Position Number: 1ITSC 0824VC. Grade: D-1. Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS). Duty Station: Trieste. Job Family: Natural Sciences. Contract Type: Fixed Term, 2 years renewable. Recruitment open to internal and external candidates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: Within the Sciences Sector of UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) promotes international cooperation in natural, basic and social and human sciences in the interests of peace and sustainable development. The Academy's main objectives are to recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the South; enable promising scientists in the South to advance their research and careers; respond to the needs of young scientists in countries still developing in science and technology and promote gender equality in science; facilitate contacts between individual scientists and institutions in the South; encourage North-South and South-South cooperation in science, technology and innovation; and promote scientific research on major challenges faced by developing countries.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST: Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Sciences and the direct guidance of the Steering Committee and the Council of TWAS, the Executive Director leads the Academy in fulfilling its mandates to promote scientific excellence for sustainable development in the South towards the implementation of Agenda 2030. The Executive Director provides strategic guidance to promote scientific research on developing countries, encourage North-South and South-South cooperation between individuals and centres of scholarship, and consolidate TWAS's function as a global laboratory of ideas, foresight and anticipation, designing innovative proposals for the development of public policies, bridging research, policy and practice.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent is responsible for providing intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in the development, management, planning and execution of TWAS international scientific cooperation programmes, in line with the Organization's policies and within UNESCO's approved Programme and Budget (C/5), and for coordinating work with associated organizations hosted by the Academy - the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the InterAcademy Partnership. Specifically: provide leadership, guidance and effective internal control of the work of TWAS staff in implementing all TWAS programme activities, including preparation of annual programmes, reports, action plans and budget projections to UNESCO governing bodies and donors; develop synergies with UNESCO science programmes and explore opportunities for joint initiatives; develop innovative approaches to promote South-South cooperation in sciences and new scientific networks with leading international organizations; provide strategic leadership for resource mobilization; and act as secretary to meetings of the TWAS Steering Committee and the TWAS Council.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in a discipline related to the field of Sciences. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific research and administration, including assignments at regional and/or international level. Demonstrated leadership experience in a scientific environment with experience in human resources and finance management. Successful experience in fund-raising from governments, the private sector, and international funding and technical assistance organizations. Experience in international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development. Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
DESIRABLE: Experience in conducting policy dialogue at government and non-government levels; research work and/or teaching at university or research institution; broad knowledge of sciences, technology, research, innovation and engineering with field experience; knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish); knowledge of Italian.
BENEFITS: UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 151,097 USD.
Closing date: 20/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the application deadline (Midnight Paris Time, 20/09/2026). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website
(https://www.unesco.org/en/careers) or apply directly at https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1369905357 /. 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. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.