Science Policy and Natural Sciences Consultant

Science Policy and Natural Sciences Consultant JOB DETAILS

Type of contract: Consultant Contract

Level: Level 1 - Junior

Hiring Unit: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Jakarta

Work location: Remote

Duration of contract: 3 months

Hiring open to: External candidates

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta serves as the Secretariat for the Science and Technology Policy Asian Network (STEPAN) and the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SeaBRNet). The consultant will support the implementation of the STEPAN Action Plan  and assist SeaBRNet in aligning its activities with the Hangzhou Action Plan . The Unit has recently established preliminary frameworks for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project and the SeaBRNet Assessment Survey.

The consultant is required to operationalize these tools, manage data population, and conduct analysis to support the networks' strategic planning and capacity development.

1. Support for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project

• Consolidate a dashboard with national STI Governance System datasets across the region based on the existing Go‑SPIN framework (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).
• Coordinate and manage the data collection process in coordination with national focal points and researchers.
• Provide technical support for the regional GO‑SPIN training workshop.
• Conduct analyses to identify gaps and good practices in National STI Governance Systems, in coordination with national focal points and researchers.

2. Support for the SeaBRNet Survey

• Support the finalization and deployment of the SeaBRNet Network Assessment Survey to relevant stakeholders, including Biosphere Reserve managers, national committees and other key stakeholders.
• Facilitate the dissemination process, follow up with respondents to ensure participation, and perform data clearing on incoming responses.
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the survey results to identify operational gaps, capacity‑building needs, and knowledge‑sharing opportunities within the network.
• Develop a SeaBRNet survey analysis report, accompanying presentation slides and communication materials for social media, and a consolidated report of findings, with proposed short‑, medium‑, and long‑term recommendations and/or action plans.

The consultancy is expected to require a total of 45 working days over a three‑month contract period.

1. Deliverables for the STEPAN Regional Mapping Project

• A functional dashboard with validated data from 21 member countries of STEPAN, including a brief technical report on data gaps filled, and a guideline for using the dashboard, no later than the end of April 2026.
• A synthesis report on the Regional Mapping of STI Governance Systems, no later than the end of June.

2. Deliverables for the SeaBRNet Survey

• SeaBRNet Survey Dataset and Preliminary Analysis:
  Cleaned survey data and a preliminary presentation of results, no later than the end of March.
• A final consolidated report including the analysis of the questionnaire, presentation slides, communication materials, and strategic recommendations, no later than the end of June.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Policy, Science Policy, Environmental Science, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in international or regional organizations.
• Proven experience in coordinating with national authorities and stakeholders in the Asia‑Pacific region.
• Proven experience in data management, data analysis, and data visualization.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong ability to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative data into coherent reports.

LANGUAGES

Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Applicants are invited to submit written proposals for the work assignment described above. The proposal should include the following:

(a) Technical Proposal, comprising:

• An up‑to‑date curriculum vitae.
• A brief description of the proposed…