Associate Research Officer (Trieste, Italy) contract

Position Number: 1ITSC PA124TP

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

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): 09/04/2026

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. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.

Within a framework of collaborative projects involving both private and governmental agencies, at national and international levels, as well as international consortia, the main objective of the post is to carry out scientific research in the field of regional climate extremes and hazard projection. Under the supervision of the Head of Section/Senior Research Scientists and the Principal Investigator of the project, the incumbent will collaborate closely with members of the ESP section and partner institutions to advance research in this scientific field. The incumbent is also expected to actively participate in relevant programmes within the institution and to maintain contact with similar institutions and research scientists worldwide in order to exchange knowledge and information.

The incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Undertake frontline research on regional climate extremes and hazard projections, with particular emphasis on tailoring analyses of multi-model ensemble data to support applied use cases, including the optimal design of renewable energy production and distribution systems and the assessment of hazards affecting assets and communities. 
• Organize training activities, workshops and conferences, including definition of contents and hands-on projects, selection of lecturers and participants, and budget administration aimed also to disseminate climate information to external stakeholders, deliver climate data products to project counterparts and provide technical consulting and user support as required.
• Teach, as required, in ICTP activities on campus and outside and hands-on session in the Diploma program. Collaborate with associates and visitors visiting ICTP. Mentor PhD and postgraduate students, STEP and diploma students, especially those from developing countries.

• 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

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in climate science or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in climate science and regional climate extremes of which preferably 1 year acquired at the international level.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong expertise in atmospheric and climate science, projection of climate hazards, and analysis of multi-model ensemble datasets.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific research, including data analysis, modelling, and interpretation of complex climate information for applied purposes.
• Familiarity with relevant programming languages (in particular PYTHON, NCL, NCO, FORTRAN)
• Ability to design and deliver training activities, workshops, and technical presentations for diverse audiences.
• Experience in preparing climate data products and providing technical support or consulting to stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including scientific writing and reporting.
• Proven teaching experience at postgraduate level or in advanced training programmes is desirable.
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity necessary for collaboration with partners worldwide.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international environment and/or the United Nations (UN) system.
• Experience in a scientific organization or educational institute.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and understanding of research environment.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or of Italian.

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 73,700 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.