Consultant/Expert in Basic Sciences (BSC)

Post title: Consultant/Expert in Basic Sciences

Organisational unit: UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

Duty station: Jakarta, Indonesia

Grade: P-4 level

Closing date: 10 August 2011

Purpose of post: This is a temporary position, initially for 3 Months, with possible extension. Its aim is to develop, manage, co-ordinate and execute in the region, projects and programme activities related to the development and implementation of the Basic and Engineering Sciences under the Natural Sciences programme on national, cluster, and regional level.

Conditions of employment: Three Months with possibility of extension (up to one year)

Main responsibilities

Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Jakarta Office the incumbent will head the BSC Unit in the Jakarta Office, with following main responsibilities:

* Develop, lead, coordinate and manage basic science related programmes, projects and activities in Asia and the Pacific region and pursue and support North-South and South-South scientific exchange and cooperation among Member States through regional networking, exchange of scientists, cooperative research schemes and study visits thereby promoting active participation of the countries in major programme activities in the field of Basic Science and Technology.

* Identify, develop and implement regular programme activities and complementary extra budgetary initiatives in the Basic Sciences in Asia and the Pacific by (a) determining the needs and priorities of Member States in the Region; (b) drafting the relevant parts of workplans; (c) developing complementary extra budgetary projects and programmes; and (d) monitoring, coordinating and supporting regional and sub-regional activities of regional networks, NGOs and professional associations.

* Identify, formulate and implement national and (sub-)regional multi-disciplinary projects related to the promotion of the Basic Sciences, science, technology and innovation policy, and science education for sustainable development, and pro-actively engage in mobilizing extra-budgetary funds.

* Organize regional, sub-regional and national training courses, seminars, workshops and other short-term courses, expert meetings and consultations, as well as, foster the development of curricular and instructional materials, to promote research and higher education in the Basic Sciences, and strengthen and modernize university science education, in cooperation with regional networks, NGOs and professional associations, paying particular attention to the needs of LDCs in the region.

* In particular, the incumbent will:

* Contribute to the development of a new Regional Flagship programme on science education, linked to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

* Follow up on and development of Science Education projects in selected countries (incl Timor Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Bangladesh, Cambodia)

* Support regional [partners in the development of a new capacity building programme in Biotechnology

* Implement ongoing programme and projects

* Fulfil other related duties, according to the needs and requirements of the office and UNESCO Programmes.

Profile

* Postgraduate level, preferably Ph.D or equivalent in one of the fields of natural sciences, preferably basic sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics)

* Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, post-doctoral research and teaching experience or equivalent experience in basic science, science education & science policy and preferablyt 3 to 5 years first hand experience working at international level.

* Proven capacity to organize, coordinate and carry out research and training (international experience essential)

* Experience in working in less developed countries and knowledge of Asia and the Pacific are highly desirable

* Experience in international scientific organization, preferably within the UN System contexts

* Mature experience in project formulation and implementation and fund raising

* Demonstrated capability in team leadership

* High level communication and inter-personal skills

* Demonstrated ability to take initiative and senior responsibility

* Excellent knowledge of English and relevant knowledge of Asian language, preferably Bahasa Indonesia, an asset.

Application

All applications, in English, have to be received by UNESCO by COB 10 August 2011. The application should include the most recent Curriculum Vitae and a non returnable passport-sized photo. All applications should be sent by e-mail or hard copy to:

Administrative Officer

UNESCO Office, Jakarta,

Jl. Galuh II No. 5

Jakarta 12110

Indonesia

Fax: (62 21) 727 96489

Email: jakarta@unesco.org

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. The salary level is indicative only and will be subject to the qualification and experience of the chosen candidate. UNESCO reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.