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The
Chief Scientist and Director of the Office of Science
provides strategic coordination of science advice that informs UNEP's decisions, policies, interventions, and publications. Supported by the Office of Science, the Chief Scientist ensures timely, scientifically credible, and policy-relevant environmental assessments, data, analytics, and information to guide decision-making and sustainable development planning. The Office monitors, analyzes, and reports on the state of the global environment, assesses policies and trends, supports early warning services on emerging threats, and spearheads UN-wide reporting on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.

Position Overview

This position is located in the Office of Science at the UNEP Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will be a member of the UNEP Senior Management Team (SMT) and reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Strategic Leadership

• Formulate and implement the Office's work programme, determine priorities, and allocate resources to ensure timely delivery of outputs and results
• Oversee activities contributing to UNEP's Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy, including budget preparation, execution, and monitoring; assign and monitor performance parameters and indicators
• Coordinate Office activities with other UNEP divisions, UN organizations, donors, and agencies; work closely with Regional Offices to support UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams
• Coordinate and oversee preparation of reports for donors, UNEP Environment Assembly, intergovernmental bodies, and scientific forums

Staff Management and Capacity Building

• Manage, guide, and train staff; foster teamwork and effective communication within the Office and across UNEP
• Chair meetings, seminars, and conferences; represent UNEP at international, regional, and inter-agency meetings
• Advise on programmatic and substantive issues; report on budget and programme performance to SMT and intergovernmental bodies

Science Leadership and Advisory

• Serve as UNEP's primary science advisor; set scientific priorities and advise on emerging issues
• Ensure credibility and quality of data, information, knowledge, and products, aligned with UNEP goals
• Lead foresight, analysis, and intelligence initiatives; deliver research papers, updates, and syntheses on emerging scientific issues to SMT and the organization
• Ensure engagement across UNEP offices for project co-design, accountability, and delivery of results within the Office's mandate

Other Duties

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in applied sciences, environmental sciences, earth sciences, environmental engineering, geography, or environmental health
• Experience in programme and organizational management (human resources, budgeting, legal matters) at senior levels in government, UN or intergovernmental entities, universities, research institutions, or NGOs
• Experience in environmental policy analysis, formulation, implementation, or providing technical assistance to policymakers
• Senior-level management and leadership experience required
• Experience in the science-policy interface is desirable
• Publication record in peer-reviewed scientific articles and papers is desirable
• Advanced university degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in earth sciences (geology, ecology, geography, hydrology, atmospheric science, etc.), environmental sciences, biology, environmental management, engineering, or related fields is required. A first-level degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. PhD in environmental or earth sciences is desirable

Languages

• English is required;

Application Deadline:
5 November

• Gain practical experience in data cleaning, preprocessing, and feature engineering.
• Learn to build, train, and evaluate machine learning models for various applications.
• Develop proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and relevant libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
• Master data visualization techniques to communicate complex findings effectively using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Tableau.
• Work on challenging data-driven projects under the guidance of senior mentors.
• Understand database management and SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Learn about statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Develop essential soft skills including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in a remote setting.
• Receive ongoing feedback and performance evaluations to support professional growth.

• Develop and deliver engaging science curriculum for various age groups.
• Create interactive lesson plans and educational resources using digital tools.
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive and inclusive remote learning environment.
• Collaborate with other educators to enhance teaching methodologies.
• Stay current with advancements in science and educational best practices.
• Mentor and guide students in scientific inquiry and research.
• Utilize educational technology to support learning outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Contribute to the development of new educational programs and initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or Science Education.
• Master's degree in Education or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, preferably in a science-focused role.
• Proven experience delivering instruction in an online or remote setting.
• Strong understanding of science curriculum standards and pedagogical approaches.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and learning management systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods for a virtual classroom.
• Passion for science education and student development.
• Commitment to continuous professional learning.

• Lead independent research projects in materials science, from conception to completion.
• Design and conduct experiments using advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy).
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing meaningful conclusions.
• Develop theoretical models and computational simulations to understand material behavior.
• Author high-quality research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at international conferences and technical meetings.
• Write grant proposals to secure external funding for research projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on material development and application.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and ethical research practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and emerging trends in materials science.
• Manage research budgets and timelines effectively in a remote setting.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong research record.
• Extensive experience in leading materials science research projects.
• Expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Proven track record of publications in leading scientific journals and conference presentations.
• Experience in writing successful grant proposals.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with remote teams.
• Familiarity with computational materials science tools is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and solve complex scientific problems.

• Design and lead independent research projects in specified areas of biomedical science, adhering to rigorous scientific methodology.
• Oversee and mentor a remote team of research assistants and junior scientists, guiding their experimental work and data analysis.
• Secure funding through grant writing and proposal development.
• Analyze complex biological data using advanced statistical and computational methods.
• Develop and implement novel experimental techniques and protocols.
• Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Ensure all research activities comply with ethical guidelines, laboratory safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners to foster interdisciplinary projects.
• Manage research budgets, resources, and timelines effectively within a remote framework.

• Lead and conduct advanced research in materials science, focusing on novel material synthesis, characterization, and application development.
• Develop and implement innovative research methodologies and experimental designs.
• Utilize a wide range of advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, thermal analysis) to analyze material properties.
• Interpret complex experimental data and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development and engineering, to translate research discoveries into practical applications.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff in a remote research environment.
• Identify and pursue new research opportunities and funding avenues.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and research integrity standards.
• Manage research projects, including budget allocation, resource planning, and timeline management.
• Stay at the forefront of scientific advancements in materials science and related fields.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a strong focus on novel material development.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials (e.g., polymers, composites, nanomaterials, ceramics).
• Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of advanced materials characterization techniques.
• A strong publication record in high-impact scientific journals.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and execute independent research projects.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration and scientific writing.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring researchers.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex research endeavors in a remote setting.
• Experience with computational materials science tools is a plus.