Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27/06/2025

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

In the framework of UNESCO”s Programme and Budget 2024–2026, and to strengthen rapid response capabilities for natural hazards, UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector has established the Emergency Fund (EF), with support from the Government of Japan. To guide and facilitate the efficient operationalization of the EF, UNESCO seeks a recognized specialist with expertise in crisis response mechanisms and fund deployment frameworks. The consultant will advise on roster management, stakeholder engagement strategies, procedural tools, and knowledge products required to operationalize the EF in compliance with UNESCO standards.

Objective

Provide technical expertise and advisory support for the design, implementation, and optimization of the Emergency Fund’s operational mechanisms. This includes expert roster management, strategic communications, and contribution to the preparation of technical documentation related to fund-supported deployments.

Key Activities

The Consultant will carry out the following tasks under the supervision of the Programme Specialist (P3) if the DRR unit:

Phase 1: Setup (First 3 months)

• Review existing Emergency Fund Management Guidelines and operational documents.

• Draft a work plan and timeline for consultancy activities

• Support development and population of the EF Expert Roster (internal and external experts).

• Draft technical inputs and advisory notes for the preparation of Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with specialized entities, thought the creation of roster/database for consultants/companies list available for LTA creation, for consideration by UNESCO’s procurement unit.

• Develop templates and SOPs for EF workflows, including application, deployment, follow-up, and reporting processes. This includes:

o Incorporate detailed communication procedures to be followed after emergencies: who to contact, when, and how, including reporting obligations and escalation protocols.

o Establish a standard operational mechanism to be activated in the immediate aftermath of an emergency, including coordination responsibilities between HQ, field offices, and sectoral partners.

Phase 2: Technical Advisory and Knowledge Products (Next 8 months)

• Set up a digital knowledge management tool (e.g., Excel-based tracker or SharePoint folder) to track EF deployments and requests.

• Draft internal communication protocols and decision trees for EF activations and stakeholder coordination.

• Develop templates for deployment reporting by field offices and experts.

• Coordinate first round of update collection of deployment and identify gaps and elaborate actionable technical recommendations.

• Contribute to technical briefs, visibility materials, and internal communications that document EF activities and lessons learned (e.g., Draft visibility content (1 web article and 1 success story) based on implemented EF projects.

• Assist in outreach activities to promote the EF to Field Offices, partners, and potential expert contributors.

• Support the organization of a virtual briefing session for field offices on how to access and implement EF-supported missions.

• Finalize lessons-learned report summarizing operational achievements, challenges, and policy recommendations.

– D6: Monthly EF Status Report #1 and reporting templates.

– D7: EF Awareness Briefing Pack and session summary.

– D8: Technical note for LTA development and pre-identified service providers.

– D9: EF Communication Package (1 article + 1 success story draft).

– D10: Advisory note on field follow-up and mission feedback improvement.

– D11: Final EF Consultancy Report with lessons learned and forward-looking recommendations

How to apply

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit as one single document incorporating all the required elements (pdf format) to be uploaded in the application section “Employment History Form, including the following elements:

(a) an up-to-date curriculum vitae;

b) a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;

(c) an indication of the approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO;

(d) the overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lump sum. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately.

Education

• Advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Management, International Development, or a closely related field.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in emergency response, risk management, or roster-based deployment systems.
• Prior work with UN agencies or international organizations in a technical advisory or consultative capacity.

Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in expert roster development and rapid response planning.
• Excellent drafting and coordination skills.
• Familiarity with UN/UNESCO procedures for technical cooperation.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.