Associate Research Officer

Unesco; Lazio; In loco; EUR 51.000 - 62.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

30 days annual leave

Family allowance

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Descrizione del lavoro

UNESCO's Abdus Salam ICTP in Trieste seeks an Associate Research Officer to support TRACT and FRIEND-NILE projects, deploying IoT weather stations and data systems.

You will build local capacity through training, manage activities and reporting, and contribute to research publications in peer-reviewed journals. A Master's degree and 1+ year international experience are required.

Competenze

• Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in environmental or water resources management, preferably international.
• Experience coordinating technical platforms, data governance, and strategic development.
• Experience planning and delivering training programs for diverse audiences.

Mansioni

• Contribute to TRACT outputs and IoT deployment across Maldives.
• Support FRIEND-NILE outputs and data management in Nile Basin.
• Build local technical capacity through IoT/wireless training workshops.
• Assist in project activity management, reporting and stakeholder communications.
• Document deployments and share technical details with local stakeholders.
• Conduct applied research and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Conoscenze

Coordinate platforms

Python

JavaScript

Data automation

Geospatial analysis

Database management

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Training programs

Formazione

Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or related fields

Descrizione del lavoro

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1 ITSC PA130TP Grade: P-1

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS) Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences Contract Type: Project Appointment Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/10/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct supervision of the Research Scientist (Head of the STI Unit), the incumbent will support project activities related to two extra-budgetary projects: the UNEP-ICTP project "TRACT", funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and - for 20% of his/her time - the UNESCO project "FRIEND-NILE", funded by the Flemish UNESCO Science Trust Fund (FUST).

Both projects aim to strengthen environmental and water-resources monitoring through low-cost weather stations and IoT/wireless technologies, with a strong focus on capacity building of local technical and scientific staff.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to TRACT (Maldives). Support project Output 2 (Strengthened observations, monitoring, modelling and impact-based forecasting) and Sub-activity 2.1.4 (IoT and wireless technologies) of the GCF-funded UNEP-ICTP project "TRACT - Toward Risk-Aware and Climate-resilient communities", deploying low-cost weather stations, terrestrial gateways and water-level sensors - including their photovoltaic powering, masts and civil works - across the Maldives.
• Contribute to FRIEND-NILE (Nile Basin, 20% of time). Support project Output 1 (in particular 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4) of the FUST-funded UNESCO project "FRIEND-NILE", deploying similar monitoring equipment across selected Nile Basin countries, managing datasets and services through IHP-WINS, and piloting a Digital Twin for at least one sub-basin in collaboration with the IHP AI Task Force.
• Build local technical capacity. Design and deliver training workshops on IoT and wireless technologies for environmental monitoring, building the capacity of local technical and scientific staff in the Maldives and in the Nile Basin countries.
• Manage project activities. Assist in managing project activities, including regular reporting and communication with stakeholders, and maintain contacts with UNEP, national partners and the UNESCO IHP AI Task Force.
• Document deployments. Document the technical details of all deployments and share the documentation with local stakeholders.
• Conduct applied research. Conduct research on the resilience and effectiveness of the deployed technical solutions, contributing to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

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)

SHORT DESCRIPTION

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

Education: Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or in related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least one (1) year of relevant experience, particularly within the context of environmental or water resources management, preferably in an international environment, and experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to coordinate technical platforms, ensuring operational management, data governance, and strategic development
• Proficiency in one of the major programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript), with hands-on experience in data automation, geospatial analysis, and database management
• Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement, working with intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, and technical partners
• Ability to plan and conduct training programs for diverse audiences, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organisations

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of English.

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 56,151 EUR.

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.

Individuals 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 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.

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