The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Nepal is offering a consultancy to address the cultural and environmental impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on the Indigenous community of Thame in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. The project aims to document intangible cultural heritage (ICH), strengthen disaster resilience, and develop an action plan aligned with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention and the Sagarmatha National Park Management Plan.

The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu is leading this effort with local authorities and partners, contributing to global initiatives including the 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

Contract Period

September 15, 2025 – June 15, 2026

Scope of Work

The consultant will integrate DRR and climate change considerations into ICH documentation, training, and planning.

Specific Deliverables/Requirements

• Develop and deliver training modules on DRR and climate change in ICH inventorying
• Conduct two field missions to Thame (Oct/Nov 2025 and May 2026)
• Facilitate consultations, surveys, interviews, and FGDs with Indigenous communities
• Support orientation and validation workshops with local stakeholders
• Document Indigenous knowledge systems for hazard prediction and resilience
• Contribute DRR and climate adaptation recommendations to the Action Plan
• Provide technical input for communications, including articles, videos, and infographics
• Ensure all outputs align with Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles
• Submit reports, field notes, and final documentation

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will work with UNESCO and local experts to:
• Build local capacity on integrating DRR into ICH safeguarding
• Collect and validate community-based knowledge on disaster resilience
• Develop practical recommendations for the Sagarmatha National Park Management Plan
• Ensure scientific accuracy in awareness materials and reports

Qualifications and Experience

The role requires strong expertise in DRR, climate adaptation, and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in environmental science, climate change, DRR, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in DRR and climate adaptation
• Experience with GLOF risk assessment or mountain ecosystems preferred
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention and ICH safeguarding methods
• Proven experience working with Indigenous communities
• Strong facilitation and participatory engagement skills

Team Expertise

The consultant will collaborate with:
• National ICH Expert: cultural safeguarding and inventory methods
• UNESCO Natural Sciences and Culture staff: technical oversight
• Community Volunteers: local engagement and documentation

Proposal Requirements/Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:
• Technical proposal outlining approach to tasks
• CV highlighting relevant expertise and field experience
• Proposed work plan and availability
• Financial proposal (fees per deliverable)

Submission Details

Submit proposals to the UNESCO Kathmandu Office by email. Travel and accommodation costs for field missions will be covered under UNESCO’s policy.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Evaluation Criteria

• Relevant academic qualifications and expertise
• Demonstrated experience in DRR and ICH safeguarding
• Knowledge of Indigenous and community-based resilience approaches
• Quality and feasibility of proposed methodology

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a UNESCO evaluation committee. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed before final selection.

Schedule & Key Dates

• Consultancy Start Date: September 15, 2025
• Training Module Submission: October 8, 2025
• First Field Mission: October/November 2025
• Summary Report Submission: November 30, 2025
• Draft Inventory and Action Plan: January 2026
• Final Mission Report and Validated Action Plan: March 2026
• Consultancy End Date: June 15, 2026

Terms and Conditions (General)

Travel and per diem allowances will be paid according to UN rates. All deliverables must acknowledge UNESCO and donors. Outputs may not be published without prior approval from UNESCO.

Contact Information for Inquiries

UNESCO Office, Kathmandu
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: +977 1-5970180