Non-Staff Consultant

Provide technical expertise and advisory support for the Emergency Fund’s operational mechanisms.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 27 Jun 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide technical expertise and advisory support for the Emergency Fund’s operational mechanisms.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Management, International Development, or a closely related field.
  • 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.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Demonstrated expertise in expert roster development and rapid response planning.
  • Excellent drafting and coordination skills.
  • Familiarity with UN/UNESCO procedures for technical cooperation.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ 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 **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- 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: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- • 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- • 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- - 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long Description ---------------- 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. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **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. **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **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://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.

Potential interview questions

Describe a situation where you had to coordinate a response during a crisis. What steps did you take? The interviewer wants to understand your experience in crisis management and coordination. Discuss your role, the actions you took, and the outcomes of the situation.
How do you maintain effective communication with stakeholders during an emergency deployment? This question assesses your communication strategy in critical situations. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you implement for developing an expert roster for emergency management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a project where you had to develop technical documentation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in crisis response planning, and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain how you would ensure compliance with UNESCO standards when deploying emergency funds. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience working with UN agencies. What insights did you gain that could benefit this role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the Emergency Fund's deployment mechanisms? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org