Individual Consultant to the Section for Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 26-MAY-2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall guidance of Ms Anna Maria Majlöf, Chief of the Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue Section and the direct supervision of Mr Konstantinos Tararas, Programme Specialist, the candidate will carry out tasks linked to the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, 2017, the Programme on the freedom and safety of scientists and more generally the right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits (alias the right to science).

This will involve the following:

Long Description

a) Contribute to the development of an assessment tool on freedom and safety of scientists based on the indicators framework developed for the Recommendation. Key features of such a tool are the following: comprehensiveness, efficiency and user-friendliness, applicability in different contexts. Tasks include: desk research to draw on strengths of similar tools; assistance in organizing consultations with Member States and experts and in introducing their contributions to the draft tool accordingly; launching the layout of the tool;

b) Support the conduct of a study on the situation of women scientists in crisis and emergency situations in cooperation with GEN and SC by assisting with tasks related to this work, including: liaising with the contractor conducting the study throughout the process; reviewing draft manuscripts; providing substantive inputs; conducting additional research if needed in this context, liaising with peer reviewers, supporting the organization of online consultations, etc.;

Qualifications

c) Contribute to input preparation in relation to upcoming events, including:

• Preparation of the document to the 222th session of the UNESCO Executive Board on the 2nd consultation on the implementation of the Recommendation;
• Contribution to the convening of a policy dialogue on freedom and safety of scientists (tentatively in November 2025) where among others the assessment tool could be launched, inter alia supporting the preparation of the programme and background documents;
  

  d) Contribute to existing partnerships and the development of new ones, including with SANOFI, the International Science Council and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (finalization of a study on the right to science in health emergencies), by developing concept notes and detailed budgeted activities, revising plans, organizing preparatory meetings, etc.;

  e) Assist in the preparation of the SHS inputs to the 51st and 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review, the finalization of the report on the renewal of the Graz category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO, as well as any other input requested in relation to the abovementioned tasks, such as the preparation of material for briefings, as well as for dissemination and communication, draft statements, concept notes for events and partnerships, talking points, minutes, etc..

  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.

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • University degree in fields related to international relations, political sciences, social and human sciences or human rights.
  • At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in research on social and human sciences and human rights, preferably in the field of science and human rights.
  • Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French, and/or any other UNESCO official language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) will be an asset.
  • Computer literacy (i.e. Microsoft Teams, etc.).

    APPLICATION PROCESS

    APPLICATION PROCESS
    

    Your application should be submitted by e-mail no later than 26 May 2025 at midnight CEST (Central European Summer Time) at the following email address: rssr@unesco.org, copying k.tararas@unesco.org and c.vannetelbosch@unesco.org, mentioning in the subject “SHS/REI/IRD – Human Rights in Science Consultancy” in the email subject.
    

    The application should be submitted in English or French, and consist of the following documents:

    1. Up-to-date curriculum vitae;
    2. A provisional workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference, if any (1 page max);
    3. Statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment, and the cost of the assignment, expressed as monthly fees in Euros (1 page max);

    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. 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.

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    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) 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.

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