National Expert - Research on Innovation

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) Duty Station: Beirut Classification of duty station: \[\[filter12\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement : \[\[filter13\]\] Job Family: Social and Human Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-07-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS** ----------------------------- The research ecosystem in Lebanon has been negatively impacted by a recent financial and economic crisis. Both public and private universities in Lebanon implement austerity measures hence researchers in all disciplines are facing the degradation of their professional and social condition. There is a urgent need to support the research ecosystem to enhance the contribution of quality research to public policy making to address emerging and multi-faceted challenges of the country. In 2022, the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L) has adapted new strategic orientations to 1) enhance the research and policy nexus; 2) enhance local innovation and 3) foster citizens’ engagement and trust in science and research. To this end, UNESCO, the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L) and the French cooperation are joining hands in developing a 5 year Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028) for Scientific research in Lebanon. It aims to help the CNRS-L implement the new strategic orientations through effective international cooperation, new networks, partnerships including new funding schemes. A team of 3 national experts will be recruited to draft the first part of the Strategic Action Plan, which provides a Background and Rapid Assessment of the R&D Ecosystem for the New National Research Policy in Lebanon. A team of French experts, identified by the French cooperation, will then draft the second part of the Action Plan. It will identify a set of actionable recommendations based on a transverse approach regarding international cooperation and funding mechanisms. For the development of the Strategic action plan, a group of key national stakeholders of research from universities, governmental and non-governmental research centers as well as international partners will be informed and consulted throughout the process. Draft manuscripts will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary reading panel. UNESCO will hire a national expert on “Research on Innovation”, who will explore an enhanced link between research and industry by understanding gaps and challenges of the current ecosystem of innovation and by collecting successful and promising experiences. Long Description ---------------- **Duties and responsibilities.** Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Beirut office and under the direct supervision of the Programme specialist for Social and Human Sciences and in close coordination with the CNRS-L, the expert shall: - Map the innovation ecosystem in academia and research centers - Update the stocktaking of innovation in Lebanon (compilation of the existing reports as well as new initiatives) - Review key documents and relevant research on innovation in Lebanon. - Conduct 15-20 interviews with stakeholders from the industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem. - Map the existing programs linking research to industry. **DELIVERABLES IN 2023:** - Inception report in French with methodology and timeline (2 weeks after the start of the assignment) - Draft report in French (4 weeks after the approval of the inception report) - A final report in French (15 September 2023). DURATION: July 2023 – September 2023 **Contractual Arrangements** Your written submittal should comprise: - An updated CV - A technical proposal - A financial proposal consisting of the amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD only, and divided by deliverables. - Remuneration: Payments are based upon deliverables. No payment will be made if the deliverable is not accomplished. **EVALUATION METHOD** - CV & Technical proposal 700 points - Financial proposal – 300 points **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** --------------------------- - Holder of a Master degree (PhD is an asset) in social sciences, basic and natural sciences, technology, business. - Good knowledge of the innovation ecosystem. - Previous/ current experience in innovation programs. - Good knowledge of incubators, accelerators, IP, etc. - Strong analytical and report writing skills. - Familiarity of work of/with universities, start-ups, innovators and incubators locally and globally. - Excellent communication in French and Arabic. - Residence in Lebanon or the region and readiness to commute to CNRS-L during the period of the consultancy. **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 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://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) 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.