Pay and conditions
Source: UNESCO Careers + estimates by grade and duty station. Click the cards for more details.
Job Description
The Executive Director leads TWAS in advancing scientific excellence and sustainable development in the Global South. The post provides intellectual, strategic and operational direction for international scientific-cooperation programmes, resource mobilisation and partnerships, while guiding staff, governance processes and collaboration with UNESCO and associated scientific organisations.
Key Details
Department
Sciences Sector (SCS)
Position Details
Experience level
Leadership
Minimum experience
15 years
Arrangement
Onsite
Minimum education
Postgraduate degree
Recruitment scope
International recruitment
Contract duration
2 years, renewable
Language Requirements
Required
English
Preferred
Another official language, Italian
Summary of Responsibilities
- Lead TWAS in fulfilling its mandate to promote scientific excellence for sustainable development in the Global South
- Provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership for international scientific-cooperation programmes
- Guide staff in planning and delivering TWAS programme activities, annual programmes, reports, action plans and budget projections
- Develop synergies and joint initiatives with UNESCO science programmes and the broader UNESCO family
- Create approaches that strengthen South-South cooperation and scientific networks with leading international organisations
- Provide strategic leadership for resource mobilisation
- Coordinate work with OWSD and the InterAcademy Partnership hosted by the Academy
- Act as secretary to meetings of the TWAS Steering Committee and TWAS Council
Role Requirements
- PhD in a science-related discipline
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific research and administration, including regional or international assignments
- Leadership experience in a scientific environment including human-resources and finance management
- Successful fund-raising experience with governments, the private sector, international funding organisations and technical-assistance agencies
- Experience in international relations, diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development
- Excellent spoken and written English
Desired Criteria
- Policy-dialogue experience at government and non-government levels or across public and private sectors
- University or research-institution research or teaching experience
- Broad knowledge of science, technology, research, innovation and engineering with field experience
- Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages
- Knowledge of Italian
Skills
Source & verification
IGO Jobs sourced this vacancy from UNESCO Careers, on 19 Aug 2026.