Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it operates in over 190 countries, with a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is known for its commitment to fostering sustainable development, cultural diversity, and the protection of heritage sites around the world. The East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN), which is part of UNESCO's initiatives, was established in 1995 and includes seven member states, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant is primarily focused on evaluating the East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN) and its activities over the past decade, specifically from 2016 to 202

• The consultant will be responsible for assessing the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during this period, providing evidence-based recommendations for the next phase from 2026 to 203
• This role requires a deep understanding of the UNESCO framework and the ability to analyze the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, sustainability, and impact of the EABRN's initiatives. The consultant will also need to consider cross-cutting factors such as human rights and environmental sustainability in their evaluation. The work will involve collaboration with various stakeholders and the production of comprehensive reports that will guide future actions and strategies within the network.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting a thorough evaluation of the EABRN's activities and outcomes from 2016 to 2025; analyzing data and information related to the network's governance, communication, and priority themes; engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and feedback; preparing a detailed evaluation report that includes findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations; ensuring that the evaluation process adheres to the OECD DAC Criteria; and presenting the evaluation results to relevant parties, including UNESCO and member states. The consultant will also be expected to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this consultant position must possess a strong background in evaluation methodologies, particularly in the context of international development and environmental conservation. They should have proven experience in conducting evaluations for similar organizations or projects, with a track record of producing high-quality evaluation reports. Additionally, the consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Familiarity with UNESCO's mission and values, as well as the specific context of biosphere reserves, will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as environmental science, international development, public policy, or a related discipline is required for this position. Candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in evaluation or related fields will be preferred. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in research methods and evaluation practices, as well as an understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development principles.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5-7 years of professional experience in evaluation, particularly in the context of international organizations or environmental projects. Experience working with UNESCO or similar UN agencies will be highly regarded. The consultant should also have a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams, as well as experience in engaging with stakeholders from various sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all evaluation reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken in the East Asian region such as Chinese, Korean, or Japanese, will be considered an advantage and may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This consultant position is offered on a contract basis for a duration of 4 months, with the possibility of remote work. The contract level is classified as Level 2 - Middle, indicating a mid-level consultancy role. The application process is open to external candidates, and UNESCO encourages individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities to apply. The application deadline is set for midnight on May 15, 2026, Beijing time. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring processes, and it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.