Consultant for the World Heritage Marine Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with the mission 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 focuses on various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and protecting cultural heritage worldwide, with a particular emphasis on the conservation of World Heritage sites.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the World Heritage Marine Programme is integral to the UNESCO Culture Sector's mission of conserving exceptional natural and cultural sites globally. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Marine Programme Coordinator, contributing to the implementation of two significant extrabudgetary projects aimed at enhancing the application of the World Heritage Convention for marine protected areas. The consultant's role will involve providing technical expertise, supporting project activities, and managing communications outreach. This includes organizing workshops, webinars, and participating in international conferences, all aimed at promoting effective conservation strategies and building resilience against climate change for marine World Heritage sites. The consultant will also be responsible for documenting success stories and best practices, ensuring that the communication materials are of high quality and effectively disseminated to relevant stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical expertise to support project implementation, such as organizing regional workshops and webinars for marine site managers, assisting in the preparation for the Third UN Ocean Conference, and contributing to the assessment of the state of conservation of marine World Heritage sites.
• Supporting content management for communications activities, including documenting success stories, drafting and editing content for UNESCO websites and social media, and gathering media materials for donor reporting.
• Facilitating the development of a pre-feasibility study for blue carbon projects in collaboration with global experts.
• Attending project meetings and maintaining good relations with project partners throughout the contract duration.
• Submitting monthly summary reports detailing progress on activities and deliverables, as well as a final report summarizing achievements and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or a Master's degree in environmental science, climate science, sustainable development, natural sciences, or a related field. They should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in environment, climate change, sustainable development, environmental policy, or natural sciences, preferably at the international level. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience in natural World Heritage and climate change, as well as the ability to implement project communication strategies effectively. Excellent communication and writing skills are essential, along with strong coordination and organizational abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or a Master's degree in fields related to environmental science, climate science, sustainable development, or natural sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of marine conservation and the implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as environment, climate change, sustainable development, or natural sciences. Experience at the international level is preferred, as the consultant will be working with various stakeholders across different countries and cultures. The ability to navigate complex environmental issues and contribute to international conservation efforts is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with international stakeholders. A basic or good knowledge of French is also necessary, as both languages will be utilized in the implementation of the work and communication with partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultant contract will last up to six months, with a probationary period of one month. This is a non-career appointment and does not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to another contract. Medical health care is not provided. Interested candidates must submit an online application along with an up-to-date CV and an expression of interest outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. The application process includes a thorough evaluation based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice, which may involve tests, assessments, and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply.