National Expert_Research on R&D Ecosystem
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 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.
Long Description
UNESCO will hire a national expert on “Research on R&D Ecosystem” to draft the Background and Rapid Assessment of the R&D Ecosystem, which consists of: i) Introduction, ii) National context on scientific research; iii) The socio-economic situation (comparative approach before/after crisis); iv) the Higher education & Research ecosystem in Lebanon; v) R&D in research institutions; vi) The link between research and industry; vii) the innovation ecosystem; viii) quick assessment of the research impact; ix) Recent transformation of CNRS-L program.
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:
- Draft the Background and Rapid Assessment of the R&D Ecosystem, which consists of: i) Introduction, ii) National context on scientific research; iii) The socio-economic situation (comparative approach before/after crisis); iv) the Higher education & Research ecosystem in Lebanon; v) R&D in research institutions; vi) The link between research and industry; vii) the innovation ecosystem; viii) quick assessment of the research impact; ix) Recent transformation of CNRS-L program; based on:
- the situation analysis on the national research ecosystem, proposing methodologies including a set of guiding questions and indicators.
- Data collected on R&D
- Data and information on Innovation
- A survey to assess the “research impact” related to public policies, knowledge production, development and link to society.
- Review the comments of the reading panel on the draft assessment report.
- Review and provide written feedback on the draft content of table of the Strategic action plan (the part II, to be drafted by the French experts’ team).
- Review and provide feedback on the draft Strategic Actin plan (Part II, to be prepared by the French experts’ team).
- Participate as a resource person in the consultations, meetings & launching event of the Strategic Action Plan, as a resource person to present the process, findings of the Assessment.
DELIVERABLES IN 2023:
- Inception report in French with methodology and timeline (2 weeks upon the signature of the contract)
- Draft Background assessment report and the powerpoint presentation in French (30 October 2023)
- Feedback on the Inception report & Table of contents of the Action Plan (to be prepared by the French experts’ team) (10 December 2023)
DELIVERABLES IN 2024:
- Feedback on the draft Strategic Plan (1 February 2024)
- Feedback on the 2nd final draft Strategic Plan (30 March 2024)
DURATION: July 2023 – June 2024
Short Description
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.
– A minimum of five years relevant experience in working with the national research ecosystem.
– Previous experience on analyzing R&D Indicators specified by UIS for Lebanon.
– Experience in report writing.
– Previous experience in working with the universities and main stakeholders of R&D in Lebanon.
– Excellent analysis and strategic thinking skills.
– Familiarity of work with national and international bodies.
– Excellent drafting skills in French and Arabic.
– Residence in Lebanon 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. 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.
