Consultant - UNESCO seismic code database
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Paris
Type of contract : Individual Consultant Contract
Duration of contract : 7 to 11 Months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 10-nov-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
UNESCO, through its role as Secretariat of the International Platform for Reducing Earthquake Disaster (IPRED), works with a network of national centers of excellence across 11 earthquake-prone countries to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices on earthquake risk reduction.
Seismic building codes are fundamental instruments for reducing disaster risk in the built environment. They provide architects, planners, and construction professionals with technical criteria to design and build structures that can better withstand seismic forces, thereby preventing collapse, minimizing damage, and safeguarding human life. Beyond structural safety, these codes guide decisions on materials, construction techniques, and urban layouts, making them essential tools for shaping resilient and sustainable cities.
However, seismic codes vary widely across countries in terms of scope, assumptions about seismic forces, and alignment with local construction practices and resources. In Sub-Saharan Africa, many countries face challenges such as outdated or absent codes, limited enforcement capacity, and insufficient integration of architectural and engineering considerations. Collecting and analyzing information on the status, content, and application of seismic codes in the region is therefore a crucial step toward strengthening national and local capacities.
For UNESCO and IPRED, such a comparative review not only supports disaster prevention but also informs post-disaster recovery, helping societies to “build back better.” Ultimately, improving knowledge and application of seismic codes contributes directly to the sustainable development of cities and countries, ensuring that the expansion of the built environment is safe, resilient, and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Objective
In this context UNESCO is seeking an experienced individual consultant to support the activities on the following areas: 1) collect seismic codes in Sub Saharan Africa and develop a database, 2) draft the database for publication on the UNESCO website.
Long Description
Key Activities
The Consultant will carry out the following tasks:
- Review UNESCO’s existing seismic code database and identify gaps.
- Draft an inception report with a work plan, timeline, and stakeholder mapping.
- Collect and compile seismic codes from Sub-Saharan African countries (approximately two per month).
- Clean, standardize, and integrate the collected data into the UNESCO seismic database.
- Prepare the database and metadata for online publication, ensuring clarity and accessibility.
- Liaise with relevant UNESCO field offices and IPRED partners to validate entries and gather feedback.
- Provide monthly progress reports and flag challenges or additional support needs.
Long Description
Deliverables
Monthly deliverables (8 total):
- D1: Inception report with work plan, timeline, and stakeholder mapping.
- D2–D7: Monthly submissions of two country seismic codes (cleaned and integrated) with short progress notes.
- D8: Finalized and quality-checked seismic code database, ready for publication on UNESCO’s website, plus a brief lessons-learned note.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in architecture, civil engineering, seismic engineering, disaster risk reduction, or urban planning.
Work Experience
Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk management, architecture, seismic engineering, and/or urban planning.
Skills and competencies
Understanding of urban development and built environment in seismic contexts.
Proven ability to collect, clean, and organize technical data for databases.
Strong drafting, analytical, and coordination skills.
Familiarity with UN or UNESCO technical cooperation procedures
Languages
Fluency in English and French required.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Prior work with UN agencies or international organizations in a technical advisory or consultative capacity
- Good knowledge of Portuguese is an asset
- Living in Paris is an asset
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and 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 one combined file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
- a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
- Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing progress, and timeline..
- Financial proposal in US dollars or Euros with a budget breakdown.
Application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (23086) in the subject line of your e-mail.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
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