Chief of Section for Science Policy and Partnerships

Post Number : SC 458

Grade : P-5

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-DEC-2019

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

The Section of Science Policy & Partnerships develops national, regional and international Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy systems governance capacities and capabilities to produce, disseminate and apply science and innovation to address complex interlinked global challenges through policy, research, network, and training including through Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Section carries out activities to promote STI  at all levels and its application, is the focal point for cooperation with the United Nations family and UNESCO-affiliated centres and Chairs in the fields of STI and sustainability science and manages the related Science prizes.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC) and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building (SC/PCB), the incumbent, as Chief of Section for Science Policy and Partnership (SC/PCB/SPP), will be responsible for STI Policy and Partnership. The incumbent will support the Member States in the implementation of strategies to increase science capacity including the use of science for sustainable development to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall management of the Section and its staff.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Direct the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Science, Technology and Innovation policy systems and governance programme for UNESCO ensuring the continuous optimization of resources.
• Provide intellectual leadership and guidance to the Section in order to develop, drive and ensure the delivery of the expected results approved by UNESCO’s governing bodies in the field of Science technology and innovation policy and deliver expert advice and a comprehensive programme to Member States.
• Provide advice in mobilising full spectrum of Science, Technology and Innovation to address complex interlinked global challenges.
• Contribute to the strengthening and extension of scientific networks and developing training opportunities for young scientists for the promotion of STI policy systems and governance strategies, in particular through UNESCO-affiliated Centers, Chairs and Institutes, and International organisations.
• Coordinate  science and STI  publications, disseminate  guidelines and other policy and capacity development materials, documents and technical products and information.
• Facilitate dialogue and exchange across expertise and throughout networks on emerging trends, and best practices in the field of STI. 
• Actively network to create synergies and increase visibility strengthen and identify key partnerships, establish and pursue alliances on cross–organizational  issues  and mobilize extrabudgetary funding for the implementation of the programme.

Education

• Advanced University degree Masters or equivalent degree in the field of basic and/or engineering sciences and science policy.

Work Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in the field of basic sciences, science and technology, engineering.
• Relevant experience acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in high-level policy advice to Member States or decision makers and in capacity building in science, engineering technology and innovation. 
• Experience in research, teaching and/or training in STI Policy disciplines and an established record of scientific publications including lead authorship in science and or engineering research and innovation.
• Proven experience in fund raising and resource mobilization.
• Proven experience in forging partnerships and cooperation, and in driving global science advocacy initiatives.
• Proven experience of large scale programme design at national, regional or international levels.
• Proven experience in leading, managing and motivating teams and staff.

Skills and competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to UNESCO’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Strong conceptual, analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative and master assignments with a high degree of autonomy and acute political awareness and sensitivity.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory ability, including the capacity to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to communicate, advocate, and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all levels within and outside the Organization.
• Capacity to build, develop and maintain partnerships and interact with a range of partners.                                                                                                      
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to provide high quality, clear and concise presentations, documents, reports and recommendations.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French.

Education

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the field of Natural science, and/or engineering.

Work Experience

• High level university teaching, research and innovation experience and/or service, including in developing countries.
• Experience within government or the private sector in the field of Science policy.
• Experience with specialized agencies of the UN system and/or professional NGOs and /or organizations for international technical cooperation.
• Experience in leading/working with mutli-donor/and or multi-stakeholders science innovation project design, implementation monitoring and evaluation at national, regional or global level.
• Experience in leading an international team of experts and/or staff.
• Experience in organizational reform leading to transformational changes in programme implementation.

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations system.

Languages

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