Junior Consultant – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) UNESCO – 22 octobre 2026

Contexte

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting applications for a Junior Consultant to support its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit in Paris, France.

This opportunity is aimed at individuals who are passionate about disaster risk reduction, resilience, sustainable development and international cooperation and want to contribute to UNESCO’s work in addressing disaster-related risks. The selected consultant will support the DRR Unit and contribute to work connected to UNESCO’s efforts in the field of disaster risk reduction. The opportunity provides an avenue for qualified early-career professionals to gain experience within a major United Nations specialized agency while contributing to work with international development and humanitarian relevance.

UNESCO’s Disaster Risk Reduction Unit works on issues related to reducing disaster risks and strengthening resilience. Disasters can have significant consequences for communities, infrastructure, education systems, cultural heritage and sustainable development. Strengthening knowledge, preparedness and resilience is therefore an important part of international development and risk management.

The Junior Consultant will support the DRR Unit in Paris and contribute to the delivery of the assignment outlined by UNESCO. Working with UNESCO can provide exposure to an international policy and development environment and an opportunity to contribute to work addressing disaster-related challenges. For professionals interested in international organizations, the consultancy can also provide experience that may be relevant to future careers in UN agencies, international development organizations, research institutions, NGOs and public policy.

Disaster risk reduction is closely connected to sustainable development and resilience. Natural hazards and other disasters can disrupt communities, damage infrastructure and reverse development gains. Effective disaster risk reduction therefore involves understanding risks, strengthening preparedness and developing approaches that reduce vulnerability. International organizations such as UNESCO contribute to these efforts through research, policy support, knowledge-sharing, capacity development and cooperation with governments and other stakeholders. The Junior Consultant role offers an opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute to this broader area of work.

Missions et responsabilités

• Support the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit in Paris and contribute to the delivery of the assignment outlined by UNESCO.
• Contribute to work connected to UNESCO’s efforts in the field of disaster risk reduction.
• Support issues related to reducing disaster risks and strengthening resilience.
• Perform tasks and deliverables as outlined in UNESCO’s assignment documentation.
• Propose a practical approach to completing the required work, including identifying any inputs, information or support that would be required from UNESCO.
• Organize work, understand the assignment and develop a realistic plan for delivering expected outputs.

Profil recherché

The position may be particularly relevant to graduates and early-career professionals with academic or professional interests in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, environmental policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, risk management or related areas. Applicants should focus their application on demonstrating the relevance of their own qualifications and experience to the specific assignment.

Potentially relevant areas include:

• Disaster risk reduction
• Disaster preparedness and resilience
• Climate change adaptation
• Environmental sustainability
• Risk management
• Sustainable development
• Humanitarian and development work
• Public policy
• International development
• Emergency management
• Community resilience

Conditions et avantages

Candidates must provide the overall cost of the assignment, either as a lump sum or daily fee, together with an estimated timeline and number of working days. Any anticipated travel and subsistence costs should be indicated separately. Candidates should carefully review the official assignment requirements to determine whether they meet the expectations and whether the working arrangements and associated costs are suitable for them.

Dossier de candidature

Interested candidates should submit a single document containing the required application information. The dossier must include:

• An up-to-date CV outlining the applicant’s education, professional experience, skills and other relevant qualifications (prioritizing experience directly connected to disaster risk reduction and related fields, including relevant research, internships, project work, consulting assignments, and academic projects).
• A statement explaining how the applicant’s qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment, clearly connecting the background to the requirements of the consultancy and answering why the candidate is well suited.
• A proposed approach for carrying out the assignment, explaining how the work will be undertaken and identifying any inputs or support required from UNESCO, including potential stages, outputs, timelines, and requirements.
• The overall cost of the assignment, presented as either a lump sum or daily fee.
• An estimated timeline and number of working days.
• Anticipated travel and subsistence costs indicated separately.

Comment postuler

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected]. Interested candidates should prepare one single document containing all requested information and ensure it clearly demonstrates their relevant expertise, proposed methodology, and financial expectations.

Application deadline : 11 September 2026

Reference : Junior Consultant – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit