Consultant

Background

In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget (43/C5), Major Programme II: Sciences, Output 3.3SC, UNESCO contributes to the Consolidating EUropean Science Diplomacy (CUSP) project, which promotes science diplomacy at the interface of scientific systems and foreign policy to advance peace, human rights, and sustainable development. As lead of the project's global strand, UNESCO brings global perspectives, actors from the Global South, and multilateral organizations into the broader effort to consolidate European science diplomacy, while fostering collaboration among science diplomacy stakeholders across regions in line with the strategic direction established by the 2025 UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy.

Assignments

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief of Section for Science Technology Innovation Policy (SC/ERT/RGD) and direct supervision of the project officer in charge of Science Diplomacy activities, the consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

• Provide expert advice on science diplomacy, with special focus on inclusivity, pluralism and peacebuilding, for the development of events, knowledge products and other activities.
• Provide technical support and input to the development of coordinated work plans in collaboration with partners.
• Provide technical support for the conceptualization, project design and production of outputs (including summary reports) of the Tech Diplomacy Forum, Chief Science Advisor’s Roundtable (CSAR), Foreign Ministries Science & Technology Advice Network (FMSTAN).
• Contribute to the development of a methodology and analytical framework for conducting global-level study of science diplomacy actors and initiatives: Design analytical fundamentals and data-collection methodology; gather stakeholder feedback on first draft of analytical framework and integrate accordingly; prepare streamlined data collection resources such as draft surveys, interview templates and analytical coding terms.
• Contribute to the implementation of a needs assessment for science diplomacy training in a multilateral context: Disseminate a pilot survey to key science diplomacy stakeholders within the UNESCO system; analyze survey results and compile into a needs assessment report for future capacity‑building initiatives.
• Contribute to the design of an integrated science diplomacy policy observatory on the GOSPIN platform: Conduct desk research on the global policy landscape of science diplomacy to inform design of the platform; develop the structure, organization and launch basic functionality of the platform.
• Develop plans for a policy dialogue in the margins of the Open Science Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean (CILAC) 2026: In collaboration with UNESCO field offices and partners develop a regional policy dialogue; develop concept and background notes; identify and suggest a list of suitable speakers and participants; consolidate a report on outcomes and policy implications of the dialogue.

Travel: If deemed necessary by UNESCO, the Individual Specialist may be required to travel in order to perform some of the work described above.

Contract Duration

8 months

Deliverables

• Concept note and programme of the Tech Diplomacy Forum (Task 1.b).
• Project work plans developed in consultation with project partners (Task 1.a).
• Draft of the structural design of the science diplomacy policy section on the GOSPIN platform (Task 4.b).
• Summary report for Chief Science Advisor’s Roundtable (Task 1.b).
• First draft of methodology and analytical framework for science diplomacy landscape study (Task 2.a).
• Concept and programme on policy dialogue hosted at CILAC (Task 5.d).
• Final draft of methodology, analytical framework and data collection resources for science diplomacy landscape study (Tasks 2.a,b,c).
• Analysis of science diplomacy training needs‑assessment (Task 3.b).

Competencies - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, International Relations, Development studies or other related discipline.

Work Experience

At least 4 to 5 years relevant professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and drafting skills for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to present research findings and complex relationships clearly in graphs, figures.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance.
• Excellent IT skills to carry out the work.
• Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.

Languages

Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science, or other related natural science discipline.
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Additional Information

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• Individuals 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.