CONSULTANT- ILK CAPACITY BUILDING IN MEXICO
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station: Mexico City
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) : 30/04/2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
BACKGROUND
In accordance with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2022-2023 (41 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”, and within the framework of the mobilisation of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) support to the Mexico City Office; work under the overall authority of the Head of Mexico City Office and the supervision of the Chief of Section for Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) programme perform the tasks stipulated hereunder.
Long Description
SCOPE OF WORK
The aim of this Consultant role is to help develop the capacity of the UNESCO Mexico City Office to work with Indigenous and Local Knowledge holder, notably in relation to scientific assessments and in relation to UNESCO’s Intersectoral Programme 3 on Indigenous knowledge, languages and cultures.
Long Description
A: Provide support and mentoring on Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) to the staff of the UNESCO Mexico City Office
Tasks to include:
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- Provide orientation to the Mexico City staff on the principles of Indigenous knowledge production and transdisciplinary cooperation, including an introduction to Intersectoral Programme 3, the outcomes of IPBES and BES Net Assessments.
- Support Mexico City Office in scoping for potential partners and donors, networks and relevant initiatives associated with Indigenous knowledge systems and the environment, including in relation to UNESCO designated sites.
- Contribute to an annotated guide to key national and regional networks and institutions engaged in ILK research and assessment.
- Support Mexico City Office in preparing a plan of action for linking Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Languages to a its Biennium work plan (under 3.SC1, 5.IP3 and other relevant outcomes).
- Support Mexico Office including Intersectoral Programme 3 and the knowledge components in the Office strategy for the implementation of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
- Prepare a summary news item for publication on leading Mexican ILK initiatives in relation to the Mexico City Office work plan and LINKS priorities.
Long Description
- B . Provide support to Transdisciplinary dialogues, assessments and global processes
- Support LINKS on the development of activities and communications for the Joint Programme of Work on the links between Biological and Cultural Diversity, with a focus on Mexico and Latin America including communicating with participants, developing key background documents and supporting the implementation of any workshops and webinars.
- Support LINKS and the Mexico City Office on preparations for the UNCBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, in cooperation with other UNESCO Field Offices (San Jose, Kingston and Guatemala), including identifying expert contributors, communicating with key partners and supporting the organization of events or activities connected to the COP.
- Work with LINKS on the design and delivery of an online training course on Indigenous and local knowledge and the science policy interface, including supporting the development and delivery of the course (September 2024).
- Support LINKS in the delivery of online and in-person Indigenous and local knowledge dialogue workshops and webinars for global-scale IPBES assessments, including for the second global assessment, business and biodiversity assessment, monitoring assessment and invasive alien species assessment, including communicating with participants, developing key background documents and supporting the implementation of the workshops and webinars.
- Support LINKS in its work with the IPBES ILK task force, including the organization and implementation of the in-person meeting of the IPBES task force on Indigenous and local knowledge and assisting in the extension of a review of ILK methods in IPBES.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent required) in natural sciences, ecological sciences or relevant social sciences and humanities.
Work experience
- A minimum of five years of professional experience environmental assessments, biodiversity, transdisciplinary research and dialogue, Indigenous and local knowledge systems, science policy or community engagement
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work experience
Proven experience in conducting research and analysis and/or implementing programmes/projects on Indigenous and local knowledge.
Experience in United Nations or multilateral processes related to science policy or other relevant themes.
Experience in producing policy-oriented reports or recommendations are desirable. Experience in case study development and science-to-policy trainings are desirable.
Skills/Competencies
Very good understanding of working on the interface of science and Indigenous and local knowledge systems.
Excellent knowledge about the assessment functions of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
Familiarity with UNESCO Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme.
Proven ability to manage projects, work with teams, and work on multiple interrelated outputs.
Proven ability to draft clearly and concisely and to produce high quality policy-oriented analysis and synthesis documents.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:
- A one-page statement laying out how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment, and explaining how they would approach the work;
- The salary expectations for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars on a monthly basis for a 8-month period (full-time working).
Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application form. Only applications with the above requested information will be considered.
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 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.
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UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
