of Natural Sciences.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or 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 84 349 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.