Programme Specialist (Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4WSSCS0001RP

Grade: P-4

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Apia

Job Family: Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

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

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Sciences (SCS) and the direct supervision of the Director, UNESCO Office for the Pacific States, the incumbent works in close collaboration with the Sciences Sector in Headquarters, other sectors in the field Offices as well as with the Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, to implement SCS activities in the Pacific region.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of the international and regional agendas and plans with focus on UNESCO programme areas, such as Ethics Research and Technology, Social Policies and Inclusion, anti-doping in sports, Water Sciences, Ecological and Earth Sciences, Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness. Furthermore, the incumbent will ensure the implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy and cooperation, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as well as Capacity Building in the Basic and Engineering Sciences, through the development of research networks as well as education and training activities.

The incumbent will work within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy, the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and global 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In particular, the incumbent shall:

• Strengthen collaborative relationships with National Commissions and Member States while promoting Science for Sustainable Development within the framework of the Sciences programmes and activities of the interest of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific region.
• Conceptualize, design, plan, develop, coordinate, implement and monitor work plans for major areas of the Sciences Sector Strategies and priorities and contribute to resource mobilization.
• Develop and implement programme activities that promote research and assist Pacific Member States in needs identification; provide advice on cooperation between regional and international centres, and the preparation of studies, assessment, collection, analysis and dissemination of information and peer reviews.
• Develop, coordinate and manage international and national capacity building activities related to sciences. Provide expert assistance and technical support to Pacific Member States.
• Advise and support Governments in the identification, formulation and implementation of UNESCO’s Sciences and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) initiatives in coordination with the Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, and contribute to enhancing regional governance and cooperation with the purpose of strengthening and expanding related agendas and projects.
• Ensure that priority areas of UNESCO’s programmes feature adequately in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CCA / UNSDCF) for Pacific SIDS, by providing technical guidance, contributing to the drafting, review and evaluation of relevant documents, suggesting and facilitating the link to diverse donors, and promoting the implementation mechanisms and partnerships.
• Strengthen networks and their activity as well as performance of relevant regional institutions for improved services and knowledge sharing, increased partnerships, joint programming and integration into regional and international infrastructures.
• Mobilize and coordinate national, regional and international partners working in the Sciences Sector strategic issues in order to support Member States in the region. Establish, maintain and enhance strong and strategic working relationships with the national/local authorities, cultural institutions, relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Build and enhance partnerships with UN Agencies, the Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO), development partners and donors, development banks, international and regional organizations, international institutions as well as the private sector in order to design and implement Sciences programmes and projects, including in emergency response and preparedness.

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 (Master's or equivalent) in a scientific discipline relevant to the position. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific, science policy or science programme-related activities, of which preferably a minimum of three years of experience acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in planning, developing, implementing, managing, coordinating and evaluating science programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and partnership development.
• Experience in leading and managing teams of professionals/experts in a multicultural work environment.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions, develop and implement strategic projects and initiatives within science programmes.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.
•    Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks for UNESCO science programmes.
•    Proven capacity to produce high-quality analytical reports.
•    Knowledge of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
•    Ability to maintain effective working relationships within a team and to build trust, manage, lead and motivate staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
•    Ability to take initiative and to manage priorities effectively; with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
•    Strong diplomatic skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

•    Advanced University degree (Ph.D) in a scientific discipline relevant to the position.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Work experience in Small Island Developing States

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations system.
•    Knowledge of the UNESCO Sciences and IOC Programmes and policies.
•    Knowledge of the Small Island Developing States programme.

LANGUAGES

•    Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (Arabic, French, 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 118 115 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.