Technical assistance specialized in Natural Sciences for Biosphere Reserves, Lima, Peru

 

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector: Field Office

Duty Station: Lima

Job Family: Education

Type of contract: Non Staff

Duration of contract: From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to: External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 12-AUG-2021 (EXTENDED)

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

BACKGROUND

• The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), thanks to the support of the Government of Flanders of the Kingdom of Belgium, implemented from 2014 to 2018, the Project “Biosphere Reserves as a tool for the sustainable management of coastal areas and islands in the Southeast Pacific (BRESEP) ”. The project provided support to the Latin American Pacific countries - Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru - in the coastal management of their biosphere reserves in order to ensure the sustainable development of the territory and improve the livelihoods of the inhabitants of the region.
• The project marked a close collaboration between the MAB Program and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), through its SPINCAM project funded by the Government of Flanders.
• SPINAM worked in the same countries covered by BRESEP and developed a long-term strategy for the sustainable growth of coastal areas with scientific basis.
• Through BRESEP and with the support of the SPINCAM project, substantial expansions of biosphere reserves were carried out in Chile (Juan Fernández Archipelago Biosphere Reserve), Ecuador (Galapagos Biosphere Reserve) and Peru (Amotapes-Manglares Northwest Biosphere Reserve) to include the coast and marine areas.
• These three expanded biosphere reserves are currently collecting territorial information to develop their new management plans. Climate change is expected to primarily affect coastal communities, which are already considered vulnerable to ongoing climate variability.
• The effects of climate change, as well as land-based human activities, threaten the alteration of community lifestyles by affecting social factors, the fundamental components to guarantee social sustainability.
• Taking into account the rapid rate of change and the magnitude of the impacts that can affect the communities of the biosphere reserves and their ecosystems, UNESCO has been implementing the Project “Nature-based solutions for coastal and marine biosphere reserves”. The objective of this project is to carry out an initial assessment and mapping of coastal vulnerability in the Northwest Amotapes-Mangrove Biosphere Reserves, as well as define possible nature-based solutions.
• The project will also generate an exchange of experiences between MAB national focal points / committees, biosphere reserve managers and academic institutions (universities), as well as between MAB, IOC communities and the Government of Flanders.
• Within this framework, the UNESCO Lima Office requires a specialist in the area of ​​sciences, with extensive experience in biosphere reserves, who is in charge of providing technical assistance to maintain contact with the Peruvian authorities of the Man and Biosphere Committee (MAB) and of the Biosphere Reserves to present a work plan for 2021 following the components and objectives of the two aforementioned projects.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide technical assistance to the UNESCO Office in Peru in the implementation of actions related to the Science Sector, within the framework of the project "Nature-based solutions for coastal and marine biosphere reserves."

MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Gathering scientific data on threats and nature-based solutions by the managers of the Amotape-Manglares Northwest Biosphere Reserve as a contribution to the regional debate on user cases for the Ocean Info Hub project of the Oceanographic Committee International (IOC) and other regional initiatives, carrying out the following activities: a. Organize a technical workshop with the manager of the biosphere reserves and local experts to carry out an initial assessment of threats and ecosystem-based solutions; b. Carry out a field visit to the participating biosphere reserves to identify the areas of greatest vulnerability and possible nature-based solutions, including the identification of methodological needs, data and information at the local level; c. Prepare and implement a survey on threats and nature-based solutions in order to reach a greater number of stakeholders; d. Identify the necessary conditions to implement nature-based solutions (eg financing, capacity building, involvement of private partners, etc.).
• 2. Coordination and support to the science specialist of the UNESCO Lima Office to monitor the Sector's activities.
• 3. Design of proposals for concept notes for resource mobilization in the UNESCO Science Sector.
• 4. Preparation and presentation of a detailed technical report on the implementation of the activities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Accountability (C)
• Communication (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Innovation (C)
• For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

PRODUCTS

PRODUCT 1:  Detailed technical report on the progress in the implementation of the activities. Directory of authorities and officials of the sector with whom you have scheduled work meetings. Report of the technical workshop with the manager of the biosphere reserves and local experts on initial assessment of threats and solutions based on ecosystems. 30 days after signing the contract

PRODUCT 2:  Detailed technical report on the implementation of the activities. Report of work sessions and workshops developed. A proposal for a concept note and / or projects for resource mobilization in the UNESCO Science Sector. 2 months after signing the contract

PRODUCT 3:  Report on the collection of scientific data on threats and nature-based solutions by the managers of the Amotape-Manglares Northwest Biosphere Reserve. 3 months after signing the contract

PRODUCT 4:  Final narrative report on the implementation of activities that contains: Analysis of the processes developed, achievements, lessons learned and recommendations for continuity of technical assistance in the Science Sector. 4 months after signing the contract

REQUIREMENTS

Education

Professional of Environmental Engineering, Environmental Education, Geography, Social and Human Sciences or similar careers.

Postgraduate degree in project management, hydrology, ocean science, natural and / or forest resource management, or related topics with consulting.

Work experience

Experience of a minimum of seven (7) years in the exercise of their profession.

Minimum experience of five (5) years in preservation of natural areas, forests, protected areas or similar.

Minimum experience of four (4) programs or projects on preservation of natural areas, forests, protected areas or similar.

Minimum three (3) experiences in management, design, evaluation of natural science projects.

Languages

Spanish (native language level)

English (intermediate level: reading and writing, oral and written communication)

DURATION

The contract will have a duration of 4 months, subject to budget availability and satisfactory performance evaluation. The contract does not include expectations of renewal or conversion to another type of contract, nor does it include coverage for health care services.

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application providing complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the Careers UNESCO website.

The selection of candidates is based on the requirements of the vacancy announcement and may include tests and / or evaluations, as well as a skills assessment interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconferences, e-mail messages, among others.

APPLICATION TO THE CALL

Interested professionals must submit a technical proposal and a financial proposal, in separate documents (files), digitally. Proposals must consider the following:  Technical proposal

- The proposal responds to the objectives and requirements established in the terms of reference, including a detail of activities, deadlines and products. - The technical proposal presents a schedule with milestones that ensure the fulfillment of the results in the foreseen term. - The proposal explains in a preliminary way the form and tools that it will use to gather information, both according to the TDR and its experience.

Financial proposal

The institution must present its financial proposal at all costs in Peruvian soles.

Steps to follow for the application: 1. Download and complete the Application Form here. 2. Attach the Application Form in a  single PDF document,  including: a) Employment History Form b) Technical and Financial Proposal and b) Personal CV,

Only people who pass the first evaluation phase will be contacted.

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UNESCO does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.