Individual Consultant Contract (EES/Man and the Biosphere Programme)

Create and analyze digital maps and draft a publication on citizen science applications.

This opening expired 9 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Open positions at UNESCO
Logo of UNESCO

Application deadline 9 months ago: Wednesday 29 Oct 2025 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Create and analyze digital maps and draft a publication on citizen science applications.

You have:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent (obtained or in the process of being obtained) in geography, GIS, or a related discipline
  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in an international setting
  • Demonstrated proficiency with QGIS and/or ArcGIS and associated data types
  • Demonstrated proficiency with different coordinate systems and map projections
  • Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Paris Type of contract : Individual Consultant Duration of contract : 3.5 Months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 29-oct-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- In accordance with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2024-2025 (42 C/5), Major Programme II: Natural Sciences – Strategic Objective 2, Outcome 3.SC1 – “Inclusive knowledge and capacities of Member States strengthened to advance and apply science for sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation and restoration, and disaster risk resilience”, under the authority of the Director of the Division of the Ecological and Earth Sciences and the overall responsibility of the Head of MAB Section: Network and Capacity Building, the consultant will : - Create and analyze digital maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere and Global Geoparks programmes. - Implement quality control of spatial data, including data for completeness and accuracy. - Edit and update the programmes’ GIS databases. Specifically, the consultant will: - Review spatial data for Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks and align files to each programme’s technical specifications. - Organize and structure the programmes’ spatial data so that it can be applied in different types of analysis. - Aggregate spatial data at country and programme levels. Expected deliverables 1\. Creation of 45-60 shapefiles aggregating sites by country. 2\. Creation and/or correction of 30-45 shapefiles for individual sites. 3\. Updated GIS databases. Long Description ---------------- Long Description ---------------- **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](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **Education** - Master’s degree or equivalent (obtained or in the process of being obtained) in geography, GIS, or a related discipline **Work Experience** - At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in an international setting **Skills and competencies** - Demonstrated proficiency with QGIS and/or ArcGIS and associated data types - Demonstrated proficiency with different coordinate systems and map projections **Languages** - Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other. Long Description ---------------- **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- 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****:** 1. **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar 2. a **statement** indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment; 3. **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.. 4. **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 [email protected] quoting the reference **(23040)** in the subject line of your e-mail. **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- **Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS****”** **title to “APPLICATION PROCESS****”****, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.** **Otherwise you can delete this section.** **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 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. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities 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. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with GIS and how it relates to this position? This question assesses your practical knowledge of GIS technologies and their relevance to UNESCO's programs. Provide specific examples of past work where you utilized GIS, highlighting any achievements.
What strategies would you use for quality control of spatial data? This question evaluates your understanding of data management best practices. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach drafting a publication on Citizen Science Applications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your experience working in an international setting and its importance for this role. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide examples of your teamwork skills in a project context? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What innovations have you implemented in your previous roles involving GIS? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a challenging project you managed and how you overcame difficulties. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you see as future trends in GIS and their application in natural sciences? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org