Consultant (Third UNESCO Engineering Report (ER III) (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 : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 04/05/2026

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

1. Background and Justification

The Third UNESCO Engineering Report (ER III) aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of global engineering capacity, innovation ecosystems, and policy frameworks, supporting evidence-based decision-making in Member States. ER III will highlight the role of engineering in advancing sustainable development and technological innovation worldwide.

This project is implemented within the framework of the UNESCO International Decade for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), contributing to global efforts to strengthen engineering education, capacity, and innovation as key drivers for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Engineering and Innovation Programme requires a consultant with strong engineering expertise to support research, coordinate partnerships, and contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the project implementation. This consultancy aligns with UNESCO’s global priorities, including Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Gender Equality, and Priority Africa.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of the consultancy is to contribute to the successful preparation and delivery of the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report by providing technical expertise in engineering research, data analysis, methodological development, and the organization of capacity-building activities.

Specific objectives include:

•  Providing technical expertise for global research and data collection on engineering capacity, policy, and innovation.
• Contributing to the development of the conceptual and methodological frameworks for the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report.
• Facilitating partnerships with academia, industry, governments, and engineering associations.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences, the guidance of the Chief of Section, Basic Sciences & Engineering, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist responsible for the Engineering and Innovation Programme, the consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

A. Research, Analysis and Methodology

1.Conduct a comprehensive literature review and map statistics, indicators, and knowledge gaps in global engineering.

2.Contribute to the development of the conceptual and methodological framework for the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report, including the design of surveys for global data collection.

B. Coordination and Partnerships

3. Contribute to the conception and preparation of materials for the inception workshop to formally launch the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report  project.

4. Establish and strengthen partnerships with engineering associations, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and relevant international organizations, and ensure efficient coordination mechanisms between them.

5. Facilitate the appointment of national coordinators in collaboration with government authorities and national engineering associations.

C. Capacity-Building and Reporting

6. Participate in the elaboration of training materials, including a set of indicators, assessment methods, and data analysis approaches, for capacity-building sessions on Engineering Assessment and Reporting.

7. Contribute to the refinement of the outline of the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report by ensuring methodological rigor, alignment with global engineering standards, and relevance to policy and capacity-building priorities.

8. Facilitate the assignment of report writers among selected engineering institutions contributing to the Third UNESCO Global Engineering Report.

9. Ensure the communication with the project national focal points, providing guidance, clarifying technical requirements, facilitating the exchange of information, and ensuring alignment of activities with the objectives of the ER III project.

• The consultancy is for a duration of eleven (11) months. Renewal is subject to funding availability and satisfactory 

• The Consultant shall deliver the following outputs:

  1. Inception report and detailed workplan, including timeline and milestones (by 15 June 2026)
  2. Literature review and mapping of statistics, indicators, and knowledge gaps (by 15 July 2026)
  3. Conceptual and methodological framework, including survey design and operational global data repository platform (by 15 August 2026)
  4. Documented partnerships with engineering associations, academia, and industry, and appointment framework and engagement plan for national coordinators (by 15 September 2026)
  5. Technical support in the organization of the inception workshop and submission of a summary report (by 15 October 2026)
  6. Training materials for capacity-building sessions on Engineering Assessment and Reporting (by 15 November 2026)
  7. Improved outline of ER III and official assignment of report writers among engineering institutions (by 15 December 2026)
  8. Report on the training on Engineering Data Assessment and Reporting for project national focal points (by 15 January 2027)
  9. Progress report on data collection, validation, and preliminary analysis of Engineering indicators (by 15 February 2027)
  10. Draft final consultancy report summarising research findings, methodology, partnerships, and preliminary recommendations (by 15 March 2027)
  11. Final consultancy report incorporating feedback and final recommendations (by 15 April 2027)

• 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

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related interdisciplinary field).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in engineering research, policy analysis, or applied engineering projects.
• Experience working with international organizations.
• Proven experience in research, drafting technical reports, and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and research skills, including data synthesis and interpretation.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Familiarity with global engineering education systems, innovation ecosystems, and policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience in developing training materials and delivering capacity-building activities.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. with an engineering background (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related interdisciplinary field)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in engineering assessment, reporting, and applied research.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and contributing to policy development.
• Experience working with international organizations, preferably within the UN system.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of French.

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 (23692) 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.