Consultant - Program Assistant
Organizational Context
The UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine supports the organization's mandate in education, culture, communication, and science. It assists national authorities in strengthening Ukraine's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, aligning with global standards. A key initiative is the Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE), enabling scientists in under-resourced regions to access sophisticated scientific equipment remotely, fostering collaboration and reducing financial burdens for researchers facing socio-economic challenges or conflict.
Job Purpose
The Consultant Program Assistant will support the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in coordinating, implementing, and monitoring the Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative. This role is crucial for strengthening Ukraine's science, technology, and innovation landscape. The initiative aims to provide scientists, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as women, early-career, displaced, and frontline researchers, with access to advanced research facilities. This support includes remote access to equipment, fellowships for research activities, and reimbursement for access fees and travel costs, thereby fostering international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Responsibilities
The Consultant will provide programmatic and technical support to the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine for the Remote Access to Lab Equipment (UNESRALE) Initiative, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's broader Sciences Programme and fostering collaboration with national and international partners. Key responsibilities include coordinating the initiative's implementation in Ukraine, designing analytical frameworks, and assessing the scientific infrastructure needs of researchers. The role involves building partnerships with foreign universities and research institutions to expand the network of available equipment, facilitating collaboration between Ukrainian and international research infrastructures, and supporting training sessions to enhance beneficiaries' capacity. The Consultant will also prepare project reports and other necessary deliverables.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in science or applied research is necessary, including participation in international research or technical cooperation projects. Demonstrated experience with research equipment and a solid understanding of laboratory research methods, experimental procedures, and scientific workflows in natural sciences are also required.
Skills
Essential skills include strong communication and organizational abilities, proficiency in working within a multicultural environment, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.