Consultant UNESCO seismic code database

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector:Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station:Paris

Type of contract : Individual Consultant Contract

Duration of contract : 7 to 11Months

Recruitment open to:External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time):10-nov-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization Integrity Respect for Diversity Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO through its role as Secretariat of the International Platform for Reducing Earthquake Disaster (IPRED) works with a network of national centers of excellence across 11 earthquake-prone countries to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices on earthquake risk reduction.

Seismic building codes are fundamental instruments for reducing disaster risk in the built environment. They provide architects planners and construction professionals with technical criteria to design and build structures that can better withstand seismic forces thereby preventing collapse minimizing damage and safeguarding human life. Beyond structural safety these codes guide decisions on materials construction techniques and urban layouts making them essential tools for shaping resilient and sustainable cities.

However seismic codes vary widely across countries in terms of scope assumptions about seismic forces and alignment with local construction practices and Sub-Saharan Africa many countries face challenges such as outdated or absent codes limited enforcement capacity and insufficient integration of architectural and engineering considerations. Collecting and analyzing information on the status content and application of seismic codes in the region is therefore a crucial step toward strengthening national and local capacities.

For UNESCO and IPRED such a comparative review not only supports disaster prevention but also informs post-disaster recovery helping societies to build back better. Ultimately improving knowledge and application of seismic codes contributes directly to the sustainable development of cities and countries ensuring that the expansion of the built environment is safe resilient and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Objective

In this context UNESCO is seeking an experienced individual consultant to support the activities on the following areas: 1) collect seismic codes in Sub Saharan Africa and develop a database 2) draft the database for publication on the UNESCO website.

Long Description

Key Activities

The Consultant will carry out the following tasks:

-Review UNESCOs existing seismic code database and identify gaps.

-Draft an inception report with a work plan timeline and stakeholder mapping.

-Collect and compile seismic codes from Sub-Saharan African countries (approximately two per month).

-Clean standardize and integrate the collected data into the UNESCO seismic database.

-Prepare the database and metadata for online publication ensuring clarity and accessibility.

-Liaise with relevant UNESCO field offices and IPRED partners to validate entries and gather feedback.

-Provide monthly progress reports and flag challenges or additional support needs.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in architecture civil engineering seismic engineering disaster risk reduction or urban planning.

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk management architecture seismic engineering and/or urban planning.

Skills and competencies

Understanding of urban development and built environment in seismic contexts.

Proven ability to collect clean and organize technical data for databases.

Strong drafting analytical and coordination skills.

Familiarity with UN or UNESCO technical cooperation procedures

Languages

Fluency in English and French required.

Long Description

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Prior work with UN agencies or international organizations in a technical advisory or consultative capacity
• Good knowledge of Portuguese is an asset
• Living in Paris is an asset

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should click on Apply Now and download and complete theEmployment History form (Word document)inEmployment History Form / My Documents. Before uploading the documentat the end of the Word document please insert the extra pages with the following required informationone combined file:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV):An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae(CV)(maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications work experience including prior experience of similar
2. a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
3. Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addresseddetailing progress and timeline..
4. Financial proposalin US dollars or Euroswith a budget breakdown.

Application should be done through Success Factor case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system you may send an email to quoting the reference (23086) in the subject line of your e-mail.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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