UNESCO is recruiting an Associate Research Officer in Trieste, Italy, for a one-year appointment with an approximate annual starting salary of €56,151. Apply by 14 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), through the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), is inviting applications for an Associate Research Officer in Trieste, Italy.
The position supports research and project activities focused on environmental monitoring, climate resilience and water resources management. The successful candidate will contribute to two international initiatives: the UNEP–ICTP TRACT project in the Maldives and the UNESCO FRIEND-NILE project in the Nile Basin.
The work involves low-cost weather stations, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, wireless monitoring systems and data-driven approaches to environmental research.
The appointment is for one year and is open to both internal and external candidates.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNESCO / ICTP |
| Position | Associate Research Officer |
| Grade | P-1 |
| Duty station | Trieste, Italy |
| Sector | Sciences |
| Contract type | Project Appointment |
| Duration | One year |
| Annual starting salary | Approximately €56,151 |
| Required education | Master’s degree |
| Required experience | At least one year |
| Working language | Excellent English |
| Application deadline | 14 October 2026, midnight Paris time |
Tasks
The successful candidate will contribute to research and technical activities supporting environmental and water-resources monitoring.
Responsibilities include supporting the deployment of weather stations, water-level sensors, terrestrial gateways and related equipment across the Maldives and selected Nile Basin countries.
The role also involves managing datasets and related services, supporting the development of a Digital Twin for at least one Nile Basin sub-basin, and preparing technical documentation for local stakeholders.
Additional responsibilities include organizing training workshops for local technical and scientific personnel, coordinating project activities, preparing reports, communicating with stakeholders and conducting applied research on the resilience and effectiveness of monitoring technologies.
The selected candidate will also contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education and Certification
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least one year of relevant professional experience, particularly in environmental or water-resources management. Experience in an international environment and multidisciplinary research settings is preferred.
Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate the following capabilities:
- Proficiency in a major programming language, such as Python or JavaScript.
- Practical experience with data automation, geospatial analysis and database management.
- Ability to coordinate technical platforms, including operational management and data governance.
- Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to plan and deliver training programmes for diverse audiences.
- Strong communication, teamwork, planning and organizational skills.
Language Requirements
Excellent knowledge of English is required.
Additional Information
Salary and Benefits
UNESCO lists an approximate annual starting salary of €56,151 for this appointment.
Depending on eligibility and applicable conditions, staff benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowances, medical insurance and a pension plan.
For details, applicants should consult UNESCO’s Guide to Staff Benefits.
Application Deadline
The closing date is 14 October 2026, at midnight Paris time. Applications must be submitted online before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through UNESCO’s official recruitment system.
Apply for the UNESCO Associate Research Officer position
Candidates should provide complete and accurate information. UNESCO states that applications cannot be modified after submission, so applicants should carefully review their details before applying.
The selection process may include recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews and reference checks. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide copies of their qualifications.
UNESCO does not charge application or recruitment fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNESCO Associate Research Officer position?
It is a one-year project appointment supporting environmental monitoring, climate resilience and water-resources research through the ICTP in Trieste, Italy.
2. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field and have at least one year of relevant experience.
3. How much does the position pay?
The approximate annual starting salary is €56,151. Additional benefits may apply depending on eligibility and the relevant conditions.
4. Where is the duty station?
The position is based in Trieste, Italy, with project activities supporting work in the Maldives and the Nile Basin.
5. What programming skills are required?
The vacancy asks for proficiency in a major programming language, such as Python or JavaScript, alongside experience in data automation, geospatial analysis and database management.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 14 October 2026, midnight Paris time.
7. Can international applicants apply?
The vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. UNESCO encourages applicants from underrepresented Member States, as well as individuals from minority and Indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may suit early-career researchers and technical professionals with postgraduate qualifications and experience in environmental monitoring, programming and data management. Candidates interested in climate resilience and international research projects should review the technical requirements and application instructions carefully before submitting their applications.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNESCO or ICTP and does not participate in recruitment decisions. Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement for authoritative information.
SEO Keywords: UNESCO jobs 2026, Associate Research Officer UNESCO, UNESCO jobs in Italy, ICTP careers Trieste, UNESCO P-1 vacancy, environmental research jobs, climate resilience jobs, water resources research, Python research jobs, international organization jobs 2026
