The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting applications for an exciting international position: Project Officer (Digital Transformation and Green Innovation), based at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, located in Venice, Italy.
This one-year appointment, at P-3 level, comes with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funds. The deadline for applications is 30 October 2025 (Midnight Paris Time).
Driving Innovation in Science, Technology, and Sustainability
In alignment with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), this role supports a bold new initiative titled “Digital Futures for a Smart Europe”, a feasibility study co-funded by Huawei Technologies.
The project aims to explore the intersection of digital transformation and green innovation across five European countries, supporting to lay the groundwork for a potential long-term regional program. The initiative supports UNESCO’s broader mission of promoting science literacy, policy development, and multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable progress.
A Strategic Role with Regional Impact
The Project Officer will work under the supervision of the Regional Advisor for the Natural Science Programme and report to the Director of the Regional Bureau. The selected candidate will lead the operational execution of the project and support the broader Natural Sciences Programme and intergovernmental cooperation across South-East Europe and the Mediterranean.
This position involves both high-level strategic input and hands-on project coordination. The incumbent will be central in translating policy research and stakeholder input into actionable frameworks that reflect regional necessarys and global priorities.
Key Responsibilities
The Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring the project meets its objectives, timeline, and quality standards. Core duties include:
- Managing and overseeing the entire lifecycle of the “Digital Futures for Smart Europe” project, ensuring alignment with UNESCO and donor guidelines
- Conducting in-depth policy mapping, desk reviews, and analysis of digital and green innovation frameworks across the five participating countries
- Coordinating field visits, national and regional consultations, and capacity-building workshops to engage key stakeholders
- Facilitating partnerships with a wide array of entities including government agencies, universities, UNESCO Chairs, innovation hubs, civil society organizations, and private sector partners
- Producing high-quality knowledge products, such as national profiles, comparative studies, training resources, and communication outputs
- Monitoring project indicators and producing regular narrative and financial reports for submission to funding partners
- Promoting project visibility via UNESCO platforms, social media, and partner channels
- Ensuring that gfinisher equality, youth engagement, and inclusivity are integrated across all stages of the project
- Supporting the implementation of UNESCO’s intergovernmental natural science programmes and contributing to broader UN cooperation efforts, particularly within the Issue-Based Coalition on Environment and Climate Change (IBC) in Europe and Central Asia
Required Qualifications
Candidates must possess:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as science, technology and innovation (STI) policy, science education, green innovation, or environmental studies
- A minimum of four years of professional experience, with at least two years at the international level, in the design and management of STI-related projects
- Proven ability to conduct policy analysis, manage multi-countest initiatives, and build effective partnerships with both public and private stakeholders
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and drafting skills
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Desirable Qualifications
UNESCO encourages applications from candidates with:
- Knowledge of EU Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and UNESCO’s 2021 Recommfinishation on Open Science
- Prior experience managing or contributing to donor-funded projects, especially in collaboration with private sector partners
- Familiarity with the socio-political landscape of South-East Europe and the Mediterranean
- Working knowledge of French or another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian)
Compensation and Benefit
The selected candidate will receive a starting annual salary of approximately USD 92,679, along with other entitlements which may include:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Family allowance (where applicable)
- Medical insurance
- Access to a pension plan
Full benefit details can be found in the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.
Application Process and Timeline
Interested applicants must submit an online application through the official UNESCO Careers Portal. Only complete applications submitted before the 30 October 2025 deadline will be considered. The selection process may include written tests, interviews, and reference checks.
UNESCO applies rigorous standards of integrity, diversity, and professionalism in recruitment. Candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. UNESCO also maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and is a non-smoking organization.
A Unique Opportunity to Shape Europe’s Digital and Green Future
This Project Officer role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and policy development within one of the UN’s leading science organizations. It is ideal for professionals passionate about inclusive development, regional cooperation, and the future of science and technology.
For those seeking to create a tangible impact on sustainable development in Europe through digital and green innovation, this consultancy offers both challenge and reward within a dynamic, multicultural environment.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact hiring organization directly. Please do not sfinish your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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