Associate Research Officer

Position Number: 1 ITSC PA130TP Grade: P-1

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS) Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences Contract Type: Project Appointment Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/10/2026

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 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.

• Contribute 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.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Education: Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or in related fields.

At 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.

• Proven ability to coordinate technical platforms, ensuring operational management, data governance, and strategic development
• Proficiency in one of the major programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript), with hands-on experience in data automation, geospatial analysis, and database management
• Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement, working with intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, and technical partners
• Ability to plan and conduct training programs for diverse audiences, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organisations

Excellent knowledge of English.

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 56,15