UNESCO is inviting experienced consultants to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS) as a Category II Centre (C2C). This study will assess the potential alignment of AIIKS with UNESCO’s mission and its contribution to UNESCO’s strategic priorities in the fields of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge.
Position Details:
- Grade: Consultant (Non-Staff)
- Duty Station: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Contract Duration: 1 to 6 months
- Application Deadline: March 25, 2025
- Recruitment Open to: External Candidates
- Job Family: Natural Sciences
- Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Background:
In partnership with the Government of South Africa, UNESCO has proposed the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS) for Category II Institute status. The AIIKS will focus on advancing African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) and contribute to global knowledge through research, innovation, and community-centered practices.
Prior to granting Category II status, UNESCO requires a thorough feasibility study to assess AIIKS’s alignment with UNESCO’s operational needs and principles. This study will also evaluate its financial and operational feasibility, ensuring that AIIKS can effectively support UNESCO’s strategic goals.
Scope of Work:
The feasibility study will focus on two main areas of evaluation:
A. Operational and Programmatic Alignment:
- Assess the alignment of AIIKS with UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy and Approved Programme and Budget (C/4 and C/5).
- Examine regional and global needs for AIIKS and its potential to address existing knowledge gaps.
- Explore potential partnerships with governments, academic institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure that AIIKS activities complement UNESCO’s broader objectives and do not overlap with other Category II Centres or similar initiatives.
B. Financial and Governance Framework:
- Assess the financial viability and sustainability of AIIKS.
- Review AIIKS’s governance structure, legal frameworks, and operational autonomy.
- Evaluate the institution’s financial model and long-term sustainability plans.
Methodology:
The selected team will use a combination of methods, including document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and surveys or questionnaires, to gather comprehensive data.
Deliverables:
- Inception Report: Detailed methodology, timeline, and approach.
- Draft Feasibility Report: Key findings and recommendations for feedback.
- Final Feasibility Report: Comprehensive report with SWOT analysis, risk assessments, and recommendations related to legal, governance, and financial aspects.
Duration:
The consultancy is expected to last up to 6 weeks. The consultant team will outline key milestones, including draft and final report submissions.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit separate technical and financial proposals to [email protected] by March 25, 2025. Please specify in the subject line:
- Technical Proposal: “African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems – AIIKS – Technical Proposal”
- Financial Proposal: “African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems – AIIKS – Financial Proposal”
Only those who meet the required criteria will be contacted.
Required Qualifications:
- Team Leader (Consultant 1): Expertise in UNESCO’s strategic areas, particularly with Category II Centres. Experience in conducting legal, financial, and operational assessments.
- IKS Expert (Consultant 2): Proven experience with African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Expertise in feasibility studies related to epistemic justice.
Competencies:
Accountability, Innovation, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Results Focus, Teamwork, Professionalism.
Selection and Recruitment Process:
Applications will be evaluated based on a combination of technical (70%) and financial (30%) criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and reference checks.
For detailed information on the selection criteria, refer to the UNESCO Competency Framework.
UNESCO’s Commitment:
UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity, with a particular emphasis on gender, nationality, culture, and inclusion of under-represented groups. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of harassment and is an equal opportunity employer.
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Disclaimer:
Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. We are unable to process applications. Due to high email volumes, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
For further details, visit the original announcement on Global South Opportunities.
