About this role
JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Consultant Contract Level : Level 3 - Senior Hiring Unit : Sciences Sector (SCS) Duty Station : Bangkok Work location : On site Duration of contract : 6 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 03/11/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
The Sciences (SCS) Unit in the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific is mandated to promote and advance scientific knowledge for sustainable development, the ethics of science and technology, and social inclusion, in Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Singapore, and indirectly in Viet Nam and Cambodia, in cooperation with the country offices and the antenna office. Against a backdrop of rapid modernization and digital transformation, multifaceted social transformation, and increasing social inequalities in South-East Asia, UNESCO seeks to harness the unique power of the scientific interdisciplinarity to develop relevant approaches in supporting evidence-based policy formulation, and promoting rights and ethics in the areas of science and technology.
Long Description ASSIGNMENTS The Individual Specialist will perform the following: Under the Ethics of Science and Technology Programme, advise and collaborate with national institutions in Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam in implementing recommendations from the UNESCO country reports on AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM): In Lao PDR, bring expert recommendations and guidance to support the government design and implement its first-ever National AI Strategy, and to co-lead the UNCT Task Force on Digital Transformation, including in developing a joint programme on the Future of Skills; In Thailand, provide technical support in implementing the AI Ethics and Start-ups initiative, as well as the AI and Environmental and Ecosystem Assessment programme with national institutions and private sector, both applying the principles of UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI with a strong gender-transformative approach; In Vietnam, provide technical support to the UNESCO Office in Hanoi in implementing the AI Ethics and Start-ups initiative with national institutions and private sector, both applying the principles of UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI with a strong gender-transformative approach.
2. Under the Management of Social Transformation (MOST) Programme, facilitate the development of a scientific interdisciplinary programme on Promoting the Science-Society Interface for Climate Adaptation in Asia-Pacific, including technological components. The programme consists of leveraging three UNESCO scientific programmes – MOST, Man and Biosphere (MAB), and UNESCO GeoParks (UGG) – to document and analyse communal knowledge pertaining to sustainable development and climate change adaption: Supervise the production of a research paper, using AI tools, documenting interdisciplinary scientific work in natural resources management, climate adaptation vulnerabilities, and deployment of development projects such as sustainable tourism in UNESCO designated sites; Lead and organise consultations meetings with relevant stakeholders and research institutions in support of the situation analysis work undertaken by the research team; Coordinate technical dialogues with UNESCO Field Offices in Asia-Pacific in contribution to the situation analysis, and the design of a regional initiative thereof, responding to the priorities and eligibility criteria of the Adaptation Fund; Lead the design and organisation of a regional UNESCO Conference on Science-Society Interface for Climate Adaptation in Asia-Pacific to discuss and endorse the findings of the research paper and the regional initiative with involved scientists and involved stakeholders.
3. Under UNESCO’s regional framework on sustainable and cultural tourism, formulate and facilitate the Sciences Unit’s technical expertise and contribution to the intersectoral programme design, with a particular focus on youth’s intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of cultural heritage for peace and regional integration in a context of digital transformation.
Long Description CONTRACT DURATION The duration of the assignment will be six months, and the Consultant will be based in Bangkok, Thailand
LOCATION AND TRAVEL LOCATION AND TRAVEL
The Individual Specialist will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and work within the premises of the UNESCO Bangkok office. The Specialist may be required to travel on mission directly related to programmes or projects implementation during the assignment. The Specialist should travel economy class and received DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties.
DELIVERABLES The Individual Specialist shall submit the following deliverables to UNESCO: 1st Deliverable: Situation analysis of the start-up ecosystem and landscape in Thailand and Vietnam, especially in the field of AI, with specific entry points for integrating the Ethics of AI standards; 2nd Deliverable: Situation analysis of Thailand’s plans, visions, and anticipated challenges in terms of investments in data centres, with a particular focus on ethical implications for the environment, AI governance, and the future of skills; 3rd Deliverable: Draft programme document on Promoting the Science-Society Interface for Climate Adaptation in Asia-Pacific and related technical documentation; 4th Deliverable: Research piece on youth, sustainable and cultural tourism, and regional peace and integration in ASEAN.
Long Description 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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences and Humanities, including philosophy, sociology, history, political science, or related field. WORK EXPERIENCE At least 10 years of incremental professional experience in the areas of international cooperation, policy advice, development programme design and coordination, or related areas. Continuous professional experience in working with national and international development actors in Asia-Pacific, with robust knowledge of the socioeconomic, technological, and cultural contexts of the countries in the region. Proven experience in partnership building, and support to multistakeholder dialogues in designing, fund-raising, and implementing UN programmes/projects. Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Excellent analytical skills Good knowledge of digital tools including AI Good organizational and project design skills Excellent (oral and written) communication skills, including the ability to draft and produce a variety of written material in a clear and concise manner Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment LANGUAGES Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS WORK EXPERIENCE
Experience in UNESCO’s Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of Sciences and social and human sciences. Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development. Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the United Nations System.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work and mandate, especially in the fields of social and human sciences. Knowledge of the geopolitical context of the Asia-Pacific or ASEAN region. LANGUAGES Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese) is an asset.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now" and upload the following documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. Written technical and financial proposals (in English): Approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 2, A4 pages), a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference, in brief, if any, and The proposed daily or monthly rates or the amount/budget to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money.
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.