OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate cross-cultural understanding. The Organization comprises 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members and employs over 2,300 staff members from 170+ nationalities at its Headquarters and 54 field offices worldwide.

1. Background
The MOST (Management of Social Transformations) programme has been asked by its Intergovernmental Council to indagate in the epistemological causes of youth violence to assist member states to address this issue.
Youth violence is a global challenge that transcends geographical, social, and economic boundaries, impacting individuals, families, and communities. It manifests in various forms, ranging from bullying and physical altercations to more severe acts such as sexual violence, gender-based violence, gang-related incidents, and even homicide.
The consequences of youth violence are profound: immediate physical injuries, long-term mental health issues, and broader societal repercussions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), whether violence is perpetrated or experienced by youth, it can lead to deaths, disabilities, and persistent mental health challenges.
Youth violence occurs in urban, suburban, rural, and tribal contexts, with variations in intensity and form. It is influenced by factors such as economic instability, social inequalities, and various forms of discrimination.
In this context, UNESCO, through its MOST program, seeks to hire a consultant to support a comprehensive project aimed at systematically addressing the drivers of youth violence and possible ways to address it. This initiative involves rigorous research, community participation, and strategic foresight to inform inclusive, evidence-based, and actionable policy recommendations for UNESCO Member States.

2. Scope of Work
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (ADG/SHS) and the Director for Social Policies, and direct supervision of the UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Program Manager, the consultant will be responsible for the following activities:
2.1 Convene, coordinate, and participate in meetings with the Youth Violence Expert Group (YVEG):
• Identify at least six experts from different regions with interdisciplinary profiles in the field of youth violence.
• Design and establish the group’s research agenda and programmatic priorities.
• Coordinate and document YVEG meetings, ensuring the fulfillment of established objectives.
2.2 Conduct a systematic review on youth violence:
• Analyze epistemological, structural, and contextual factors influencing youth violence.
• Document effective policies and best practices implemented in different regions worldwide.
• Identify and collaborate with local researchers to collect data from selected case studies, contextualizing youth violence at regional, sub-regional, and national levels.

Expected outcome: A preliminary report presenting key findings on the drivers of youth violence and successful policies. And above all to identify effective ways to address these issues.

2.3 Support in design, facilitation coordination, and implementation of MOST Schools / Futures Labs in selected countries:
• Organize, in collaboration n with field offices, participatory workshops where youth, policymakers, academics, and communities co-create evidence-based solutions.
• Systematize proposals and outcomes generated in these workshops for integration into future policies.
2.4 Draft a global report on youth violence with policy recommendations:
• Based on the evidence gathered from previous activities, ensure that the recommendations are inclusive, contextualized, and applicable to different sociocultural contexts. Specific indications for the report will be provided in the future.
2.5 Sounding board conference.
• Organize and coordinate a sounding board conference for validation of evidence and construction of recommendations.
2.6 Support the organization of the global report launch event:
• Actively participate in event preparation and be available to present key findings and recommendations.
2.7. Organization of an event to present findings and key policy recommendations during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025.
• Coordinate and deliver a high-level, impactful event to disseminate key findings and policy recommendations to UNESCO Member States during the General Conference.
2.8. Methodology
• Develop a comprehensive methodology for diagnosing and addressing youth violence.
2.9. Contribute to fundraising efforts

3. Expected Deliverables
1. A preliminary report on the drivers of youth violence and successful policies (maximum 40 pages).
2. Materials and guides for implementing MOST Schools / Futures Labs workshops.
3. A systematized summary of proposals and outcomes from participatory workshops.
4. A global report with evidence-based policy recommendations (maximum 60 pages).
5. A comprehensive methodology for diagnosing and addressing youth violence.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Economics or related Social Sciences, Public Policy, Youth Studies, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experience in research on youth violence, community development, or social policies related to inclusion and support to marginalized groups.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing international projects.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate participatory and intergenerational workshops.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Knowledge of foresight approaches and strategic planning.
• Ability to articulate findings in clear and actionable reports.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the relevant field of Economics or related Social Sciences, Public Policy, Youth Studies, or related fields.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO will be an asset (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).