Senior Consultant - Climate Resilience and School Safety

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 194

• Its mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. It plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and conflict, particularly in the context of education systems.

Job Overview:
The Senior Consultant for Climate Resilience and School Safety will play a pivotal role in enhancing UNESCO's strategic positioning and technical delivery in the areas of school safety, climate change, and resilience in education. This position is critical in supporting education systems to become more resilient and responsive to crises, including those arising from natural disasters and conflicts. The consultant will lead the development of comprehensive safety plans and preparedness toolkits, ensuring that education authorities and school communities are equipped to handle various hazards. The consultant will also provide training and technical support to UNESCO Field Offices, thereby enhancing their capacity to implement effective response and recovery strategies in crisis-affected contexts. This role requires collaboration with various sections within UNESCO to ensure a holistic approach to education in emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the development of an All-Hazards, All-Risks School Safety Plan Guide, which includes model templates for planning, drills, and reviews. They will develop hazard-specific preparedness toolkits for various natural disasters, ensuring that these resources are practical and actionable for education authorities and school communities. The consultant will conduct capacity strengthening sessions for UNESCO Field Offices, focusing on school safety, climate change, and learner wellbeing. They will provide technical support for the development of response plans and project proposals, and assist in resource mobilization efforts related to climate change. Additionally, the consultant will participate in global and regional coordination mechanisms to advocate for school safety and climate resilience in education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant international professional experience, including operational experience in the field and providing technical support at both country and regional levels. Familiarity with UN or multilateral organizations and networks related to disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change, and education is essential. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges they face in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant international professional experience. This includes operational experience in the field and providing technical support at both country and regional levels. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with UN or multilateral organizations, particularly in areas related to disaster risk reduction, climate change, and education.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset in the application process.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 11 months, and the position is open to external candidates. The assignment is primarily remote, with any necessary travel being subject to prior approval and reimbursement based on actual costs. Candidates are required to submit a technical proposal and a financial proposal by email before the application deadline. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.