Deadline for applications: 15 April 2024

In order to carry out field missions of candidates to UNESCO Global Geoparks as well as re-validation missions, UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network are launching a call for evaluators.

In accordance with the Article 5 of the Statutes of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and Article 4.3 of the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks, UNESCO in conjunction with the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) establishes and maintains a roster of evaluators. 

The UNESCO Global Geopark Bureau selects evaluators who are on this roster to carry out field evaluations of new applications for aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks and revalidation missions of established UNESCO Global Geoparks.

These evaluators have combined and proven professional and/or research-teaching experience relevant for UNESCO Global Geopark development, such as:

• Geological heritage
• Geoconservation
• Environmental management
• Community engagement and territorial projects
• Sustainable development
• Tourism development and promotion
• Public education and communication of geoscience

Evaluators serve in their personal capacity, not as representatives of their respective States or any other affiliated entities. The evaluators should ensure no conflict of interest regarding new UNESCO Global Geopark applications or those requiring revalidation. Evaluators do not seek or accept instructions from governments or other authorities and do not conduct missions in their own country. 

The UNESCO Global Geopark Bureau assigns two evaluators from the roster of evaluators per field evaluation/revalidation mission. 

Evaluation Teams shall independently: 

• Evaluate applications, changes in area, and revalidations for UNESCO Global Geoparks on the basis of the strict guidelines provided by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; 
• Prepare a report to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council on the applications, extensions and revalidations evaluated. 

Criteria

The evaluators take note and respect the Statutes of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks, the Terms of Reference, as well as the Guidelines for Field Inspection Missions for UNESCO Global Geoparks. 

They must be ready to dedicate time to carry out the evaluation/revalidation missions and study a number of documents related to the UNESCO Global Geopark applications and revalidations. A good knowledge of English, and ability to understand and speak it fluently, is required. A good knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an asset. 

Each evaluator should fulfil at least two of the criteria below: 

• Be/have been a manager or representing geoscientist in a “green card” holding UNESCO Global Geopark for at least four years; 
• Be/have been a member of the scientific committee of a “green card” holding UNESCO Global Geopark for at least four years; 
• Must have proven combined scientific or professional experience relevant to UNESCO Global Geopark development, for at least five years, and be backed by a corresponding recognized higher education degree in at least three of the following areas: 
  • -Geological heritage;
  • -Sustainable development and geotourism;
  • -Community engagement for the creation and management of UNESCO Global Geoparks;
  • -Public education and communication of geoscience;
  • -Geoconservation and environmental management;
• Have conducted relevant capacity building activities and/or missions on behalf of UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network; 

Individuals who have previously been part of the roster of evaluators do not need to reapply.

Applying to the roster of evaluators

Each individual wishing to become an evaluator for UNESCO Global Geoparks should fill in the application form for evaluators for UNESCO Global Geoparks and send it, together with their CV and the necessary documentation and references, to the following four contacts:

UNESCO

Kristof Vandenberghe: k.vandenberghe@unesco.org

 UNESCO Global Geopark Secretariat: iggp@unesco.org

GGN Association

Nikolaos Zouros, President: nzour@aegean.gr

GGN Secretariat: secretariat@globalgeoparksnetwork.org

The deadline for applications is 15 April 2024.