JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Paris

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 25-SEP-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Within the framework of the IHP IX (2022-2029) “Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment”, and the project “Hydro-Resilience: Citizen and Open Science for Climate Adaptation”, which aims to address hydro-climatic vulnerability by developing, testing and evaluating the use of citizen and open science methodologies, the contractor will be responsible for developing a publication on Citizen Science Applications for Water Management.

The contractor will perform the following tasks:

1) Conduct a comprehensive review of existing Citizen Science initiatives in water management to identify trends, best practices, lessons learned, key actors, methodologies, tools and innovations:

1. Review presentations, panel discussions and submitted materials from the CS4Water Conference, that will be provided by UNESCO
2. Identify key actors and partners actively involved in citizen science for water management globally and regionally
3. Assess monitoring methodologies and tools currently used in existing citizen science for water initiatives
4. Identify applications demonstrating impact, community involvement, scientific contribution, policy uptake and extract best practices and lessons learned
5. Identify innovative approaches (e.g. AI integration) applied within citizen science for water management
6. Prepare a short report (up to 10 pages) presenting the findings of the comprehensive review and attach an Excel database of all the citizen science initiatives that were reviewed with at least the following information: project name, project website, contact person and information, project status, project partners, country(ies), language(s), project objectives, citizen involvement

2) Draft a publication on ‘Citizen Science Applications for Water Management’ based on the review outputs, summarizing knowledge into a high-quality, scientifically relevant document:

1. Develop an outline for the publication, including (main) chapters and sections based on the outcomes of the review
2. Develop a draft publication of at least 30 pages (in English), including the following elements:
   1. Introduction of the concept of Citizen Science and its relevance to water management
   2. Methodologies, tools, best practices and lessons learned from global and regional applications
   3. Concrete examples and feedback from key actors and initiatives
   4. Innovations, sustainability and future vision
3. Collect input from the identified key partners to validate the information and integrate concrete examples in the publication

Long Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of environmental sciences or in a related science discipline.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of water resources management.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental monitoring, data management, and the development of publications
• Experience in reviewing participatory initiatives and synthesizing findings into structured databases or reports
• Involvement in at least one citizen science initiative related to water management or environmental monitoring

Skills and competencies

• Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and synthesis skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to interact with a range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of oral and written English

Long Description

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Doctorate in the field of environmental sciences or in a related science discipline

Work Experience

• Experience regarding citizen science and public participation in freshwater management
• Active involvement in a citizen science initiative

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in “Employment History Form / My Documents”. Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one combined file:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
2. a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
3. Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing progress, and timeline..
4. Financial proposal in US dollars or Euros with a budget breakdown.

Application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to [email protected] quoting the reference (22972) in the subject line of your e-mail.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS” title to “APPLICATION PROCESS”, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.

Otherwise you can delete this section.

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 an 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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements