Consultant for Climate Change Indicators (Culture)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Other cities

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 05-JAN-2026

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Climate change is among the greatest threats facing natural and cultural heritage today and causes both economic and non-economic losses. There is a growing recognition that culture is not only affected by climate change, but it is also a resource for climate change adaptation and resilience, offering valuable knowledge and practices, that can enhance coping and reacting to climate impacts. Integrating cultural dimensions into climate action is thus essential for reducing vulnerability and promoting inclusive approaches that safeguard and promote diverse knowledge systems and cultural expressions. On the other hand, being able to monitor and measure culture’s contribution to climate action is instrumental for this integration. In this context and within the framework of the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators and the UNESCO/EU Programme ‘Advancing evidence-based policies and actions, and supporting policy making to enhance the contribution of creative sectors and industries to sustainable development’, the consultant shall expand the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators framework by developing a robust methodology that integrates indicators for climate adaptation and resilience.

WORK ASSIGNMENT

In the framework of the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators and the UNESCO/EU Programme ‘Advancing evidence-based policies and actions, and supporting policy making to enhance the contribution of creative sectors and industries to sustainable development’; and under the authority and supervision of the Deputy Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the consultant undertakes to carry out the following tasks:

• Review:

1. 1. the current UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators framework’s methodology and data tables with a particular focus on Indicator 3 “Climate change adaptation and resilience” and the data collected for this indicator by the countries and cities having implemented the framework;
   2. the indicators proposed for the UAE-Belém work programme under Target 9g, “Cultural Heritage and Knowledge”;
   3. the indicators adopted for the UAE-Belém work programme under Target 9g, “Cultural Heritage and Knowledge following the CMA 7, the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement;
   4. any other existing relevant indicators measuring the contribution of culture to climate change as well as the impact of climate change on culture, including non-economic losses.

Long Description

• Identify gaps and limitations in the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators framework concerning the measurement of culture's contribution to climate adaptation and resilience. Develop criteria for the selection and validation of new indicators or the adjustments of the existing ones, ensuring they are actionable, measurable, and aligned with the existing international climate frameworks and standards. For new indicators, the expanded methodology should indicate the data sources and the method of measurement. Based on points 1), 2) and 3), prepare a draft report detailing the expanded methodology. and a proposal for the revision of the data tables of relevant indicator(s).

• Facilitate a workshop with experts from the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators Expert Facility and other relevant stakeholders selected by UNESCO to present the proposal for the expanded methodology and gather feedback.

• Consolidate the feedback received during the workshop mentioned under point 5) to issue the final report, including recommendations for implementation.

Long Description

WORK LOCATION

The consultancy is home-based, and the workshop indicated under point 5) of this work assignment is expected to be held online.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

1. Within 1,5 months from contract start:

produce a draft report, detailing:

a. the gaps and limitations in the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators concerning the measurement of culture's contribution to climate adaptation and resilience,

b. the rationale for selection and validation of new indicators as applicable along with their methodology, i.e. data sources and method of measurement,

c. the rational for adjustments of the existing indicators as applicable.

d. the proposed adjustments to the data tables of existing indicators as applicable.

2. Within 2 months from the submission of the first deliverable:

produce the final report, based on the draft report already submitted and integrating:

1. 1. 1. feedback received during the workshop (point 5) of this work assignment),
      2.  recommendations for implementation.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Cultural Policy, Environmental Studies, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Statistics, or other related fields relevant to the assignment.

Long Description

Work Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to culture and sustainable development, climate change adaptation, or resilience-building, preferably at the international level.
• Proven experience in developing or applying indicators, methodologies, or measurement frameworks related to sustainable development, culture, or climate action.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing similar assignments within the United Nations system or other international organizations, evidenced by at least two (2) relevant previous consultancies or projects.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills in English, with a proven ability to produce high-quality technical reports and methodological documents.
• Experience in chairing and facilitating multicultural and interdisciplinary expert groups or technical workshops.

Language

• Excellent knowledge of English 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Additional training or certification in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, or indicator development 

Work Experience

• Familiarity with UNESCO’s mandates and frameworks, particularly the Culture|2030 Indicators and/or work on culture and climate change, is an asset.
• Experience working with multilateral organizations, preferably within the UN system or UNESCO, is an advantage.

Language

Good knowledge of French or any other UN language

Long Description

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, download and complete the “Employment History form” (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Written technical and financial proposals (in English):

• Technical proposal detailing the approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 1-2 pages, A4 pages), with workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference if applicable.
• Financial proposal: the proposed daily or monthly rates or the amount/budget to be charged for the assignment quoted in USD.

The complete application shall be submitted on or before 5 January 2026 midnight, Paris time.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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