Consultant for the Development of the UNESCO Disability Inclusion Strategy (Phased Approach)

Parent Sector : Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)Duty Station: ParisJob Family: Social and Human SciencesType of contract : Non Staff / ConsultantDuration of contract : From 7 to 11 monthsRecruitment open to : External candidatesApplication Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25-OCT-2024UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismOVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST1. BackgroundOver the years, UNESCO has implemented activities that foster disability rights across its programme sectors. The unique expertise of UNESCO’s sectors in ensuring impactful interventions for persons with disabilities at global, national, and local levels, while facilitating the upscaling of promising initiatives, contributes to enhancing UNESCO’s niche within the UN system and the broader international community.Disability inclusion is gaining prominence in the various work streams of UNESCO’s programme sectors. By identifying the cross-cutting forms of discrimination, the Roadmap against Racism and Discrimination contributes to the promotion of disability inclusion. UNESCO is actively contributing as a policy board member of the UN Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) which fosters joint programming to assist countries in planning and conducting the actions they should take to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.In line with the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), UNESCO is dedicated to mainstreaming disability inclusion across its programmes and operations. Developing a robust Disability Inclusion Strategy is pivotal for UNESCO to not only guide its efforts in fully considering persons with disabilities in all activities but also to fulfill its commitment to significantly advancing disability inclusion by 2030.This strategic endeavor holds the potential to create a transformative impact, fostering an inclusive environment within the Organization, guiding targeted programme and project development and implementation and serving as a model for promoting inclusion globally within the fields of education, science, culture, communication, and information.UNESCO seeks a consultant to facilitate the development of a phased Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNESCO DIS) consisting of two key deliverables:Phase 1: A high-level strategy, referred to as the "UNESCO Disability Inclusion Strategic Framework," to be completed by end January 2025.Phase 2: A detailed implementation strategy, referred to as the "UNESCO Disability Inclusion Implementation Strategy," to be finalized by end June 2025.2. Purpose of the ConsultancyThe consultant will be responsible for developing both the high-level Strategic Framework and the detailed Implementation Strategy and all related materials.3. Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall supervision of the Chair of the UNESCO Intersectoral Task Team on Disability Rights and Inclusion, and in direct coordination with the Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Officer, the consultant will perform the following duties:Phase 1: Development of the UNESCO Disability Inclusion Strategic FrameworkConduct a thorough review of relevant documents, including the UNCRPD, UNDIS, Disability Inclusion Strategies from other UN system entities, UNESCO's key frameworks, conventions, publications, and any other existing or relevant planned Disability Inclusion initiatives.Organize and conduct targeted surveys, key interviews, and focused group discussions to gather inputs by engaging with the UNESCO Intersectoral Task Team, sector focal points, Member States, and key stakeholders.Develop and draft the high-level UNESCO Disability Inclusion Strategic Framework, outlining the vision, mission, key strategic priorities, and high-level objectives.Incorporate feedback from the UNESCO Intersectoral Task Team, sector focal points, Member States and other key stakeholders and finalize the Strategic Framework for internal presentation and approval.Prepare written materials, including the draft of the Executive Board Document and presentation slides to submit the Strategic Framework for approval at the Spring 2025 session of UNESCO's Executive Board.Phase 2: Development of the UNESCO Disability Inclusion Implementation StrategyConduct expanded consultations involving additional and more diverse groups of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, representative groups of persons with disabilities, UN System entities, foundations, private sector entities, and other relevant stakeholders in disability inclusion.Develop tailored programmatic approaches for each of UNESCO's sectors (Education, Culture, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, and Communication and Information), alongside cross-sectoral and organizational strategies.Draft the Implementation Strategy, incorporating feedback from Member States, the UNESCO Intersectoral Task Team, sector focal points, and other internal and external key stakeholders and outlining detailed implementation measures, monitoring, and accountability frameworks.Finalize internal approval of the Implementation Strategy and prepare materials, including the draft Executive Board document and presentation slides, for submission at the 222nd Session of the Executive Board in Autumn 2025.Develop a detailed monitoring and evaluation framework for the Implementation Strategy, including baselines, targets and indicators for measuring progress.Develop a communication and dissemination plan for the Implementation Strategy to ensure its effective implementation and uptake.4. DeliverablesHigh-Level Strategic Framework (January 2025):Inception report: A detailed Inception Report outlining the methodology, work plan, timeline, and key milestones for both Phase 1 (Strategic Framework) and Phase 2 (Implementation Strategy) of the Disability Inclusion Strategy development.Consultation report: A focused Consultation Report summarizing key findings from stakeholder engagement activities conducted during Phase 1.Progress status report: A concise Weekly Status Report providing updates on the progress of activities, key accomplishments, challenges faced, and next steps.Draft Strategic Framework: The Draft Strategic Framework, including the vision, mission, strategic priorities, high-level objectives, and preliminary implementation considerations for disability inclusion within UNESCO.Final Strategic Framework: The Final Strategic Framework that has been revised based on comprehensive feedback from UNESCO's governing bodies, key stakeholders, and sector focal points.Presentation materials: Presentation Materials, including slides and any supporting visuals or handouts.Implementation Strategy (June 2025):Phase Start Report: A report prepared after the completion of Phase 1 to reassess and update the inception plan.Bi-Weekly status report: A concise status report submitted every two weeks during Phase 2.Expanded consultation report: A comprehensive Consultation Report summarizing the findings from expanded stakeholder engagement activities conducted during Phase 2.Draft Implementation Strategy: The Draft Implementation Strategy document for Disability Inclusion.Final Implementation Strategy: The Final Implementation Strategy, incorporating feedback from the Intersectoral Task Team, sector representatives, and all relevant stakeholders.Presentation materials: Presentation materials, including slides, visuals, and supporting documents.List of Necessary Implementation Guidelines: A detailed list of specific implementation guidelines and toolkits to be developed after the completion of Phases 1 and 2.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)REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducationAdvanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in human and social sciences, international development, public policy, disability studies, or a related field.Work ExperienceMinimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in disability inclusion, policy development, or related fields.Proven experience in developing policies and strategies related to Disability Inclusion within the UN system or similar international organizations.Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, particularly in the field of disability Inclusion.Skills & CompetenciesComprehensive understanding of the United Nations system, with a particular focus on UNESCO's mandate.In-depth knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS).Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills.Proven ability to engage and consult effectively with diverse stakeholders.Strong project management skills with a track record of timely delivering high-quality outputs.Knowledge of and experience in applying Results Based Management (RBM) principles.LanguagesExcellent communication skills in English (written and oral).DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSSkills & CompetenciesDemonstrate in-depth understanding of the 2030 Agenda principle of Leaving-no one behind (LNOB).Understanding of UN mandates in Human Rights and intersectionality themes intersecting with Disability Inclusion.Advanced IT and data visualization skills.LanguagesWorking knowledge of French is desirable.WORK LOCATION & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSThe consultancy could be conducted remotely; however, the consultant will be required to undertake a minimum of four one-week missions to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.These missions will include:one at the start of Phase 1,one at the end of Phase 1,one at the start of Phase 2, andone at the end of Phase 2.Additional missions to UNESCO Headquarters or other offices within the UNESCO Field Network may be required depending on project needs.APPLICATION PROCESSInterested candidates should submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers portal by 25/10/2024.Applications should include - under the ' Employment History Form ' section in one combined file:A cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience.A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your professional experience.Provide specific examples of relevant work or publications.A detailed financial proposal for the entire assignment.SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice.FooterUNESCO 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr