OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Paris
Type of contract : Individual Consultant Contract (SC/EES/NBC)
Duration of contract : 11 Months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 23-jan-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
In the framework of the 43 C/5 major programme, and under the overall supervision of the Director of the Ecological and Earth Sciences Division (SC/EES), the SC/EES/NBC Chief of Section, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge, the consultant will support the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) within IberoMAB and the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBR), and will assist in the implementation and monitoring of climate change and biodiversity restoration projects in biosphere reserves.
The consultant will design, develop, document and synthesise data, processes and information related to the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to strengthen reporting, capacity development, and strategic planning across regional and thematic networks, in line with the Hangzhou Action Targets.
The consultant will deliver the following products:
I. Implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan within the IberoMAB Network and the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBR)
1. Priority Target Analysis Report
Analytical identification of Action Targets from the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan that are most relevant to IberoMAB and the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves, focusing on:
- strengthening thematic and regional networks (B.17),
- gender equality and youth participation (B.20–21),
- governance, inclusiveness, and Indigenous/local knowledge (A.13, B.15),
- capacity development and peer-learning mechanisms (B.24).
2. Assessment of Network Progress and Needs
Synthesis of information from biosphere reserves, national committees, and coordinators regarding progress, challenges, and needs in integrating Hangzhou priorities:
- integration of SDGs and KMGBF into management plans (A.2–3),
- monitoring systems, data availability, and reporting capacity (B.16),
- participation of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, youth, and women.
3. Consultation-Based Analysis
Compilation and synthesis of insights derived from interviews and virtual consultations with IberoMAB and WNMBR members on governance needs, communication processes, capacity-development priorities, and mountain or transboundary-related issues.
4. Implementation Guidance Package
Compilation and synthesis of insights derived from interviews and virtual consultations with IberoMAB and WNMBR members on governance needs, communication processes, capacity-development priorities, and mountain or transboundary-related issues.
5. Quarterly Analytical Briefing Notes
A synthesized analytical package reviewing and documenting progress. The deliverables will provide a structured overview of the challenges, risks and opportunities regarding the Hangzhou action plan implementation within IberoMAB and the WNMBR.
II. Climate Change and Biodiversity Restoration Activities in Three Spanish and One Polish Biosphere Reserves
1. Analytical Consolidation of Project Documentation
Consolidation and synthesis of existing workplans, reporting templates, monitoring frameworks, and communication materials from the four biosphere reserve projects, with observations on common approaches, inconsistencies, and areas for improved documentation coherence.
2. Documentation of Success Cases
Compilation and synthesis of documented four examples illustrating effective climate-action and ecosystem-restoration practices implemented within the four biosphere reserves.
3. Communication-Oriented Synthesis Products
Develop communication-oriented synthesis products by preparing one package of concise and high-impact materials, including short texts, infographics and visual briefs, that synthesises key achievements, results and lessons learned from climate change, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration projects implemented in UNESCO biosphere reserves. The activity will aim to translate technical and scientific outputs into accessible, policy-relevant messages and to highlight the contribution of Biosphere reserves to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) and UNESCO’s 2030 Strategic Priorities, targeting Biosphere Reserve managers and technical teams, national and local authorities, MAB National Committees, donors and partners, UNESCO internal audiences and field offices, as well as youth networks, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and the wider public. A package of short texts, infographics, or briefs highlighting achievements relevant to the Hangzhou Plan and UNESCO’s 2030 strategic priorities.
4. Quarterly Analytical Briefing Notes
A synthesized analytical package reviewing and consolidating existing workplans, reporting templates, monitoring frameworks, and communication materials used across the four biosphere reserve projects. The deliverable will provide a structured overview of current practices, identify common elements and gaps, and offer observations or considerations to support coherence in climate action and ecosystem restoration documentation.
III. 4th IberoMAB Youth Forum
- Systematized Thematic Inputs Report
A compiled and synthesized set of thematic contributions, background materials, identifying common elements and gaps to align the agenda with Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan priorities for the Youth Forum.
- Synthesis of Participation Coordination Information
A brief coordination report detailing engagement with national focal points, outlining steps taken to ensure broad and representative youth participation from biosphere reserves.
3. Participatory Methodology Framework
A proposed set of participatory methodologies, tools, and processes to support youth engagement during the Forum.
4. Youth Workplan Inputs and Synthesis Outputs
- A consolidated set of youth-generated inputs for future workplans.
- A final synthesis document and technical recommendations emerging from the Forum, aligned with IberoMAB objectives and the MAB Programme’s strategic targets.
Expected duration of the contract February 2026 – December 2026.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Master’s degree in environmental sciences, international relations/development, sustainability, geography, or a closely related field (documented by diploma or transcript).
Work Experience
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience supporting environmental programmes, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, or sustainable development.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience producing analytical reports that include notably conducting consultations and synthesizing information.
Skills and Competencies
- Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills (in at least 3 projects where such skills were applied).
- Experience working with multicultural teams and coordinating with at least 3 stakeholders or partners per project.
Languages
- Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish. Please provide any documentation demonstrating your proficiency, notably in a professional setting.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- At least 1 year of experience working with UNESCO-designated sites or international organizations.
Skills and Competencies
- Knowledge of MAB governance, biosphere reserves, and multilateral environmental frameworks is an advantage (evidenced by prior work, publications, or formal training).
Languages
- Proficiency in Portuguese and/or French. Please provide any documentation demonstrating your proficiency, notably in a professional setting.
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:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating the required qualifications;
- Sample of analytical reports, policy briefs, or research syntheses demonstrating your analytical and organizational skills, of which you are the author or co-author;
- 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;
- Documentation demonstrating your language proficiency notably in a professional setting;
- 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 ((23303) in the subject line of your e-mail.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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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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