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Call for Proposal | UNESCO Invites Applicants for Homebased Researchers Positions

AdminFebruary 29, 2024

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Call for Proposal: UNESCO Invites Applicants for Homebased Researchers Positions

Overview:

Parent Sector: Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)
Duty Station: Remote
Call for Proposal | UNESCO Invites Applicants for Homebased Researchers Positions
Job Family: Social and Human Sciences
Type of Contract: Non-Staff
Duration: 4.5 months
Recruitment Open to: Internal and External Candidates

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Research Study On “The Transatlantic Enslavement and Slave Trades: The Historical Roots of Contemporary Racism Against People of African Descent”

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UNESCO Invites Applicants for Homebased Researchers Positions

Introduction: The transatlantic slave trade remains one of the darkest chapters in human history, with far-reaching consequences that continue to shape societies today. UNESCO, recognizing the urgent need to understand and address the legacy of this historical atrocity, is commissioning a research study to delve into the meta-historical roots of contemporary racism against people of African descent.

This call for proposal outlines the objectives, scope, and requirements for the research study, aiming to shed light on the enduring impacts of the transatlantic enslavement and slave trades on present-day manifestations of racism.

Purpose: The primary purpose of the research study is to deepen our understanding of how the transatlantic slave trade has contributed to contemporary racism against individuals of African descent. By examining historical sources and existing literature, the study seeks to uncover the systems, processes, and factors that perpetuate racism today. Furthermore, it aims to quantify the socio-economic costs of these legacies in key areas such as healthcare, education, cultural participation, and labor market insertion.

Objectives:

To map the meta-historical roots of contemporary racism against persons of African descent stemming from the transatlantic slave trade.
To quantify the socio-economic impact of these legacies in key areas, including healthcare, education, cultural participation, and labor market insertion.
To produce actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to address the enduring effects of transatlantic enslavement and slave trades.

Assignment: The consultant undertaking this assignment will be responsible for:

Developing a comprehensive research plan outlining research questions, methodology, and a draft outline for the study.
Conducting a non-systematic qualitative meta-analysis of existing literature and historical sources related to the transatlantic slave trade and contemporary racism against individuals of African descent.
Undertaking a quantitative analysis to assess the socio-economic costs of these legacies, employing appropriate models and methodologies.
Producing a draft report for feedback from UNESCO, including a reflexive description of the methodology and actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Refining the draft report based on feedback received and delivering a final report along with data files produced through the research.

Deliverables: The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

Research plan outlining research questions, methodology, and draft outline by April 15, 2024.
Draft report presenting findings, analysis, and recommendations by June 28, 2024.
Final report incorporating feedback received and data files produced by July 31, 2024.

Contract Duration: The duration of the contract will be 4.5 months, commencing on March 18, 2024. The consultant will work remotely for the duration of the contract.

Competencies: The consultant should demonstrate the following competencies:

Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms.
Innovation: Capacity to approach research questions creatively and propose novel methodologies.
Strategic Thinking: Capability to develop a strategic research plan aligned with the objectives of the study.
Professionalism: Commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in the history of enslavement and the slave trades or related studies.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the technical area.
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft high-quality reports and documents.
Capacity to work independently under general guidance and exercise initiative and judgment.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze information from various sources.
Excellent spoken and written English, with a good knowledge of French.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following documents in English to SHSREP@unesco.org with cc to am.majlof@unesco.org by March 1, 2024 (midnight CET), mentioning “SHS/IRD – Publication links enslavement and racism” in the subject line:

Letter of interest explaining suitability for the position.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
Written proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining approach and methodology, including a work plan.
Samples of similar research works previously undertaken.
Technical and financial proposals indicating the monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference, including travel and other related costs. Applications submitted without a monthly rate will not be considered.
Contact details of three references.

Selection and Recruitment Process: Candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice, including tests and/or assessments and competency-based interviews. The financial proposal should not exceed $6000 USD per month. UNESCO promotes workforce diversity and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Conclusion: The research study on the transatlantic enslavement and slave trades represents a critical endeavor to uncover the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of racism against people of African descent. By undertaking this study, UNESCO aims to contribute to the global dialogue on racial justice and reconciliation, providing policymakers and stakeholders with actionable insights to address the enduring impacts of historical injustices. Through rigorous research and analysis, we endeavor to honor the memory of those who suffered under the yoke of slavery and strive towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.