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. The application deadline is 11 September 2026. Junior Consultant Opportunity at UNESCO 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. 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. What Will the Consultant Do? The specific tasks and deliverables are outlined in UNESCO’s assignment documentation. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they understand the assignment and can propose a practical approach to completing the required work. As part of the application, candidates must provide a statement explaining how their qualifications and professional experience make them suitable for the consultancy. Applicants must also outline their proposed approach to carrying out the assignment, including identifying any inputs, information or support that would be required from UNESCO. This means candidates should demonstrate not only relevant qualifications but also their ability to organize their work, understand the assignment and develop a realistic plan for delivering the expected outputs. Who Should Apply? The opportunity may appeal to candidates who have developed an interest in disaster risk reduction and related areas through their education, professional experience, research or other relevant activities. 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 Applicants should focus their application on demonstrating the relevance of their own qualifications and experience to the specific assignment. What Must Be Included in the Application? UNESCO has specified that interested candidates should submit a single document containing the required application information. The document should include an up-to-date CV outlining the applicant’s education, professional experience, skills and other relevant qualifications. Candidates must also provide a statement explaining how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment. This section should clearly connect the applicant’s background to the requirements of the consultancy rather than simply repeating information from their CV. The application must additionally include a proposed approach for carrying out the assignment. Applicants should explain how they intend to undertake the work and identify any inputs or support they would require from UNESCO. Finally, 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. How to Prepare a Strong Application Candidates should carefully tailor their applications to the consultancy rather than submitting a generic CV and statement. The CV should prioritize experience directly connected to disaster risk reduction and related fields. Relevant research, internships, project work, consulting assignments, academic projects and professional experience can all help demonstrate suitability where applicable. The statement should clearly answer one central question: Why is this candidate well suited to undertake the assignment? Applicants can strengthen this section by connecting specific skills and previous experience to the work expected from the consultant. The proposed approach is equally important. Candidates should demonstrate that they have thought carefully about how the assignment could be delivered, including potential stages, outputs, timelines and requirements. Applicants should also ensure that their proposed fees and estimated number of working days are realistic and clearly presented. Opportunity in Paris, France The Junior Consultant opportunity is associated with UNESCO’s DRR Unit in Paris, France. 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. 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. Why Disaster Risk Reduction Matters 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. Key Details at a Glance OpportunityDetailsOrganizationUNESCOUnitDisaster Risk Reduction (DRR) UnitPositionJunior ConsultantLocationParis, FranceFieldDisaster Risk ReductionApplication formatSingle documentRequired documentsCV, suitability statement, proposed approach and financial proposalCost proposalLump sum or daily feeTimelineEstimated working days requiredTravel costsIndicate separatelySubsistence costsIndicate separatelyDeadline11 September 2026Application emaildrr@unesco.org How to Apply Interested candidates should prepare one document containing all the information requested by UNESCO. The document should include: An up-to-date CV. A statement explaining how the applicant’s qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment. A proposed approach for carrying out the assignment, including any required inputs from UNESCO. The overall cost of the assignment, presented as either a lump sum or daily fee. An estimated timeline or number of working days. Travel and subsistence costs indicated separately. Applications should be submitted by email to drr@unesco.org. Application deadline: 11 September 2026. Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their relevant expertise, proposed methodology and financial expectations before submitting. Final Note The UNESCO Junior Consultant – Disaster Risk Reduction Unit opportunity provides an avenue for qualified professionals to contribute to international work on disaster risk reduction while gaining exposure to the operations of a United Nations organization. Those with relevant experience and a strong interest in disaster risk reduction, resilience and sustainable development should review the assignment requirements carefully and prepare a tailored application before the deadline. Stay connected with Global South Opportunities for the latest scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, and career opportunities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel and be the first to discover new opportunities. Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities is not the organization offering this consultancy. Applicants should verify the full terms of reference, eligibility requirements, assignment deliverables and application instructions directly with UNESCO before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW