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Chief of Section for Science Policy and Partnerships

OVERVIEW

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) : 16-OCT-2020 (EXTENDED)

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

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 ICTs. The Section carries out activities to promote STI  at all levels and its application, is the focal point for cooperation with the UN 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 Partnerships (SC/PCB/SPP), will be responsible for Science, Technology, and Innovation (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. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall management of the Section and its staff. More specifically, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:

  • 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 technolgy 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 opportunites 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.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of basic and/or engineering sciences and/or science policy, or a related field.

Work Experience

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in the field of basic sciences, science and technology or 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.
  • Good knowledge of UNESCO programmes and policies in basic sciences, science and technology or engineering.
  • Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes, human and financial resources.
  • Ability to take initiative and master assignments with a high degree of autonomy and acute political awareness and sensitivity.
  • Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust,manage, lead and motivate a diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively and to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated skills in science communication and advocacy.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
  • Analytical and organizational skills, including establishing plans and priorities, and in effective implementation, as well as devising implementation plans.
  • Sound judgement and decision-making skills.   
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and organizational skills.
  • Confirmed ability in planning and setting up training courses.
  • Good IT skills including knowledge of office software.                                                                                               

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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 organizational reform leading to transformational changes in programme implementation.

Skills/Competencies

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

Languages

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

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website and UNESCO's career website.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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UNESCO is committed to promoting geographical distribution (last update) and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.