SCOPE OF WORK

The aim of this consultancy is to lead the development of a dedicated Project on Addressing Mental Health through Sports, Martial Arts and Physical Activities in Urban Areas in East and South-East Asia, and the substantive design of the UNESCO-ICM International Seminar on “Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing: Harnessing the Power of Sports and Martial Arts” (Chungju, South Korea, 6-9 November 2024).

More specifically, the expert will be responsible for:

• Design the concept and programme of the the UNESCO-ICM International Seminar on “Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing: Harnessing the Power of Sports and Martial Arts” (Chungju, South Korea, 6-9 November 2024), in line with the global Fit for Life initiative, as well as the UNESCO ICM Youth Development Principles for Martial Arts Organizations, specifically on Principle 2: Safety. This should include: a rationale, linkage to UN and UNESCO agendas, daily schedule, session outlines, suggestion of speakers and participants to ensure topnotch expertise on the topic.
• Identify the most suitable and most qualified experts on the topic and liaise with them for their participation in the seminar as speakers and resource persons. The identification of experts must be based on evidence of excellence in academic or development research, and/or leadership role in designing/implementing/testing relevant projects or initiatives, with documented good practices.
• Conduct a desk review and research on the situation of mental health related to urbanization in Asian metropolitan cities, taking Bangkok (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Singapore, and Seoul (South Korea) as specific examples.With a specific focus on Safety in Martial Arts, also considering other principles in the UNESCO ICM Youth Development Principles for Martial Arts Organization, this research should explore and pre-identify potential linkages with how sports, martial arts, and physical activities could be used as an innovative means to promote mental wellbeing among individuals and communities. A focus on youth is requested.
• Compile a quick state of the arts (research findings, statistics, bibliography) of research on the linkages between sports, martial arts, and physical activities, and mental health, including innovative and pilot experiences, with a focus on Safety in Martial Arts, prioritizing research in Asia when possible.
• Based on the desk review and the state of the arts, design a project proposal that UNESCO and ICM will implement in East and South-East Asia. The proposal should include components on (i) innovative and compelling initiatives that suit the needs and interest of the concerned municipal authorities, good practices and examples from other countries (including out of Asia), (ii) transforming policies and institutional frameworks to create an enabling environment, and (iii) public engagement with the communities, especially youth.The document should include rationales, situation analysis, theory of change, and result framework, using the UNESCO template.
• Support UNESCO and ICM to facilitate the seminar onsite, as well as the expert meeting to discuss and consolidate the project proposal and draft the seminar report for UNESCO’s and ICM’s validation.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in sport science, public health, psychology, or related fields in social and human sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in research and/or community/development work sport for development and social inclusion, public health and mental health, youth engagement through sports and physical education.Experiences in/on Asia, and knowledge on martial arts are additional assets.
• Proven experience in designing development project proposals, using theory of change and result-based strategic thinking.
• Experience in organizing international conferences and workshops, with both academia and practitioners

LANGUAGES
Excellent knowledge of English.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
1. Excellent knowledge on safety in sports and mental health in the academic research, as well as knowledge on development projects/initiatives on sports for development and mental health.

2. Experiences in analyzing/advising on public policies related to sports and mental health, notably in urban settings.
3. Proven ability to draft clearly and concisely and to produce high quality project proposals.
4. Knowledge of and ability to engage with the professional networks of experts in the fields of safety in sports and mental health.