Attaché de coopération scientifique et universitaire (F/H)

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Action (COCAC), you will spearhead the university and scientific cooperation policy to advance France’s interests and influence in Pakistan. Your primary responsibility is to design, negotiate, and implement bilateral cooperation projects that align with the strategic directives set by the Ambassador and the COCAC. This role demands close collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders to strengthen the visibility and impact of French higher education and scientific partnerships in the region.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for defining and managing the budget programming related to scientific and university cooperation. A key part of your role is institutionalizing scientific cooperation through the Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC) Péridot, ensuring sustained collaboration between French and Pakistani academic institutions.

Promoting French higher education is central to your duties. You will leverage the Campus France Pakistan network and organize recruitment events such as the Choose France fairs to attract Pakistani students to France. Additionally, you will oversee the implementation of the "Études en France" platform, drafting necessary instructions for the Service of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC).

Your role includes conducting academic interviews for doctoral candidates and researchers, particularly in Science and Technology fields, and monitoring visa applications in coordination with consular services. You will also supervise the French Archaeological Mission in the Indus Basin, ensuring its smooth operation.

Managing scholarship programs funded by the French Embassy in Pakistan is another critical task. This involves negotiating, monitoring, and seeking co-financing opportunities for missions and invitations. You will also invigorate alumni network activities through the France Alumni Pakistan platform and coordinate events such as the global alumni day.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with local authorities, French operators, and beneficiaries of cooperation actions—including Campus France, the Higher Education Commission (both federal and provincial), and the European Union delegation—is essential. You will actively develop professional and social networks to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of cooperation efforts.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have proven professional experience in scientific and university cooperation, ideally at a level equivalent to a Director of International Relations. Familiarity with both French and local actors in the field is crucial.

Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate complex cooperation networks are required. Proficiency in English at the C1 autonomous level is mandatory, along with the capacity to develop action plans, conduct projects, and produce comprehensive reports.

Intercultural adaptability and excellent relational skills are essential. Experience managing cooperation networks and platforms, including "Études en France," is highly advantageous. Knowledge of the South Asian region, particularly the subcontinent, is considered a valuable asset.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Additional knowledge of administrative, institutional, and political environments will be beneficial. Skills in budgetary and accounting management, digital innovation, and fundraising are advantageous but not mandatory.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, the ability to promote initiatives effectively, and vigilance regarding sector developments. Due to the workload and local conditions, including security constraints in Pakistan, candidates must demonstrate high availability and adaptability.

This position is part of the Service of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC), working alongside the COCAC, Attachés for scientific and cultural cooperation, international volunteers managing Campus France and pedagogical missions, and local staff based at the embassy and French Alliances in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

Professional Environment and Functional Relationships

You will operate within the Embassy’s services, including SCAC, Chancellery, and Consulate, and maintain strong links with the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), particularly the Directorate of Cultural, Educational, University, and Scientific Diplomacy, the Asia and Oceania Directorate, and the Directorate of Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament.

Close collaboration with Campus France, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, French and Pakistani universities and research institutes, local authorities, and European agencies such as the EU Delegation is essential for success in this role.

Special Conditions

Given the professional context abroad and the security situation in Pakistan, there are constraints related to travel and local living conditions. Candidates must be prepared for significant availability and adaptability to these circumstances.

Duration and Status

This position is open to agents under statutory profiles A, including contract agents or civil servants within the French public service.