About this role
JOB DETAILS Type of contract : Consultant Contract Level : Level 2 - Middle Hiring Unit : Sciences Sector (SCS) Work location : On site Duration of contract : 4 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 11/09/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW The UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine supports the implementation of UNESCO’s mandate across its key programmatic areas, including education, culture, communication, and science. Within the framework of UNESCO’s Action Plan for Sciences, the Antenna Office assists national authorities and stakeholders in strengthening Ukraine’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, ensuring alignment with global ethical, inclusive, and sustainable standards. As part of these efforts, UNESCO is implementing initiatives such as Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative. UNESCO’s “Remote Access to Lab Equipment” initiative is addressing this challenge by enabling scientists in under-resourced regions, to access sophisticated scientific equipment without leaving their home country. UNESCO’s remote access initiative intends to support researchers working in countries experiencing socio-economic challenges or facing conflict, who lack access to advanced research facilities for their project. This initiative is helping researchers by: providing remote access, reducing their financial burden, fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling them to conduct experiments for both research and education. In addition to remote access, eligible researchers will benefit from an enabling package that includes fellowships supporting research activities during the use of remote access to research equipment (up to 6 months), as well as partial or full reimbursement of paid access fees to European ERICs and coverage of travel costs for short-term study visits to research infrastructures. The programme is focused on the most vulnerable groups of researchers, including women researchers, early-career researchers, displaced researchers, and researchers from frontline regions. To support these activities, UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine seeks a Consultant (Program Assistant – Science, part-time) to assist the Head of Antenna in the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative, with a specific focus on the local context of Ukraine’s science and innovation landscape. ASSIGNMENTS The Consultant shall provide programmatic and technical support to the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in the implementation and coordination Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative, ensuring coherence with the broader UNESCO Sciences Programme and collaboration with national and international partners. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, and in close cooperation with colleagues from the Sciences Sector (SCS) at UNESCO Headquarters, the Consultant shall: • Coordinate the implementation of UNESCO’s remote access to laboratory equipment (UNESRALE) initiative in Ukraine. • Design analytical frameworks, deploy surveys, and assess the scientific infrastructure needs of researchers in Ukrainian research institutions and universities. • Build partnerships with foreign universities, research institutions, and technology providers (contributors) to expand the network of available equipment. • Facilitate collaboration between Ukrainian and international research infrastructures, with a particular focus on Flemish and European partners. • Support the delivery of online and offline training sessions and workshops to strengthen beneficiaries' capacities to access international research infrastructures and enhance their professional development. • Prepare project reports and other deliverables. CONTRACT DURATION 4 months, starting from the date of contract signature, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. DELIVERABLES 1. Monthly progress reports in English summarizing activities, coordination efforts, and deliverables achieved. 2. Concept notes and draft project proposals in English, aligned with UNESCO Science Programme priorities and country’s identified needs. 3. Inputs for project reporting and communication materials for UNESCO Antenna and Headquarters, as well as partners. 4. Needs assessment of remote access to laboratory equipment report (semi-annually). 5. Report on best practices and case studies in remote access to research equipment. 6. Communication materials (FB posts, web stories, articles etc.) Duty Station Kyiv, Ukraine (UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine). The Consultant will work under a hybrid working arrangement, combining remote work with on-site presence at the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in Kyiv, as required by project activities. Reporting The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, in coordination with the Sciences Sector (SCS) at UNESCO Headquarters. COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION • Master’s degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology, or a related field. A PhD or Doctor of Sciences (DSc) degree would be an asset. WORK EXPERIENCE • A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in science, applied research, including participation in international research or technical cooperation projects. • Demonstrated experience in the use of research equipment, together with a sound understanding of laboratory research methods, experimental procedures, and scientific workflows in the natural sciences, is required. Long Description SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES • Strong communication and organizational skills. • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and handle multiple tasks effectively. • Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently under minimal supervision. LANGUAGES • Proficient in English and Ukrainian (both written and spoken). Knowledge of another UNESCO official language is an asset. APPLICATION PROCESS All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. Please upload the following documents, as a single PDF document, in the ‘Employment History Form’ section: 1. An updated detailed Curriculum Vitae. 2. A Cover Letter including financial proposal, based on the job description above. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Please 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 process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications. Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.