Consultant UNESCO seismic code database

UNESCO; Paris; Sur place; EUR 80 000 - 100 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

An international organization in Paris is looking for an experienced consultant to collect and summarize seismic codes in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role involves developing a database, ensuring data integrity, and liaising with partners for effective collaboration. Candidates should possess an advanced degree in architecture or related fields, at least two years of relevant work experience, and fluency in English and French. This consultancy position is projected to last 7 to 11 months with a focus on disaster risk management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in disaster risk management.
• Understanding of built environments in seismic contexts.
• Experience with UN or international organizations is desirable.

Responsabilités

• Collect seismic codes in Sub-Saharan Africa and develop a database.
• Draft the database for publication on the UNESCO website.
• Review and clean data, integrate it into the database.

Connaissances

Data collection and organization

Analytical skills

Drafting skills

Coordination skills

Fluent in English

Fluent in French

Formation

Advanced university degree in architecture or related field

Description du poste

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: 10-Nov-2025

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

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. Many countries in Sub‑Saharan Africa face challenges such as outdated or absent codes, limited enforcement capacity and insufficient integration of architectural and engineering considerations. Collecting and analysing 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 in the following areas:

• Collect seismic codes in Sub‑Saharan Africa and develop a database.
• Draft the database for publication on the UNESCO website.

Key Activities

• 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, standardise 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.

Deliverables

• 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: Finalised and quality‑checked seismic code database ready for publication on UNESCO’s website plus a brief lessons‑learned note.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)

• Accountability
• Communication
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Planning and organising
• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

Required Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters 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 organise 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.

Desirable Qualifications

Education

• Prior work with UN agencies or international organisations 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 the Employment History form (Word document). Complete the form and, at the end, insert the required documents in a single combined file:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up to 2 pages.
• Statement indicating how qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment.
• Technical proposal: Short approach and methodology (max 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives/deliverables will be addressed, detailing progress and timeline.
• Financial proposal in US dollars or euros with a budget breakdown.

Apply through the SuccessFactors case. If you cannot attach the required documents in the system, send an email quoting the reference (23086) in the subject line.

Selection and Recruitment Process

All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. The evaluation will be based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include tests, assessments or an interview. UNESCO may use video or teleconference, e‑mail correspondence, etc., for assessment and evaluation. Selected candidates will be further contacted; final selection will include reference checks based on the information provided.

Legal / EEO Statement

UNESCO applies a zero‑tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, gender parity and workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non‑ and under‑represented Member States are particularly welcome. Individuals from minority groups, 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. UNESCO is a non‑smoking organisation.