Associate Research Officer

OVERVIEWPosition Number: 1ITSC PA130TPGrade: P-1Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)Duty Station: TriesteJob Family: Natural SciencesContract Type: Project AppointmentDuration of contract: 1 yearRecruitment open to: Internal and external candidatesApplication deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/10/2026UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXTFounded 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 POSTUnder 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 RESPONSIBILITIESContribute 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.
Long DescriptionCOMPETENCIES
- 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 DescriptionFor detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATIONMaster's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or in related fields.
WORK EXPERIENCEAt 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.
Long DescriptionSKILLS AND COMPETENCIESProven ability to coordinate technical platforms, ensuring operational management, data governance, and strategic developmentProficiency in one of the major programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript), with hands-on experience in data automation, geospatial analysis, and database managementExperience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement, working with intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, and technical partnersAbility to plan and conduct training programs for diverse audiences, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organizationsLANGUAGESExcellent knowledge of English. BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTSUNESCO’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.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. The