Field Data Collector

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Type of contract : Individual Consultant

Duration of contract : 6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-Jun-2023

 

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

 

Background

In Lebanon, site's conservation dates back to 1930's with three national competent authorities leading protection and management actions depending on the nature of the site. Nature Reserves are declared to protect natural habitats, endemic and endangered species through legislative instruments and an Appointed Protected Areas Committees (APAC) to be in charge of these reserves.  At present, the national network of Nature Reserves (NRs) embracing 18 sites brings together internationally and regionally designated sites.

The sub-programme Lebanese PAs – Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services (LPAs-EVES) is part of the project “STEPping up Nature Reserves Capacity – STEP4Nature”.  The STEP4Nature project financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS, is executed by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Project aims to strengthen MOE legal and institutional NR framework and improve NR management and monitoring and evaluation plans. STEP4Nature entails also the assessment of NRs vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards risks and the establishment of a knowledge platform on Lebanese NRs. The project will carry out needed natural capital valuation including ecosystem services to better guide NRs managers in their plans and management and conservation practices on the ground.

The LPAs-EVES executed by UNDP Lebanon and UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States in Cairo, entails mapping ecosystem services and perform an economic valuation of Ecosystem Services for all types of Protected Areas in Lebanon; revisiting and re-thinking the economic values of ecosystem services as part of a set of key performance indicators on the effective management of fifteen (15) Nature Reserves that have an assigned APAC; assessing and evaluating stakeholder's understanding and perception of Ecosystem Services in 15 PAs; and developing guidelines for evidence-based decisions on Ecosystem Services economic value in Protected Areas.

Assignemnt

Within the framework of the Ecology and Earth Sciences Programme of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States in Cairo (UCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) -Lebanon, under the general guidance of the STEP4Nature Project, the overall supervision of the Director of UCO, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Ecology and Earth Sciences at UCO, the consultant – Field Data Collector – shall undertake the following tasks:

1.  Attend all mandatory inception working groups sessions to guarantee sufficient capacity and guidance on the data collection methodology, gain knowledge of the tools and instruments developed for field data collection and data entry.

2. Participate in the online Advisory sessions for direction on fieldwork strategy, participatory mapping, and stakeholder meetings.

3. Collaborate closely with the Field Coordinator, adhering to his/her guidance and all provided directives.

4. Review the existing stakeholders map to ensure gender balance and perform the participatory mapping exercise with all stakeholders found in the targeted cluster of nature reserves you are applying for.

5. Perform a pilot test of the designed survey form following the below procedure:

- A sample of 5 persons are interviewed representing all stakeholders’ categories in the areas [1 person from each category] taking into account the gender balance in accordance with the state of each nature reserve in the targeted cluster you wish to apply for.

The list of identified targeted stakeholders in each area sorted out from the stakeholders’ map for the pilot test shall be set in the methodology of work and provided by UNESCO/UNDP for the purpose of the pilot test and work;

- Attend all online meetings after the performance of the pilot survey test and provide feedback to finalize and fine-tune the survey form template to be adopted.

6. Perform data collection using the survey form in 1 of the 4 targeted clusters of Nature Reserves and villages in their surrounding areas you wish to apply for.

The targeted clusters are: Cluster 1 [6 NRs]: South— Tyre Coast, Aabassiye Coast, Wadi Al-Houjeir, Beit Leef, Kafra, Ramya; Cluster 2 [3 NRs]: North—Tannourine Cedars, Horsh Ehden, Palm Islands; Cluster 3 [3 NRs]: Jbeil/Kesrouan—Bentael, Mashaa Chnaniir, Jaj Cedars; Cluster 4 [1 NR]: Mount Lebanon/Bekaa: Al Shouf Cedars, Mount Hermon, Yammouneh.

7. Perform the entry of data in the designed spreadsheet and respond to the following:

- Attend to any request and address any task in relation to the recollection of missing data in the case it is requested by the project advisory committee members, further to their review of the spreadsheets filled.

- Attend to any request and address any inquiry raised during the performance of the data analysis by the international expert contracted on the project.

8. Attend all online meetings arranged for field data collectors, which involve local stakeholders and the project advisory committee as requested.

9. Organize and hold meetings (up to 5) with representatives of local communities and stakeholders to perform the participatory-based mapping exercises needed in the targeted cluster you are applying for.

10. Deliver weekly updates on the work to the Field Coordinator and report on field activities bi-monthly or as established in the schedule developed and approved during the inception phase of the assignment.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. Deliverables

Notebook[1] including the activities implemented as set by the TORs:

• Pilot testing of the survey                                                            July 31, 2023
• Completed Survey forms                                                              August 20, 2023
• Filling in missing data from the survey                                    September 5, 2023
• Complete Data sheet and dashboard filled in                       September 31, 2023

[1] Format of the notebook will be provided by UNESCO-UNDP-Lebanon

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

BSc in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or natural sciences, environmental management, natural resources or closely related fields. Master degree is an advantage.

 

Work Experience

Minimum 2  years of relevant professional experience focused on one or more of the areas cited below:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Ecology  and conservation biology
• Protected Areas
• Data collection, surveys and data mining and management

 

Languages: Good knowledge of English and Arabic.

 

Mobility : A valid driving license and the ability to travel between study sites in Lebanon.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional knowledge about, and direct experience in environmental management, ecosystem conservation and management of natural resources, and ecosystem valuation.
• Previous experience working with UN agencies

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

 

Please send your CV and cover letter to "cairo-rfp@unesco.org" with the subject "SC/EES Field Data Collector 18992" and specify the targeted cluster you are applying for. Please note that you can apply for the 4 clusters and prioritize them based on your preference by numbering them 1,2,3, and 4. 

 

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Footer

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.