Great Opportunity For IT Assistant At UNESCO

In an era where digital systems underpin nearly every aspect of scientific research and international collaboration, skilled IT professionals play a critical role in enabling institutions to achieve their missions.

One such opportunity is the

Senior IT Assistant (G-6)

position with

UNESCO , based in

Trieste, Italy , at the renowned

Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) . This role offers not only professional growth in a highly specialized international environment but also the chance to contribute meaningfully to scientific capacity building in developing countries.

With an application deadline of

12 January 2026 (midnight Paris time) , this one‑year

Project Appointment

is open to

internal and external candidates

who are

legally entitled to work in the European Union . For experienced IT professionals passionate about innovation, systems integration, and global development, this vacancy represents a compelling career step.

Position Overview

Job Title:

Senior IT Assistant

Post Number:

1ITSC PA122TP

Grade:

G-6

Duty Station:

Trieste, Italy

Sector:

Natural Sciences

Contract Type:

Project Appointment

Duration:

1 year

Recruitment:

Internal and External

This position sits within the

ICT Unit

at ICTP and reports directly to the

IT Engineer , under the general supervision of the

Head of ICT

and the overall authority of the

Director of ICTP .

The Senior IT Assistant will contribute to projects aimed at

developing, redesigning, maintaining, and integrating ICTP systems

that fall outside UNESCO’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework. These systems are critical for supporting ICTP’s operational processes efficiently and securely.

The role is embedded in a broader process review exercise, ensuring that ICTP adopts

modern digital tools

aligned with best practices while remaining flexible to its unique scientific and administrative needs.

Key Responsibilities and Functions
In this hands‑on technical role, the Senior IT Assistant will be involved across the full

software development life cycle , from needs assessment to deployment and support. Key duties include:

Business Needs Analysis:
Working closely with the IT Engineer and process owners to identify and document business requirements, analyze workflows, and assess whether custom development or off‑the‑shelf solutions are most appropriate.

System Design and Development:
Participating in planning, specification, design, and development of application systems, ensuring compliance with institutional standards and industry best practices.

Software Testing and Quality Assurance:
Implementing new releases through rigorous testing, optimization, and quality assurance across multiple system modules.

Documentation and Training:
Drafting, reviewing, and validating technical and user documentation, training materials, and presentations; supporting user training sessions and maintaining document repositories.

Deployment and Support:
Managing software deployment, version control, data recovery, and providing second‑level technical support to ensure continuity of operations.

System Integration:
Supporting integration efforts to maintain interoperability between applications and databases, coordinating with internal teams and external partners as needed.

Mentorship and Teamwork:
Working alongside junior staff, providing guidance on development, testing, and documentation practices.

Additional Project Support:
Performing other related duties that contribute to the overall success of ICT Unit projects.

Required Qualifications and Experience
UNESCO is seeking a seasoned IT professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to work independently in a complex environment.

Education

Completed secondary, technical, or vocational school.

Work Experience

At least

eight (8) years

of practical experience in

software development and database management .

Demonstrated experience in

web application development

and working with

relational databases .

Exposure to

software deployment

and integration of data from multiple databases and back‑end services.

Proven ability to work under minimal supervision while following coding standards and best practices.

Technical Skills

Practical knowledge of

software development , particularly

Perl

and relational databases.

Familiarity with

software testing standards

and development life‑cycle methodologies.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a quality‑driven, “test‑to‑break” mindset.

Ability to draft clear and effective technical and user documentation.

Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages

Excellent working knowledge of English

(spoken and written).

Desirable Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following will be 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 international organizations.

Working knowledge of

Italian .

Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

UNESCO places strong emphasis on professional competencies. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:

Professionalism and accountability

Clear communication

Innovation and continuous improvement

Strong planning and organizational skills

Results orientation

Teamwork and knowledge sharing

Benefits and Work Environment
In addition to a competitive salary, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package, which may include:

30 days of annual leave

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Family allowances , where applicable

Working at ICTP in Trieste also means being part of a vibrant international scientific community, collaborating with experts from around the world while enjoying the cultural richness of northern Italy.

Selection and Recruitment Process
All applicants must submit a

complete online application

through the UNESCO careers portal. Applications are evaluated strictly against the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice and may involve written tests, technical assessments, and interviews (including video or teleconference formats). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and final candidates will undergo reference checks.

UNESCO maintains a

zero‑tolerance policy

toward harassment and does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.

This Senior IT Assistant role is more than a technical job—it is an opportunity to support global scientific advancement, contribute to sustainable development, and work within one of the world’s most respected international organizations. For IT professionals who value purpose alongside professional challenge, ICTP and UNESCO offer a uniquely rewarding environment.

#J-18808-Ljbffr