EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0824VC

Grade: D-1

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Trieste ICTP

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): 20/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Within the Sciences Sector of UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) promotes international cooperation in natural, basic and social and human sciences in the interests of peace and sustainable development.

The main objectives of the Academy are to recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the South; to enable promising scientists in the South to advance their research and careers, to respond to the needs of young scientists in countries that are still developing in science and technology and promote gender equality in science, to facilitate contacts between individual scientists and Institutions in the South; to encourage North–South and South–South cooperation in science technology and innovation; and to promote scientific research on major challenges faced by developing countries.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Sciences and the direct guidance of the Steering Committee and the Council of TWAS, the Executive Director leads the Academy in fulfilling its mandates to promote scientific excellence for sustainable development in the South towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030.

The Executive Director provides strategic guidance to promote scientific research on developing countries, encourage North–South and South–South cooperation between individuals and centres of scholarship, consolidate TWAS function as a global laboratory of ideas, foresight and anticipation, to design innovative proposals for the development of public policies, bridging research, policy and practice.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Sciences and the guidance of the TWAS Steering Committee and the TWAS Council as regards the programmatic direction, the incumbent will be responsible for providing intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in the development, management, planning and execution of TWAS international scientific cooperation programmes, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures and within the framework of UNESCO’s approved Programme and Budget (C/5). The incumbent shall also be responsible for the coordination of the work with the associated organizations hosted by the Academy; the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Inter academy Partnership, bringing together renowned networks of academies of science and medicine.

In this context, the incumbent will:

• Provide leadership, guidance and effective internal control of the work of TWAS staff in relation to the implementation of all TWAS programme activities, including the preparation of annual programmes, reports, action plans and budget projections to the UNESCO governing bodies and donors;
• Develop synergies with UNESCO programmes in sciences, including the promotion of international scientific cooperation, and explore and develop opportunities for joint initiatives within the Sciences and broader UNESCO family;
• Develop innovative approaches to promote South–South cooperation in sciences and the development of new scientific networks with leading international organizations in view to promote scientific excellence for sustainable development in the South towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030;
• Provide strategic leadership for resource mobilization;
• Act as secretary to the meetings of the TWAS Steering Committee and the TWAS Council.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022–2029), 43 C/5 (UNESCO’s Draft Programme and Budget for 2026–2029 quadrennium).

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)
• Professionalism (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

• PhD in a discipline related to the field of Sciences. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific research and administration, including assignments at regional and/or international level.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a scientific environment with experience in human resources and finance management.
• Successful experience in fund-raising from governments and the private sector, and international funding and technical assistance organizations and agencies.
• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO programmes and policies and of international development policies and institutions in science technology and innovation.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and to build relationships with diverse groups of organizations and individuals, relevant scientific research institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including through networking.
• Capacity to provide scientific and intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified group of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• High sense of professional integrity and political sensitivity; demonstrated ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in front of a broad range of constituents, as well as the news media.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities, including strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Understanding of science, technology and innovation needs of developing countries.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Other degrees or short- to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in conducting policy dialogue at government and non-government levels or public and private sectors.
• Experience in research work and/or teaching at university or in a research institution.
• Broad knowledge of sciences, technology, research, innovation and engineering, with field experience.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish).
• Knowledge of Italian.

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 151 097 USD. 

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.