Individual Consultant Contract (Natural Sciences) (22494)

UNESCO Green Citizens; Paris; Sur place; USD 30 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established organization is seeking a consultant to support crucial conservation efforts focused on mangroves and glaciers. This role involves analyzing UNESCO-designated sites, developing training programs, and contributing to international biodiversity initiatives. The position promises a dynamic work environment where you'll collaborate with experts from around the globe, enhancing your skills while making a significant impact on global ecological conservation. If you're passionate about environmental science and eager to contribute to meaningful projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in ecological sciences, environmental sciences, or sustainable development required.
• Experience in international scientific programmes/projects is essential.

Responsabilités

• Support analytical and capacity-building activities on mangrove and glacier conservation.
• Organize training sessions and develop MOOC on mangrove conservation.

Connaissances

Good presentation skills

Ability to work within deadlines

Familiarity with the UN system

Comfortable in a multicultural workplace

Formation

Masters degree in ecological sciences

Masters degree in environmental sciences

Masters degree in sustainable development

Description du poste

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Paris

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 15 / 05 / 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, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge, the consultant will support analytical and capacity-building activities on mangrove and glacier conservation. The work contributes to the objectives of the MangRes Project and UNESCO's engagement in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

1. Glacier Conservation Analysis in UNESCO Sites

• Develop a map of UNESCO-designated sites with glaciers and provide a list of sites and their glacier-covered areas.
• Draft a two-page summary in English on the main threats to glaciers in UNESCO-designated sites.
• Identify and document at least 10 good practices in glacier conservation (maximum one page per practice) based on desk research and expert interviews.

2. Mangrove Conservation Analysis in UNESCO Sites

• Develop a GIS-based map showing the geographical distribution of mangrove ecosystems within these sites.
• Calculate mangrove extent (in hectares) in UNESCO-designated sites.
• Provide a map of the potential for mangrove restoration within these sites.
• Draft a two-page summary in English on the main threats to mangroves in UNESCO-designated sites.
• Identify and document at least 10 good practices in mangrove conservation and restoration (maximum one page per practice) based on desk research and expert interviews.
• Present the contribution of UNESCO-designated sites to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

3. Mangrove conservation and restoration training courses

• Support the organization of two in-person training sessions and one Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on mangrove conservation and restoration. This includes:
• Identifying and liaising with mangrove specialists, restoration experts, and educators from Latin America, the Caribbean, and partnering institutions to serve as trainers or guest speakers.
• Contributing to the design and development of the MOOC module, including coordination of content creation and selection of multimedia materials (videos, case studies, readings).
• Drafting and reviewing the agenda and training programme for each in-person session and the MOOC, ensuring they reflect both theoretical and practical components and are tailored to the needs of diverse target groups (local communities, students, professionals, decision-makers).
• Coordinating preparatory online meetings with trainers and technical contributors to refine the content and format of each training component.
• Supporting the promotion and outreach for the MOOC and onsite trainings to ensure broad participation, particularly from biosphere reserves and VLIR-UOS partner countries.

Long Description

4. Strengthening Scientific Cooperation within the MangRes project

• Prepare working protocols outlining objectives, roles, meeting calendar, and priority areas of work.
• Support the organization of bimonthly scientific meetings, including agendas and summary reports.
• Map scientific collaboration opportunities between Global South and North institutions (e.g., universities, research centers, biosphere reserves, and private sector actors engaged in Nature-based Solutions).
• Identify and facilitate exchanges among early-career researchers, such as short research visits, technical webinars, and co-publications.

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)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Masters degree or equivalent in ecological sciences, environmental sciences, or sustainable development.

Work experience

• Experience working in and implementing international scientific programmes/projects.

Skills and competencies

• Good presentation skills to articulate ideas and design concepts in engaging proposals.
• Ability to work within deadlines and adapt to feedback.
• Comfortable working in a multicultural workplace and able to work in a team to achieve shared objectives.
• Familiarity with the UN system.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in international scientific projects is desirable.

Knowledge of the MAB Programme and UNESCO Designated sites would be an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now" and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) located in Employment History Form / My Documents. Before uploading, please insert the extra pages with the following required information into a single file:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV (maximum 2 pages) detailing educational qualifications, work experience, and prior similar experience.
• Technical proposal: A short approach and methodology (maximum 3 pages) outlining how the objectives and deliverables will be addressed, including progress and timeline.
• A list of past similar assignments, with hyperlinks or samples if available online or offline.
• Financial proposal in US dollars with a detailed budget breakdown.

Application should be submitted through SuccessFactors only. If you are unable to upload the required documents, you may send an email quoting the reference (22494) in the subject line.

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