OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

In accordance with the UNESCO Programme and Budget 2024–2025 (42C/5), Major Programme II: Natural Sciences, Output 4.SC4 Member States capacities strengthened to improve science, technology and innovation (STI) policies, access to scientific and technological advancements and enhance knowledge sharing, including through Open Science, under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), guidance from the Director of the Division for Science Policy and Basic Sciences and direct supervision of the Chief of Section, the incumbent is responsible for the development and dissemination of the UNESCO Science Report. The Consultant will coordinate the development of the UNESCO Science Report, in particular, undertake the following tasks:

Work assignment

Work assignment

Initiate the implementation of a workplan and methodology for the next edition of the UNESCO Science Report, in consultation with internal and external stakeholders, in particular:

1. Prepare the zero draft of a chapter on women in science, in coordination with the STIP Women in Science team and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
2. Prepare strategic documents and presentation materials for donor engagement, including draft meeting scenario with donors, outreach plan to potential funders and partnership establishments.
3. In collaboration with the Communication Officer of the Sector, develop a communication plan for the UNESCO Science Report. This will include initial communication materials, such as posts/announcements that the development of the UNESCO Science Report is launched, crowdsourcing inputs for thematic topics and an infographic on major Science Technology and Innovation developments.
4. Draft a publication plan for the UNESCO Science Report in collaboration with the publication board, Press Office, and Communication Officer of the Sector.
5. Engage authors to produce thematic essays.
6. Collate initial datasets and analyses on research investment and workforce (UIS statistics for SDG 9.5.1 and 9.5.2) to inform zero drafts of global and regional chapters, using the UIS data release from March 2025.
7. Engage external contributors for the production of bibliometric data on scientific publications at global and regional level for the Report.
8. Prepare zero drafts of regional chapters, following an agreed chapter template. Where possible, coordinate with external authors and reviewers for the preparation of regional chapters.
9. Other tasks in support of the UNESCO Science Report team, as required.

DELIVERABLES

Provide for approval, the following deliverables:

1. Zero draft of chapter on women in science and Publication plan for the UNESCO Science Report.
2. Data analyses and zero draft visualizations for research investment and workforce for global and regional chapters.
3. Agreements with authors of thematic essays for the production of drafts.
4. Communication plan for the UNESCO Science Report.
5. Agreements with external data providers of bibliometric data on scientific publications for global and regional chapters.
6. Zero draft of regional chapter on Latin America & Caribbean.
7. Draft of regional chapter on Europe & North America.
8. Draft of regional chapter on Asia-Pacific.
9. Draft of regional chapter on Africa.
10. Draft of regional chapter on Arab States.
11. First draft design layout of the UNESCO Science Report.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of professional experience with progressive responsibility in the field of natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science.
• Experience working on editing/publication of global report or scientific papers

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

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 and in compelling narratives tailored to a variety of audiences,
• Excellent IT skills to carry out the work.
• Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (PhD degree or equivalent) in n natural sciences, basic sciences, science policy, or applied statistics/data science, or other related natural science discipline.