Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Hamburg
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 10.06.2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
1. Background and Context
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is located in Hamburg, Germany, and is one of UNESCOโs eight education Institutes. UIL supports Member States in the field of lifelong learning with a focus on learning ecosystems, skills for life and work, and inclusive learning. It pays special attention to UNESCOโs Global Priorities Africa and Gender Equality. Within UNESCOโs broad educational mandate, the mission of the Institute is to promote the recognition of and create the conditions for the exercise of the right to education and learning. The Institute undertakes research, capacity-building, networking and publication on lifelong learning. UIL responds to the concerns of all UNESCO Member States, giving priority to least developed countries.
In a context of rapid urban growth and increasing challenges related to social inclusion, sustainability, and economic development, UIL established the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) to support local governments in harnessing lifelong learning as a strategic tool for inclusive and sustainable urban development.
The GNLC, coordinated by UIL, is an international, policy-oriented network that provides inspiration, know-how, and examples of best practice. Its mission is to support and accelerate the practice of lifelong learning in cities worldwide by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning among member cities, forging links and fostering partnerships, building capacities for lifelong learning, and developing tools to encourage and recognize progress in building learning cities. The GNLC opened for membership in 2015. Since then, the network has grown to more than 350 member cities across all five UNESCO regions.
The network is based on two foundational documents: the Beijing Declaration on Building Learning Cities and the Key Features of Learning Cities, both adopted at the first International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC) in 2013. Additional key documents include Learning Cities and the SDGs: A Guide to Action and the Guidelines for Building Learning Cities.
Long Description
5. Deliverables and timeline
The consultant must submit editable versions of all deliverables in English within the contract period. The specified dates for the deliverables indicated below are subject to revision.
List of deliverables
Deliverable 1 should be submitted on 31 July 2025
Deliverable 2 should be submitted 29 August 2025
Deliverable 3 should be submitted 30 September 2025
Deliverable 4 should be submitted 31 October 2025
Deliverable 5 should be submitted 28 November 2025
Deliverable 6 should be submitted 19 December 2025
UIL will provide feedback to each deliverable submitted and hold regular meetings to ensure the progress and quality of the consultantโs work.
The contractor should ensure that all visibility materials are produced in line with UNESCOโs branding guidelines. Please refer to the UNESCO Style Manual for citation style, terminology and spelling, abbreviations, references, etc.
In line with UNESCOโs overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
The documents produced will be the property of UIL.
Logistic arrangements and travels
The consultancy can be done by working remotely.
Long Description
7. Required Qualifications
Education
Masterโs degree in political sciences, international relations, education, social sciences, development studies or any other related fields.
Work experience
At least 2 years of relevant work experience in project coordination or management, ideally within the field of education, lifelong learning, or international cooperation.
Previous experience in planning and implementing multi-stakeholder activities, including event organisation, data coordination, and communications.
Experience supporting or managing international projects, particularly in collaboration with local governments, city networks, or public institutions.
Proven experience in collaborating on international projects in the field of education.
Familiarity with lifelong learning, urban development, or education systems across different regions, especially in UNESCO Member States.
Skills
Excellent drafting and communication skills.
Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to collect, structure, and summarize data to inform decision-making.
Competent computer skills for MS Office package processing, presentation, online collaboration and data visualization.
Excellent independent working skills.
Language
Fluency in English, French and Spanish (both written and spoken).
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.
Long Description
Long Description
8. Application process
Content of the application
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 this project.
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.
9. Selection process
A shortlist of the three most suitable applicants will be drawn up, and the selected candidates will be contacted by the team leader of the Skills Throughout Life Programme. The successful candidate will be selected and offered a contract based on the application review.
Footer
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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.