Associate Coordination Officer (MHPC, part-time 50%) (Trieste, Italy)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC PA128TP

Grade: P-1

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 05/08/2026

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

Note: This is a half-time (50%) position with a one-year contract. Specific working hours can be negotiable at the time of selection.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the supervision of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will provide technical expertise in HPC and scientific computing to contribute to ICTP's training programmes for young researchers, including the Master in High-Performance Computing (MHPC). The position falls within the framework of the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP), an initiative launched by ICTP as part of its 2025–2029 strategic plan to support computational sciences at the global level.

Essential responsibilities include:

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the Master in HPC. Contribute to the Master in HPC by providing advanced technical expertise, coordinating and continuously updating the MHPC curricula, organizing course delivery, and teaching specialized topics (for example Advanced C++) within the programme in line with current developments in high-performance computing. Support the strategic development of the MHPC by formulating recommendations, ensuring coherence with institutional priorities and emerging scientific and technological trends.
• Contribute to ICTP Programmes. Contribute to ICTP programmes by supporting initiatives in HPC and closely related fields, both at ICTP and through collaborative efforts.
• Provide support to ICTP staff. Provide technical support to ICTP staff in the field of HPC and scientific computing.
• Provide support to ICTP students and visitors. Provide comprehensive academic, technical, and logistical support to ICTP students and visiting researchers, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment conducive to learning and research.
• Mentoring students. Assist in mentoring, advising, and guiding students and programme participants in HPC-related topics, supporting their academic progress, research development, and professional growth.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (PhD or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related field(s).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least one year of relevant professional experience in HPC and advanced parallel programming, preferably in an international environment, and familiarity with large-scale computational infrastructures.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Documented record of excellence in teaching and supporting the organization of advanced training programmes.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment, including experience in mentoring students.
• Excellent communication skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of oral and written English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of Italian.
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 55 713 EUR, based on full time (100%).

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.