UNESCO Is Hiring A Senior IT Assistant

For experienced IT professionals seeking a meaningful international career, UNESCO’s current vacancy for a Senior IT Assistant (G-6) in Trieste, Italy offers a rare opportunity to combine advanced technical work with a global development mission. Based at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) , this role is not just another IT position—it is a chance to contribute directly to strengthening scientific capacity in developing countries while working within one of the world’s most respected international organizations.With an application deadline of 12 January 2026 (midnight Paris time) , this position is open to internal and external candidates who are entitled to work in the European Union . Below is a comprehensive overview of the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits to help you decide whether this opportunity aligns with your professional goals.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is globally recognized for its commitment to peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation through education, science, culture, and communication. Within UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector , the ICTP plays a particularly vital role.Founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam , the ICTP in Trieste has spent more than five decades supporting scientists from developing countries. Its mission is to provide advanced education, research opportunities, and skills development that enable scientists to build long and productive careers in their home countries. By doing so, ICTP has been instrumental in combating scientific brain drain and strengthening global scientific capacity.As a Senior IT Assistant , you would be directly supporting this mission by ensuring that ICTP’s digital systems are modern, efficient, and capable of supporting complex operational and scientific processes.Position Overview Job Title: Senior IT AssistantPost Number: 1ITSC PA122TPGrade: G-6Duty Station: Trieste, ItalySector: Natural SciencesContract Type: Project AppointmentDuration: 1 yearRecruitment: Open to internal and external candidatesEstimated Annual Salary: Approximately EUR 50,372The role sits within the ICT Unit at ICTP and reports to the IT Engineer , under the overall authority of the ICTP Director and the Head of ICT.The Senior IT Assistant will work on projects aimed at developing, redesigning, maintaining, and integrating ICTP systems that fall outside UNESCO’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework. These projects follow a process review approach designed to introduce modern digital tools and streamline operational workflows.Key responsibilities include:Business and Workflow Analysis: Assisting the IT Engineer and process owners in identifying and documenting business needs, analyzing workflows, and assessing whether customized systems or off-the-shelf solutions are most appropriate.System Design and Development: Participating in planning, specification, design, and development of computer application systems in line with institutional standards and best practices.Software Development and Testing: Developing software, implementing new releases, and conducting quality assurance, testing, and optimization across multiple system modules.Documentation and Training: Drafting and validating technical documentation, user manuals, training materials, and presentations, as well as supporting user training sessions.Deployment and Support: Managing software deployment, version control, data recovery, and providing second-level technical support to resolve issues efficiently.System Integration: Supporting interoperability between applications by coordinating system integration activities internally and externally.Mentoring: Working alongside junior staff and providing guidance on development, testing, and documentation practices.Additional Duties: Contributing flexibly to the overall success of ICT Unit projects as required.This combination of hands‑on technical work, coordination, and mentoring makes the role ideal for seasoned IT professionals who enjoy both development and collaborative problem‑solving.Core Competencies UNESCO places strong emphasis on its organizational values. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate the following core competencies :ProfessionalismAccountabilityCommunicationKnowledge sharing and continuous improvementPlanning and organisingResults focusTeamworkThese competencies reflect UNESCO’s commitment to integrity, diversity, and high professional standards.Required Qualifications EducationCompleted secondary, technical, or vocational education.Work ExperienceAt least eight (8) years of practical experience in software development and database management.Proven experience developing web applications and working with relational databases.Exposure to software deployment and integration of data from multiple databases and back‑end services.Ability to work on projects with minimal supervision while adhering to best practices and coding standards.Technical SkillsPractical knowledge of software development, particularly Perl and relational databases.Familiarity with software testing standards and the full software development life cycle.Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a high attention to quality.Ability to draft clear technical and user documentation.Strong communication skills for effective teamwork and collaboration.LanguagesExcellent working knowledge of English (spoken and written).While not mandatory, the following are considered strong assets:Experience working in an international or multicultural environment .Specialized training or certifications relevant to IT or software development.Familiarity with the UN system or other international organizations.Working knowledge of Italian .Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).UNESCO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which may include:30 days of annual leaveMedical insurancePension planFamily allowances (where applicable)Beyond financial benefits, employees gain invaluable experience working in a multicultural environment dedicated to global development, equity, and scientific advancement.Selection and Recruitment Process All applicants must complete an online application through the UNESCO careers platform. Applications are evaluated strictly against the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include written tests, technical assessments, and interviews conducted via video or teleconference.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and final candidates will undergo reference checks. UNESCO maintains a zero‑tolerance policy against harassment and is deeply committed to diversity, gender parity, and equitable geographical representation.Why This Role Matters This position is ideal for IT professionals who want their technical expertise to have a broader impact. By supporting ICTP’s systems, the Senior IT Assistant directly contributes to empowering scientists from developing countries, strengthening global research capacity, and advancing UNESCO’s mission of building peace through science.If you are an experienced developer with a passion for quality systems, teamwork, and international service, this opportunity in Trieste could be the next meaningful step in your career.#J-18808-Ljbffr