Individual Consultant-Foodways Researcher

In line with the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO’s ICH programme in South-East Asia, the project 505GLO4001 ‘Food Atlas and digital platform for safeguarding, promoting and transmitting foodways to future generations’ aims at sharing information and knowledge on foodways and their safeguarding through an international food atlas and digital platform. This initiative assumes that food and the practices associated with it are important tools for maintaining the bonds of solidarity and peace between people. Therefore, it seeks to contribute to strengthening community well-being and sustainable development, and to further promote cooperation and bridge the knowledge gap about the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

The assignment is a part the inception phase of the project. It aims to instigate the situation analysis in three of potential beneficiary countries of this project in the scope of South-East Asia. In this essence, the Individual Consultant is expected to provide the following outputs:

• Mapping (geographical) of foodway safeguarding initiatives in Thailand, Lao PDR and Singapore;
• Mapping (as tables) of up to 20 stakeholders in the safeguarding of traditional foodways in Thailand, Lao PDR and Singapore;
• Identification of 3-5 ICH related to foodways that have potential as subject matters for the next phase of project implementation, referring also to the Project Synopsis and the list of ICH related to foodways already inscribed to UNESCO Lists and Register;
• List of local organizations that have potential to be UNESCO partners in implementing this project in the three countries.

Duties And Responsibilities:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Culture Unit.

The Individual Specialist shall :

• Undertake a desk-based research and conduct interviews or focus-group discussions to complete a mapping study that addresses the following information:
• Mapping (geographical) of foodway safeguarding initiatives in Thailand, Lao PDR and Singapore, especially those that show linkages between the continuation of traditional culinary practices and the conservation of natural resources;
• Mapping (as tables) of up to 20 stakeholders in the safeguarding of traditional foodways in Thailand, Lao PDR and Singapore;
• Identification of 3-5 ICH related to foodways that have potential as subject matters for the next phase of project implementation, referring also to the Project Synopsis and the list of ICH related to foodways already inscribed to UNESCO Lists and Register,

UNESCO the following deliverables:

• A concept note and workplan on how the study will be conducted;
• A completed foodways mapping report for Thailand, Lao PDR and Singapore.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent and above) in the fields of anthropology, culinary studies, heritage studies, environment or related areas.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of field experience related to culture, cultural and creative industries in Thailand, Lao PDR and/or Singapore;
• Prior experience related to gastronomical culture and science.

Skills/Competencies:

• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to communicate fluently in English, Thai and/or Lao.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken), Thai and Lao.

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Bangkok-Individual-Consultant-Foodways-Researcher/796535402/