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).

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    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, 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 that they 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 on-site 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 bi-monthly 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

      • Master's degree or equivalent in the field of ecological sciences, environmental sciences, or sustainable development.

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        Work experience

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