Consultant (Women for Bees community manager) (Paris, France) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 2 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 22/04/2026

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

The Women for Bees initiative empowers women beekeepers globally through training, networking, and research. Training has been conducted with participants from Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, France, India, Peru, the Russian Federation, Rwanda, and Slovenia.

We are seeking a dynamic community building consultant to organize federative activities that will build a vibrant and sustainable network of women beekeepers. This role involves fostering exchanges of knowledge and expertise in beekeeping, ensuring project ownership among participants, and enhancing long-term engagement.

The consultant will work under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Ecological and Earth Sciences  (SC/EES) and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section  in charge of the MAB Research and Policy: Ecology and Biodiversity programme (SC/EES/ESP). 

Key responsibilities

1. Organize key events and support national and regional community meetings:

• Plan and manage thematic sessions, including potentially beekeeping masterclass sessions.
• Support beekeepers from biosphere reserves worldwide to attend local and regional events.
• Contribute to the coordination and facilitation of in-person national and regional alumni meetings in collaboration with relevant UNESCO field offices.

2. Sustain the community engagement:

• Develop sustainable beekeeping guidelines in biosphere reserves to guide practice under the project, including propositions of business development for individuals and cooperatives.
• Maintain the community vibrancy through regular networking activities, check-ins, group discussions, and thematic forums (e.g., meliponiculture).
• Enable one-on-one exchanges between members on specific topics of interest.
• Collaborate with other beekeeping networks, including, if relevant, contributing to World Bee Day 2026.

1. Enhance communication outputs:
2. • Improve communication tools and materials to support community activities, including using digital assets.

2 months

• Deliverable 1. Prepare the final version of a 5-year Women for Bees publication focused on sustainable beekeeping principles and project’s good practices. 
• Deliverable 2. Design a master class series aiming at training context-specific peer educators for the Women for Bees initiative, and facilitate a first online session. 

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• A university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, communications, international development, environmental studies, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experience in community building, network facilitation, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or community-based projects, preferably in environmental conservation or sustainable development.
• Background in beekeeping is required.
• Proven track record of organizing events, facilitating discussions, and managing online communities.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Strong facilitation and community engagement skills.
•    Excellent organizational abilities.
•    Ability to work independently and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
•    Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills.
•    Familiarity with digital communication tools, including social media and online collaboration platforms.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French will be an asset.

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in “Employment History Form / My Documents”. Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one 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 your qualifications and experience make you 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 addressed, detailing progress, and timeline..
4. Financial proposal in US dollars or Euros with a budget breakdown.

Application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (23681) in the subject line of your e-mail.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.