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

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, Professionalism1. 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 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 guide its efforts in fully considering persons with disabilities in all activities and to fulfill its commitment to significantly advancing disability inclusion by 2030.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, and Disability Inclusion Strategies from other UN system entities.Organize and conduct targeted surveys, key interviews, and focused group discussions to gather inputs from 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 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.Phase 2: Development of the UNESCO Disability Inclusion Implementation StrategyConduct expanded consultations involving additional and diverse groups of stakeholders, including civil society organizations and representative groups of persons with disabilities.Develop tailored programmatic approaches for each of UNESCO's sectors, alongside cross-sectoral and organizational strategies.Draft the Implementation Strategy, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and outlining detailed implementation measures and monitoring frameworks.Finalize internal approval of the Implementation Strategy and prepare materials for submission.Develop a detailed monitoring and evaluation framework for the Implementation Strategy.Develop a communication and dissemination plan for the Implementation Strategy.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 in disability inclusion.Comprehensive understanding of the United Nations system and 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.LanguagesExcellent communication skills in English (written and oral).APPLICATION PROCESSInterested candidates should submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers portal by 25/10/2024.Applications should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), specific examples of relevant work, and a detailed financial proposal.SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr