Head of Section

Head of Section / Senior Research Scientist

OVERVIEW

Post Number: 1ITSC 0834TP

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

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): 02-DEC-2024

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

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.

Under the supervision of the Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the coordination of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will lead one of the Research Programmes of ICTP, defining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The incumbent will engage with the Research and Partnerships Division to promote research in the respective area and the mission of ICTP in the developing world and design and implement joint activities as well as engage in negotiations conducted by the Institute Advancement Unit with leading scientific institutions worldwide to drive funding in support of the respective research programme. S/he will provide guidance and mentoring to ICTP scientists, post-doctoral fellows, visitors, and students. The incumbent will teach courses as required at the ICTP and lead the organization of scientific activities and events in the area of expertise.

Responsibilities

Scientific Research Leadership:

• Identify, develop and manage research activities, and provide strategic advice on research priorities to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships).
• Build partnerships and collaborate with leading research institutions worldwide to exchange scientific information and establish collaboration on scientific programmes.
• Identify resources needed for the new research programmes, select staff and research fellows.
• Ensure a high level of scientific excellence in the implementation of existing research programmes. Provide overall scientific guidance and mentoring to staff, fellows, associates and visitors to the Centre.
• Represent ICTP at major international scientific meetings, reporting on the results of the research and presenting opportunities for collaboration.
• Supervise 10-15 staff, creating an engaging and motivating working environment, ensuring that Research Scientists stay on top of scientific achievements in the research areas and constantly develop their skills. Proactively search for and attract new talent in the field.
• Provide authoritative technical advice to the Director and to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) on the scientific aspects of ICTP educational and training programmes in the field of Mathematics. Serve as a major expert contributor to the formulation of scientific agreements with institutions and governmental bodies.
• Participate in the funding drive of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and their potential benefits in moving forward innovative scientific ideas. Advocate the need for capacity building in the field of research in developing countries.
• On request of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institutions in order to promote the ICTP and its mission.
• Contribute to the management of ICTP Partner institutes by sitting on their scientific governing and advisory boards and executing strategic policy of ICTP.

Education and Training:

• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc & Ph.D. students.
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
• Teach in the international programmes of the ICTP, both those held at ICTP and elsewhere.

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:

• Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to the field of research. Formulate appropriate recommendations on how to address these needs within ICTP programmes.
• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held in the respective research area and oversee their organization.
• Organize ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in the field of research that is of interest to the outreach aims or more generally to the mission of the ICTP.
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Physics, or related disciplines, relevant for the Earth System Physics Section.

Work Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in Physics or a related field, relevant for the Earth System Physics Section, of which preferably five (5) years at international level.
• Proven publication record of high caliber and international recognition.
• Technical expertise to handle complex scientific issues and determine new research directions.
• Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.
• Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Experience in donor relations and/or scientific outreach.
• Experience in coordinating and managing research collaborations and projects with developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to propose innovative research directions and approaches.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Broad scientific perspective to coordinate diverse research priorities of the Centre.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and ensure high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Language

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in planning and managing significant budgets.
• Experience in organizing scientific conferences and events.
• Experience in international collaboration, such as educational and training activities in low and middle income (LMI) countries.

Languages

• Knowledge of Italian or another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 126,114 US $.

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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