TWAS Programme Specialist (Evaluation)

OVERVIEW Position Number : 1ITSC PA054VC Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station : Trieste Job Family : Programme Coordination Contract Type : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 24/08/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism Please note that this position offers a 1-year contract, renewable subject to budget availability and performance evaluation. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) aims at building scientific capacity in both education and research in developing countries. TWAS hosts the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Trieste Secretariat. IAP harnesses the expertise of the world’s leading scientific minds to advance sound policies, improve public health, promote excellence in science education, and achieve other critical development goals. OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Under the supervision of the Executive Director of TWAS, the incumbent will be responsible for leading and administering programme evaluation activities, as well as providing oversight of selected programme implementation and management processes. The incumbent will contribute to strengthening TWAS’ Capacity Building initiatives by ensuring that programme performance is systematically assessed, monitored and improved across the full spectrum of activities. The incumbent will also ensure that programme evaluations are carried out in synergy with, and in a timely, rigorous and coordinated manner with The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), both hosted at TWAS. Long Description KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential responsibilities include: Lead the evaluation of TWAS programmes, applying results-based management to generate rigorous, timely evidence. Develop strong evaluation terms of reference, oversee internal and external evaluations, and ensure high-quality findings that meet donor accountability and reporting requirements while supporting strategic planning. Design and implement assigned programmes, ensuring efficient planning, communication and timely delivery of tasks and outputs, and supervising the staff supporting these programmes. Monitor programme progress and propose corrective actions, ensuring accountability, quality, and alignment with TWAS and UNESCO standards. Identify agenda points, speakers and participants for meetings and workshops, prepare and deliver presentations, ensuring clear communication and effective knowledge sharing across stakeholders. Support partnership building with donors and scientific partners, ensuring transparent communication of evaluation findings and programme achievements, as well as timely delivery of donor reports. Oversee governance and strategic use of UNESCO’s cloud based CRM platform, ensuring accurate data management, compliance, and integrity of TWAS project records. COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Professionalism (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) preferably in International Relations, Public or Business Administration, Science Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE • At least four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in international programme management and evaluation, public relations, or a related field. • Experience in all phases of the Project Cycle is required. • Progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including some at the international level in programme management, involving technical cooperation in developing countries is required. Long Description SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES • Professional experience in liaison with government bodies and funding agencies. • Excellent coordination, organization and planning skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. • Ability to work both independently and as a team player, engaging productively with colleagues and counterparts at varying levels of seniority. • Ability to collaborate across units and with external stakeholders. • Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and partners. LANGUAGES • Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written). DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS LANGUAGES • Knowledge of Italian and/or other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, 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 start ing salary for this post is 90 666 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.