Individual Consultant Contract
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Individual Consultant Contract (Natural Sciences)
Duration of Contract : 11 months
Recruitment open to : External Candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07 February 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
In the framework of the 42 C/5 major programme and under the overall supervision of the Director of the Ecological and Earth Sciences Division (SC/EES) and the SC/EES/NBC Chief of Section, the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge, and close cooperation with EO/IKM Chief of Unit, the consultant will help develop the outreach of the Man and the Biosphere Programme and biosphere reserves and:
- Develop the outreach and visibility of the programme of the MAB Programme during special events
- World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, 22-27 September 2025
- Propose a theme for the MAB Secretariat’s exhibition during the World Congress. The theme will be developed in coordination with the MAB Secretariat and the Chair of the Congress.
b. COP30 for Climate Change, November 2025
- Propose and develop a theme for the MAB Secretariat’s exhibition during COP30. The theme will be developed in coordination with the MAB Secretariat and include elements collected from the World Congress results, the elements developed as part of the initiative on the creation of a virtual museum (see below) and will include a focus on Latin America and the Caribbeans region.
- Based on the above, develop the content of at least 20 panels or equivalent for the exhibition. The content and design will align with the MAB Programme communication strategy and adhere to brand guidelines.
- Propose outreach activities to implement during COP30
- Propose an implementation plan for the exhibition and activities
- Identify providers to produce this exhibition.
- Identify the providers, if applicable, for the implementation of the activities
- Organise the exhibitor’s space and the approved outreach activities
c. Upcoming virtual museum on UNESCO-Designated sites
UNESCO is developing a virtual science centre to advance scientific information, notably on natural and cultural landscapes, and promote more inclusive, transparent and equitable science for all, including women and girls. It will be multilingual and multidisciplinary and will be dedicated to knowledge sharing and promoting global cooperation.
- Produce a report on existing immersive virtual exhibitions, with, if applicable, a focus on science virtual exhibitions, as well as reliable knowledge resources such as pedagogical kits, podcasts, scientists’ interviews, data.. and any form that may be required for the website
- Based on the above and feedback from the UNESCO Secretariat, propose and develop virtual exhibition theme(s) and relevant contents on biodiversity and geology as well as on UNESCO Designated Sites and notably Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks, to present their biodiversity, geology and cultural aspects in an immersive and interactive manner. The theme(s) will be developed in coordination with the MAB and Global Geoparks Secretariats, and will include a focus on biosphere reserves and Global Geoparks products (see below, “branding”).
- Identify providers to produce this exhibition, and other knowledge resources in coordination with the UNESCO team in charge of the global virtual museum.
- With the experts recruited by UNESCO to develop the backend and frontend of the online platform, design the exhibition based on the agreed theme(s).
2. Develop content and advocacy for biodiversity safeguarding in Latin America and the Caribbeans, Spain and Portugal
- Prepare and draft key messages, web articles and social media content, maximum of 10 in total, tailored for different stakeholders (local communities, policymakers, international audiences) in English and Spanish.
- Draft, review, and edit communication materials, including reports, brochures, and educational content, a maximum of 4 in total, with a focus on engaging youth and women in English and Spanish.
- Follow up with the graphic designers selected by UNESCO to create engaging and informative visual layouts for printed and digital materials developed as part of the tasks mentioned above.
3. Identification of experiences related with the biosphere reserves branding
a. Conduct surveys and interviews with biosphere reserve stakeholders to identify successful social entrepreneurship initiatives and branding strategies.
b. Collect and analyse data on innovative branding practices within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, including product certifications and marketing campaigns.
c. Create case studies based on the information collected to highlight successful branding examples and compile these findings in a comprehensive report, a brochure for biosphere reserves, and a proposal for a physical and virtual exhibition theme (see also above, “virtual museum”).
Expected duration of the contract mid February 2025 – mid January 2026.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master’s degree in communication management or equivalent
Work experience
- At least 10 years of professional experience in elaborating outreach and visibility content and activities of which preferably at least 5 years experience in an international organization.
Skill and competencies
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Good presentation skills to articulate your ideas and design concepts in engaging proposals
Good abilities for storytelling through space and design, with an eye for detail, practical considerations and aesthetics.
Ability to work within deadlines and adapt to feedback.
Comfortable with working in a multicultural workplace, ability to work in a team to achieve shared objectives
Familiarity with the UN system
Language
- Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of the MAB Programme and UNESCO-designated sites would be an asset.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application online and attach under the “Employment History Form” section the following documents in one combined file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications and work experience, including prior experience of similar work.
- Technical Proposal: A detailed proposal describing the approach to the consultancy, including the proposed methodology, with recurrent deliverables detailing progress and timeline.
- Financial Proposal: A financial proposal with a budget breakdown.
The application should be done through Success Factor only. If you cannot attach the required documents in the system, you may email sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (22023) in the subject line of your e-mail.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an online 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 a competency-based 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.
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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.