Consultancy on Development of a toolkit on geotourism - Region focus: Arab States & Latin America

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Cairo Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-Apr-2022 (EXTENDED) UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism Background ---------- UNESCO is the only United Nations organization with a mandate to support research and capacity in Earth Sciences and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) is the flagship. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. They represent hubs for generating knowledge and outreaching to societies through education and research, promoting nature-based activities and geotourism and strengthening social capital through innovation and sustainable development. At present, there are 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries. UNESCO Global Geopark’s concept is well placed to ensure the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2020 whereby Goal 8 on Decent work and economic growth, foster the promotion of sustainable local economic development through geotourism. The latter represents one of the main pillars of UNESCO Global Geopark. Goal 8 revolves around job creation and innovation in nature-based development initiatives and education, hospitality and tourism sectors as well as the promotion of local culture and natural and traditional products. IGGP, through UNESCO Offices in Montevideo and Cairo, is implementing the project “Management Schemes for UNESCO Global Geoparks in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and North Africa (Arab States)”, known as GEO-Schemas. The project will establish an enabling environment to promote technology transfer and cooperation through sharing good practices in geotourism driven by geoheritage conservation and sustainable management principles and inclusiveness and entrepreneurship which are well grounded in leveraging the livelihood of local communities in both regions. One of the project aim targets strengthening social capital and catalyzing transformative changes in young generations and kids to be well geared towards celebrating Earth Heritage and be among the actors and partners in sustaining local communities’ and leveraging their livelihoods. **Task description** -------------------- Within the framework of the Ecology and Earth Sciences Programme of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States in Cairo (UCO) and UNESCO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo (MTD), under the overall supervision of the UCO and MTV Directors and the direct supervision of the EES Programme Specialists at UCO, and MONTV the consultant will work on the production of a toolkit of ‘adaptable’ nature for the promotion of Geotourism in both regions: Arab States and LAC region. To this end, the consultant will: 1. Perform assessment of Geotourism in both regions and hold a situation analysis and state of play (social, environmental and economic aspects) in UGGps and aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks (aUGGps) from both regions; 2. Develop survey and hold online interviews for data collection; 3. Desk review and online search on existing documents, publications on sustainable tourism with emphasis on geotourism; 4. Mapping the sustainable tourism industry with emphasis on geotourism; 5. Mapping and analyzing Geotourism tools used and practices adopted in UGGps worldwide; 6. Develop Geotourism toolkit including guidelines to support and guide site managers in the development of local Geotourism activities and ventures with associated standards for sustainable and eco-friendly activities, those related to amenity services, education and training. (proposals, recommendations, how to implement it, conclusions, and graphics designs). Coordination/ Consultation -------------------------- 1. Regular contact, on weekly basis with EES Programme Specialists and the project team at UCO and MTD on the advancement of the assignment and copy the PS, the project’s coordinator and assistant on all correspondences made for the purpose of this assignment. 2. The consultant will work together with UNESCO Global Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks, and according to relevance, it will work with national stakeholders including National Competent Authorities (Ministries of Tourism, Environment, Mining, Geology, and Planning) and Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society and local communities as well as relevant agencies from the private sector to set the basis for sustainable Geotourism. 3. Assist in the communication and coordination with representatives of the Member State as well as UNESCO National Commission, and relevant institutions and community members for the provision of the material and information needed to perform the above assignment. Deliverables ------------ 1. Inception report including thematic areas addressed and modules topics. 2. First version of the toolkit on geotourism. 3. Designing and moderating an Inter-regional workshop on application of the toolkit to testing the toolkit and to documenting cases from Arab States and LAC and workshop report (TBC if online or in person). 4. Final version of the toolkit on geotourism. TIMETABLE --------- **Item No.** **Deliverables** **Delivery Date** 1 - Inception report: Mapping of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks of both regions; Thematic areas addressed; Module topics; Methodology. 07 June 2022 2 - First version of the toolkit on geotourism: - Assessment of Geotourism state of play (social, environmental and economic aspects) in UGGps and aUGGps from both regions (interviews and other formats of data collection are required); - Recollection and analysis of Geotourism tools employed in UGGps worldwide; - Analysis of sustainable tourism trends worldwide. - Proposals, recommendations, how to implement it, preliminary conclusions, and graphics designs. 30 August 2022 TIMETABLE --------- 3 - Designing and moderating an Inter-regional workshop on application of the toolkit to testing the toolkit and to documenting cases from Arab States and LAC and workshop report (TBC if online or in person). 15 September 2022 4 - Final version of the toolkit on geotourism. 30 October 2022 **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ----------------------- ***Education*** - University degree (Master degree or preferably PhD) in geology, museology, tourism industry, hospitality and/or sustainable development. - Knowledge of UNESCO Global Geoparks and associated concepts and institutional structures. - Ability in handling GIS and Graphic Design tools. ***Work Experience*** - At least 5 years of proven experience in sustainable development, nature-based tourism, hospitality and tourism industry, earth resources management and/or tourism; - Proven experience working in the Arab or LAC region in the relevant fields of the assignment and preferably in both regions. ***Skills/Competencies*** - Professional knowledge about, and direct experience in, conservation of natural resources with emphasis on geological heritage, sustainable tourism development, hospitality, branding and marketing; - Strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills; - Excellent written and oral communication skills; - Excellent networking, partnership building and interpersonal skills; - Good computer and other IT skills including social media; - Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment and as part of a team. ***Languages*** - Very good (written/spoken/reading comprehension) in English and Spanish is required. Arabic is a plus DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS ------------------------ it is desirable to have teaching experience in the field related to the assignment. it is preferably to have Master degree or preferably PhD) in geology, museology, tourism industry, hospitality and/or sustainable development. **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.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) 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 a competency-based 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. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.