The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is seeking one or two consultant(s) with a background in social sciences, gender, sustainable development, science policy or related fields and requisite experience in gender data collection and analysis and/or with a good knowledge and understanding of the marine science research sector/deep-sea research or related fields. The selected consultant(s) will undertake a gender-mapping and identification of critical barriers to the participation of women from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in deep-sea related research disciplines and activities and access to leadership positions in line with the Terms of Reference of work in the two annexes to the present call.
The vital role of women in science and in achieving global development objectives is well established. However, despite numerous initiatives being adopted and implemented at global, regional and national levels to create new opportunities for women in emerging sectors, women in marine scientific research continue to remain underrepresented especially, in highly technical categories such as deep-sea related research disciplines. This is further noticeable in developing countries and in particular, in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
Cognizant of these challenges, ISA registered a voluntary commitment at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference (#OceanAction15467) to contribute to women empowerment and leadership through the enhancement of their role and participation in deep-sea scientific research. Through the “Women in Deep Sea Research” (WIDSR) project and together with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS (UN-ORHLLS), ISA is committed to address the critical challenges faced by women from developing States in actively participating and accessing opportunities for careers and leadership roles in deep-sea related research disciplines and related careers with a view of contributing to strengthening the resource base of such countries in highly technical areas of knowledge.
The ISA Secretariat is now seeking one or two international consultants to undertake a gender-mapping and produce a report on the representation of women from LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in deep-sea related research disciplines and related careers and critical barriers preventing their participation and access to leadership positions.
Proposals should not exceed 1,500 words and should thoroughly and sufficiently demonstrate the competence and expertise of the applicant to meet the requirements contained in the Annex. Proposals should equally reflect a clear methodology on the deliverables for the study as well as proposed costs.
All applications should be submitted no later than 15 July 2021 by sending a CV and cover letter to eosg@isa.org.jm.
For enquiries, please contact:
Dr. Marie Bourrel-McKinnon, Senior Policy Officer & Special Assistant to the Secretary-General, ISA, mbourrel@isa.org.jm