OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Section for Indigenous and Local Knowledge (SC/PBS/ILK) that leads the Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Programme seeks an Individual Specialist/Expert in the area of Indigenous and local knowledge and ecosystem services for a consultancy contract to provide a technical support to the support unit for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) hosted in the Section.

BACKGROUND

UNESCO’s LINKS Programme is a intersectoral initiative that aims to promote the recognition of and strengthening Indigenous and local knowledge in the science-policy-society interface, particularly in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction, for evidence-based decision-making.

Since 2021, LINKS leads and coordinate Indigenous and local support unit for BES-Net initiative, composed of consortium partners of UNDP, UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO. BES-Net is a capacity-sharing “network of networks” that complements the capacity building work of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems by enhancing dialogue, interaction and coordination among knowledge holders, policy makers and practitioners. The role of UNESCO is to support the inclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge and ensure inclusive engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities throughout the BES-Net programmes, including in national ecosystem assessments (NEAs), BES Solution Fund Initiative, multistakeholder Trialogue processes, and global knowledge sharing platform.

In 2025, UNESCO will initiate a new flagship on “Indigenous and Local Knowledge Outlook of Biodiversity” to amplify ongoing BES-Net support and strengthen consideration and mainstreaming of Indigenous and local knowledge in national biodiversity targets and implementation.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Individual Consultant shall work under the overall authority of the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences and the direct supervision of the Chief of Indigenous and Local Knowledge Section and under the guidance of Project Officer in charge of BES-Net project, performing the following tasks:

• Provision of technical, capacity building and logistical expertise to ensure the successful implementation of BES-Net Indigenous and local knowledge project activities in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region, including:

1. National Ecosystem Assessment: Provide technical expertise and guidance to the Dominican Republic National Ecosystem Assessment team to ensure the successful inclusion of local and traditional knowledge in the assessment outputs and the successful completion of their assessment. Furthermore, to provide global capacity building workshops based on LAC’s capacity gaps and lessons learned.
2. BES Solution Fund: Provide Indigenous and local knowledge technical expertise to the ongoing UNESCO coordinated BES Solution Fund project in Colombia. Provide backstopping support to Grenada and UNDP to promote the engagement of local communities in the use of Grenada’s National Ecosystem Assessment findings. Beyond 2025, following the transition of the Dominican Republic to the BES Solution Fund, provide technical support and guidance for the uptake and implementation of local and traditional knowledge findings.
3. Trialogues: Provide Indigenous and local knowledge technical expertise to BES-Net national or regional Trialogue(s) targeting the LAC region.
4. National Outlook: Provide technical expertise and guidance to Trinidad and Tobago to roll-out and implement the new flagship “Indigenous and local knowledge outlook of biodiversity”.
5. Global support: Guide the BES-Net Project Officer on global initiatives that also focus on the LAC region. This may include promoting a human rights-based approach, organizing capacity building workshops, and developing or refining material guides based on lessons learned from the LAC region.

In close coordination with the BES-Net communications team, and of the Head of the Communication and Partnerships Unit, develop Indigenous and local knowledge communication products including digital assets and organizing knowledge dissemination events to create project’s visibility. Simultaneously, produce and implement a digital communication strategy aimed at amplifying the voices Indigenous and local knowledge holders. In addition, assist in developing BES-Net Indigenous and local knowledge biannual newsletter.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in ecological sciences or social sciences with preferred specialization in Indigenous Peoples issues and/or Indigenous and local knowledge or in a relevant field.

Work Experience

• Overall minimum of 5 years professional experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities and Indigenous and local knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystems.
• At least 3 years of proven track record in project management and coordination, including in multicultural and multidisciplinary settings.
• At least 2 years of experience in supporting communication work

Languages

Excellent proficiency in English and Spanish (both written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent writing skills, digital communication and facilitation skills.
• Good knowledge of multiple evidence-based approach, human rights-based approach, free, prior and informed consent as well as community-led research methods.
• Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• A good understanding of IPBES and BES-Net is highly desirable.
• Previous work experience with UN or renowned international organizations is desirable.