National Expert_Data Collection and Research Coordination
JOB DETAIL
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 7 to 11 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 ensuring international cooperation, new networks and 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.
Long Description
UNESCO will hire a national expert on “Data Collection and Research Coordination”
- To collect and analyze the data on higher education and research ecosystem and thus to analyze the Research and Development (R&D) in research institutions. By comparing before/after the current crisis in the country, more specific analysis will be conducted on the following aspects: a) Expenditure; b) Human capital; c) Gender; d) Migration and mobility of researchers and e) Transformation of the PhD programs.
- To coordinate the research and consultation process of the overall Strategic Action Plan development with research stakeholders in Lebanon.
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:
- Collect data & update the stocktaking of scientific research
- Draft a chapter related to R&D in research institutions in Lebanon as part of the Background assessment report.
- Coordinate in organizing the reading panel meetings. (agenda setting, invitation, sharing documents with participants, taking minutes, catering)
- Coordinate in organizing a set of 3-5 partners’ consultation meetings. (agenda setting, invitation, sharing documents with participants, taking minutes, catering)
- Coordinate in organizing monthly technical meetings with research stakeholders (agenda setting, invitation, sharing documents with participants, taking minutes)
- Coordinate the publication process of the final plan by ensuring translation, editing, layouting and proof-reading
- Ensure the visibility of all partners including UNESCO using logos and acknowledgement in all documents to be communicated through media and social media in close coordination with UNESCO’s communication unit.
DELIVERABLES IN 2023:
– Inception report in French with methodology and timeline (2 weeks after the start of the assignment).
– Quantitative data related to the R&D chapter (4 weeks after the approval of the inception report).
– A report on the Partners’ meeting on the final draft of the Assessment report (15 November 2023).
DELIVERABLES IN 2024:
– A report on the Partners’ meeting on the zero draft of the action plan (15 Feb 2024).
– The launch event report with a proof of visibility efforts (30 April 2024).
– Final Strategic Action Plan edited, translated & layouted ready for online publication (15 June 2024).
DURATION: July 2023 – June 2024
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)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Holder of a PhD in social sciences, basic and natural sciences
- Proven experience in research
- Good knowledge of CNRS-L Programmes including the PhD mobility programmes at a national level
- Previous/current experience in working with the universities and main stakeholders of R&D in Lebanon
- Excellent data collection and strategic thinking skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Familiarity of work of/ with universities, research centers locally and globally
- Excellent drafting skills in French and Arabic.
- Residence in Lebanon and readiness to commute to CNRS-L.
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 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.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
