Vacancy announcement

Flexible. Preferably based in Guatemala

CS / 2023/012

CONSULTANT – RESEARCHER TO EVALUATE ACADEMIC PLANS IN RELATION TO THE GREEN ECONOMY IN GUATEMALA

Vacancy type Consultant / Individual Contractor

Duration of the contract

3 months

Deadline for submission of applications

17 September 2023

Organizational Unit: Green Development and Climate Change Program Unit ( GDCCPU )

Number of job positions

one

SPECIALIZATION AREA: Social research

CONTEXT: UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Program develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance towards green development and resilient to climate change in in accordance with Agenda 2030. The Program provides a range of services, including executive training, capacity building for training and education institutions, support for national learning strategies, the design of methodologies and knowledge exchange. Activities are carried out through collaborations with other United Nations organizations, bilateral cooperation partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

As a founding member of the Alliance for Action towards the Green Economy ( PAGE ), together with UN Environment, ILO, UNIDO and UNDP, UNITAR’s work in the area of the green economy focuses on the development of training services on the green economy in PAGE partner countries, strengthening the capacities of research and training institutions, developing methodologies and facilitating the exchange of knowledge.

Since its inception in Guatemala in early 2022, PAGE has been strengthening national planning and sectoral reforms related to the transition to an inclusive green economy. In this area, PAGE adopted an ambitious logical framework and multiple lines of work that guide its programmatic activities. In turn, the success of the transition depends largely on institutions and people empowered, empowered and equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to conceptualize, manage and communicate public policies and reform processes. Guatemala is an extremely young country, half the population is 19 years of age or younger. In other words, a large part of tomorrow’s decision-makers and agents of change are at an age when they choose their professional careers or begin to train.At the same time, there is no analysis of the academic offer in the country in relation to training on topics related to the green economy, circular economy, fair transition, green jobs etc. Lack of training on these issues can impair the transition to the green economy due to a lack of human capital. In view of this, The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. There is no analysis of the academic offer in the country in relation to training on topics related to the green economy, circular economy, fair transition, green jobs, etc. Lack of training on these issues can impair the transition to the green economy due to a lack of human capital. In view of this, The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. There is no analysis of the academic offer in the country in relation to training on topics related to the green economy, circular economy, fair transition, green jobs, etc. Lack of training on these issues can impair the transition to the green economy due to a lack of human capital. In view of this, The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. green jobs etc. Lack of training on these issues can impair the transition to the green economy due to a lack of human capital. In view of this, The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. green jobs etc. Lack of training on these issues can impair the transition to the green economy due to a lack of human capital. In view of this, The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results. The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a diagnosis of the main training gaps relevant to sustainability and corresponding opportunities to reformulate the academic offer in the country together with national actors. The application of multiple methodological instruments, such as documentary research, mapping of actors, interviews, etc., is planned to reach the expected results.

GENERAL COMPETITIONS OF THE CONTRACT: The Consultant/a will assess the training gaps in Guatemala’s higher education relevant to the transition to a green economy and identify opportunities to reformulate the academic offer.

DESCRIPTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

•  Investigate the main needs and priorities of national academic training, for example formulated in public policies and programs or by the universities themselves, with respect to concepts of green economy, circularity, fair transition, green employment, climate change and other issues of relevance to sustainable development.
•  Review the existing national institutional offer of training, including a mapping of actors, and possible gaps in the face of identified needs.
•  Recommend strategic actions to promote the inclusion of relevant knowledge and skills in academic activities and curricula through the national institutions identified in the previous mapping.
•  Hold a ( face-to-face or online ) multi-stakeholder workshop for results presentation and feedback.
•  Synthesize the results in a report.

REPORT STRUCTURE: The Consultant will inform the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Program Unit, Division for Planet.

Minimum requirements

•  University professional with at least 8 years of robust experience in conducting social studies and research.
•  Postgraduate training in social, political, human or other related areas.
•  Excellent knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies of social research.
•  Solid computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite.
•  He may not be a State official, whatever the nature of the link, except teaching activity.

It is valued:

•  Knowledge of projects implemented in Guatemala with the participation of government institutions and United Nations agencies, especially those related to sustainable development.
•  Knowledge of the academic sector of Guatemala.
•  Experience in coordinating projects between various actors in the public sector, international cooperation and other stakeholders from civil society, academia and the private sector.
•  Ability to facilitate teamwork, to build a harmonious and executive work climate.
•  Integrity and commitment to the mandate and values of the United Nations.

Language: Excellent oral and written command of the Spanish language.

REMARKS: The general conditions of the contracts for the Consultants service apply.

Consultants are responsible for determining their tax obligations under local law. UNITAR does not reimburse Consultants for any tax or other tax contribution under the consulting contract.

The Institute does not provide or organize life or health insurance coverage for Consultants, and Consultants are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance plans provided by the UN for its officials.

The Institute is committed to achieving the diversity of its staff in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Women, individuals from minority and indigenous groups and qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.