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Individual Consultant Contract (EES/Man and the Biosphere Programme)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 29-oct-2025

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

In accordance with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2024-2025 (42 C/5), Major Programme II: Natural Sciences – Strategic Objective 2, Outcome 3.SC1 – “Inclusive knowledge and capacities of Member States strengthened to advance and apply science for sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation and restoration, and disaster risk resilience”, under the authority of the Director of the Division of the Ecological and Earth Sciences and the overall responsibility of the Head of MAB Section: Network and Capacity Building, the consultant will :

 

  • Create and analyze digital maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere and Global Geoparks programmes.
  • Implement quality control of spatial data, including data for completeness and accuracy.
  • Edit and update the programmes’ GIS databases.

Specifically, the consultant will:

  • Review spatial data for Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks and align files to each programme’s technical specifications.
  • Organize and structure the programmes’ spatial data so that it can be applied in different types of analysis.
  • Aggregate spatial data at country and programme levels.

 

 

Expected deliverables

 

1. Creation of 45-60 shapefiles aggregating sites by country.

2. Creation and/or correction of 30-45 shapefiles for individual sites.

3. Updated GIS databases.

Long Description

2) Draft a publication on ‘Citizen Science Applications for Water Management’ based on the review outputs, summarizing knowledge into a high-quality, scientifically relevant document:

 

  1. Develop an outline for the publication, including (main) chapters and sections based on the outcomes of the review
  2. Develop a draft publication of at least 30 pages (in English), including the following elements:
    1. Introduction of the concept of Citizen Science and its relevance to water management
    2. Methodologies, tools, best practices and lessons learned from global and regional applications
    3. Concrete examples and feedback from key actors and initiatives
    4. Innovations, sustainability and future vision
  3. Collect input from the identified key partners to validate the information and integrate concrete examples in the publication

Long Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

 

  • Master’s degree or equivalent (obtained or in the process of being obtained) in geography, GIS, or a related discipline

 

 

Work Experience

 

  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in an international setting  

 

Skills and competencies

 

  • Demonstrated proficiency with QGIS and/or ArcGIS and associated data types
  • Demonstrated proficiency with different coordinate systems and map projections

 

 

Languages

 

  • Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other.

Long Description

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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:

  1.  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 
  2. a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
  3. 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..
  4. 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 (23040) in the subject line of your e-mail.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS” title to “APPLICATION PROCESS”, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.

Otherwise you can delete this section.

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.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. 

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