Type of contract :Consultant Contract
Level :Level 2 - Middle
Hiring Unit :International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
Duty Station :Trieste
Work location : Remote
Duration of contract 11 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) :01/09/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Under the supervision of the Public Information Officer, the consultant will contribute to the strategic dissemination of public information, including the release of scientifically accurate information to local and national media through press releases and press conferences and to to major events and achievements at ICTP. The consultant will be working partly at the ICTP premises and partly from home.
Anticipated results will be increased visibility of ICTP research and education activities in local and national media outlets in Italy; the improved relationship with local and national journalists.
Specific activities include writing press releases in Italian, disseminating to local and national media; and building media partnerships.
Performance of consultant will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators will include timeliness of press releases, the amount of media requests for ICTP information, and the number of news stories appearing in local and national media.
Up to 11 months depending on an assignment.
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Science, Communications, Public Information, Journalism or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least five years of professional experience in public information and communications with focus on science dissemination.
In-depth knowledge of the Italian media, especially the science media, including close contacts with journalists, editors and radio and TV directors.
LANGUAGES
The consultant must be fluent in English and Italian, with excellent writing skills in Italian.
In addition to the online application, candidates should submit two writing samples in Italian (a press release announcing a scientific achievement and a media pitch for an interview with a scientist to personnel_office@ictp.it
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).

UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded on 16 November 1945. For this specialized United Nations agency, it is not enough to build classrooms in devastated countries or to publish scientific breakthroughs. Education, Social and Natural Science, Culture and Communication are the means to a far more ambitious goal : to build peace in the minds of women and men.