Programme Specialist (Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 6SNSCS 0006RP

Grade: P- 4

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Dakar

Job Family: Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years

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

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Sciences (SCS) and the direct supervision of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Dakar, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Sciences Sector at Headquarters, and in close coordination with Programme/Project Officers across different SCS areas and other Programme Sectors within the Dakar Office, as well as National Offices within the Region, to advance the implementation of SCS activities in West Africa.

The incumbent will be responsible for promoting and implementing international and regional agendas and action plans within UNESCO’s areas of competence in Sciences, including 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 promotion and 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, knowledge sharing initiatives and training programmes.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent will work within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy, the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and relevant global and regional development agendas including Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.

In particular, the incumbent shall:

• Conceptualize, design, plan, develop, coordinate, implement and monitor work plans for major areas of the Sciences Sector Strategies and priorities in line with countries priorities contribute to resource mobilization and promote intersectionality and synergies across sciences.
• Design and implement activities that foster scientific research and innovation, support Member States in identifying needs and priorities, and facilitate cooperation among regional and international centres. This includes coordinating studies, assessments, data collection and analysis, information dissemination, and peer-review processes
• Strengthen collaborative relationships with National Commissions and Member States while promoting Science for Sustainable Development within the framework of the Sciences programmes and in the Western Africa region
• Develop, coordinate and manage national, regional and international capacity building activities related to sciences. Provide expert assistance and technical support to Member States in West Africa.
• Advise and support Governments in the identification, formulation and implementation of UNESCO’s Sciences initiatives, and contribute to enhancing regional governance and cooperation with the purpose of strengthening and expanding related agendas and projects.
• Ensure the effective integration of UNESCO's priority areas into United Nations Common Country Analyses (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) by providing technical input, supporting the preparation and review of strategic documents, facilitating engagement with development partners and donors, and promoting multi-stakeholder 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.
• Strengthen regional scientific networks and institutions by enhancing their capacities, performance and collaboration, thereby improving knowledge exchange, service delivery, joint programming and integration into regional and international scientific frameworks.
• Mobilize and coordinate national, regional and international stakeholders active in UNESCO's priority science domains to support Member States in addressing development challenges. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with governmental authorities, research and academic institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with United Nations agencies, development partners, international financial institutions, regional organizations, research institutions and the private sector to design, fund and implement science-related programmes and projects, including those addressing resilience, emergency preparedness and response.

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)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Natural Sciences or closely related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of Sciences, of which preferably three years at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, developing, implementing, managing, coordinating and evaluating science programmes.
• Experience in resource mobilization.
• Experience in leading and managing teams of professionals/experts in a multicultural work environment.

Long Description

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; to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Strong diplomatic and representation skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and working language of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D) related to the field of Sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in Africa.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations system.
• Knowledge of the UNESCO Sciences Programmes and policies.

LANGUAGES

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

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).

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 125 427 USD

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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.