OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: remote
Classification of duty station:
Standard Duration of Assignement :
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-AUG-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background and justification
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a global framework for progress across five key pillarsโpeople, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peaceโwith quality education (SDG 4) at its heart. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of this vision, calling for a well-prepared, adaptable, and committed teaching workforce capable of delivering transformative learning and responding to evolving societal needs. In alignment with this vision, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) launched the project โTeachers as Lifelong Learners: International Research, Policy, and Practice on Lifelong Learning for Teacher Education (2023โ2026).โ The initiative aims to generate evidence-based insights into how teachers can be empowered as lifelong learners and as facilitators of lifelong learning.
Phase 1 (2023โ2024) of this project focused on establishing a strong knowledge foundation. Key outputs included a comprehensive literature review, six national case studies (China, Chile, Finland, Germany, Qatar, and South Africa), and two thematic papers examining lifelong learning for teachers/educators in early childhood care and education (ECCE) and adult education. These efforts will be used to produce a global synthesis report. Building on the Phase 1 publications, Phase 2 (2024โ2025) will focus on drafting three documents for consultations and validations โpolicy recommendations, a monitoring framework, and curriculum guidelines for teacher educationโalongside three associated training modules.
To support the successful implementation of this projectโs Phase 2 activities, UIL is seeking a junior consultant to provide technical and coordination support to the team leader and other programme specialists in the development of these key project outputs.
Long Description
Scope of work and objectives
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Team Leader (TL) of the Quality Learning Ecosystems (QLE) programme at UIL and in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to support the successful implementation of Phase 2 of the project.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Support in Three Expert Team Selection and Onboarding
Assist the TL in finalizing and publishing Terms of Reference (ToRs) for expert teams/external consultants. Support the review and selection process of applications. Facilitate the onboarding of selected consultants and coordinate literature review processes as assigned.2. Support in Document Development and Finalization
Maintain regular communication with lead consultants to ensure timely delivery of outputs and provide TL with regular updates. Assist TL in reviewing and providing constructive feedback on three key documents to enhance their quality. Support the refinement and finalization of documents to meet UILโs quality standards. Coordinate with the Publications Unit on copy-editing and final production processes.Long Description
3. Organization of Online Feedback Workshops
Assist the TL and expert teams in organizing online feedback workshops. Communicate with potential expert participants and manage workshop logistics. Collect and consolidate expert feedback to inform document revisions.4. Development of Three Training Modules
Coordinate with lead consultants to monitor progress and ensure timely submission of deliverables for TLโs review. Support the TL in reviewing training module content and providing regular feedback. Liaise with the UIL Learning Hub coordinator on instructional design and course platform preparation.5. Organization of Two Thematic Webinars
Collaborate with QLE team members to identify and contact potential speakers for webinars scheduled for September and November 2025. Prepare guiding questions and discussion prompts for speakers. Support the promotion and dissemination of webinars. Coordinate logistical and technical arrangements for both events.6. General Coordination and Administrative Support
Organize regular coordination meetings with SHNU and UNESCO HQs, including agenda preparation and drafting meeting reports as requested. Provide general administrative support related to project implementation and documentation. Draft presentations on the project for various events as needed. Attend weekly team meetings (every Thursday) and report on project progress.Deliverables :
Progress Report 1: Selection process of expert teams; preparation of September webinar
Due: 31 August 2025
Progress Report 2: Preparation of three key documents by expert teams
Due: 30 September 2025
Progress Report 3: Continued development of key documents; preparation of November webinar
Due: 31 October 2025
Progress Report 4: Updated drafts of three key outcome documents (policy recommendations, curriculum guidelines, monitoring framework); organization of feedback workshops
Due: 30 November 2025
Progress Report 5: Drafts of three training modules; preparation of course platforms on UIL Learning Hub
Due: 25 December 2025
Long Description
Required qualifications:
Education: Masterโs degree in education, preferably in teacher education, adult education, lifelong learning, education policy, or related fields in social sciences. Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience in education, preferably one year in an international context. Digital skills: Excellent skills in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation programmes; data analysis software programmes, basic coding. Language Requirements: Proficiency in English, and the knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
Competencies
Up-to-date knowledge of the related fields, e.g., teacher education, adult education, lifelong learning, and relevant global education policies. Good knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Strong analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills in English. Excellent ICT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software. Demonstrate the ability to learn continuously on emerging issues and topics related to teachers, ALE and lifelong learning. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to take initiatives and demonstrate creative and agile attitude towards challenges and problems. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and demonstrate teamwork skills. Demonstration of a high degree of professional integrity and ethics.Supervision
The consultant will be supervised by the Team Leader, Quality Learning Ecosystems programme, and work closely with relevant programme specialists, a group of consultants, and other UIL units (Publications and Communications), when required.
Location and travel
The consultancy can be carried out remotely from any location at the beginning of this contract, but the preference will be given to those who are based in Hamburg, Germany, and can work on-site at the UIL office.
Nature of penalty clause in contract
If the documents are not submitted or confirmed by UIL staff according to the deliverables and timeframe stated in this TOR, the payments will be withheld.
UNESCO reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.
All materials developed will remain copyright of UNESCO, and UNESCO will be free to adapt and modify, reproduce or otherwise use them in whatsoever form or language in the future.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Procedure
Interested candidates will need to submit one consolidated PDF document which includes the following information:
A short description, one page only, explaining the approach proposed for completing the project assignments. A financial proposal, one page only, for delivering the activities described in the call; A short CV, focusing on previous relevant working experience, consultancy assignments and deliverables and relevant expertise to this project.
The proposal should not exceed 5 pages. Proposals missing any of the above will not be considered.
The complete application shall be submitted on or before 23:59 CET, 1 August 2025. Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
Any questions may be directed to: uil-learningecosystems@unesco.org
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.