Consultant: Digital Competencies for older adults

OVERVIEW

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 : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-APR-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

I. Background

The global demographic landscape is witnessing a remarkable trend: the rapid growth of the population aged over 65, now the fastest-expanding age group worldwide. The United Nations forecasts that by 2050, this demographic will comprise 16% of the global population, up from 10% in 2022. In light of this shift, supporting the health, activity, and public engagement of older individuals becomes increasingly crucial. Lifelong learning is pivotal in this respect, playing a key role in enabling older adults to reskill, maintain autonomy, enjoy healthy aging, and improve their overall quality of life.

Long Description

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is at the forefront of understanding how lifelong learning can be effectively utilized to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by aging societies. Supported by funding from Shanghai Open University, UIL has launched three thematic studies this year, planned to span over the next three years. These studies are centered on lifelong learning for older adults, with specific emphasis on upskilling and reskilling, fostering intergenerational learning, and enhancing digital competencies.

Long Description

Each thematic study provides an in-depth analysis of the national policy environment, institutional frameworks, and the development and application of educational programmes for older adults within the scope of the three thematic areas. A case study methodology will be employed to examine these thematic studies. Additionally, the thematic study focusing on enhancing digital competencies for older adults will include a quantitative component dedicated to developing measurement frameworks for assessing the digital competence of older adults.

Long Description

II. Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and the supervision of the Inclusive Learning Program Team Leader, the incumbent will support the implementation of the three thematic studies, with a focus on the study enhancing digital competencies for older adults. The main responsibilities include:

Conceptual Development, Project Coordination, and Management

• Consolidate the conceptual development of the research framework for the thematic study on enhancing digital competencies for older adults.
• Assist in Identifying, communicating with, and coordinating consultants and partners to implement case studies for this thematic study.
• Assist the review of the case studies in consultation with project advisors.
• Draft the publication proposal for the thematic study.
• Compile and edit the case studies into a thematic report under the guidance of the project leader.

  Development of Indicators and Guidelines

  • Assist in developing measurement frameworks for assessing the digital competence of older adults.
  • Assist in designing indicators to capture the digital skills of older adults that could be including in the monitoring framework of the Marrakesh Framework for Actions (MFA).
  • Draft guidelines and recommendations for institutions to design and implement effective educational programmes for enhancing digital skills for older adults.

    Representation, Advocacy, and Communication

    • Develop and update the web pages for the three thematic studies.
    • Assist in drafting policy papers and blogs where necessary.

      Other duties

      • Upon team leader’s request, support the work of the team on implementing the monitoring framework for the Marrakesh Framework for action (MFA) by contributing to the development of quantitative indicators.

        COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Strategic thinking (M)