OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: remote
Classification of duty station:
Standard Duration of Assignment:
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) : 27-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 serves as a comprehensive guide for United Nations member states to advance in five crucial dimensions: people, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peace, with quality education (SDG 4) highlighted as a key goal to \"ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.\" Lifelong learning, central to sustainable education policies, integrates learning and living across all ages and contexts, requiring a trained, active, and committed teaching workforce. Teachers play a crucial role in providing transformative learning experiences that help learners achieve their full potential and develop lifelong learning capabilities, while continuously reflecting on their practices and adapting to evolving societal changes.
Against this background, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) have launched a project titled \"Teachers as Lifelong Learners: International Research, Policy, and Practice on Lifelong Learning for Teacher Education (2023-2026).\" This initiative aims to generate evidence-based insights into policies and practices that promote the development of teachers as lifelong learners and facilitators of lifelong learning. Phase 1 of the project (2023-2024) focused on conducting a comprehensive literature review and drafting five national case studies (China, Chile, Qatar, Finland, and South Africa). In 2025, additional case studies and thematic papers will be commissioned to contribute to the synthesis report. Furthermore, in 2025, as part of Phase 2 of the project (2024-2025), key resourcesโcurriculum guidelines, policy recommendations, training modules, and a monitoring frameworkโwill be developed. Since October 2024, UIL has been organising a series of webinars on different aspects of teachers and educators as lifelong learners.
UIL seeks a consultant to provide support to the improvement of the six case studies and two thematic papers; the preparation of the synthesis report; and the organisation of the remaining two webinars.
Long Description
Scope of work and objectives
Under the supervision of the Team Leader (TL) of the Quality Learning Ecosystems programme, UIL, the consultant will support the finalisation of the six national case studies, two thematic papers, and the preparation of the synthesis report, and the organisation of two webinars. Detailed tasks and responsibilities include:
Support for the finalisation of the six national case studies and two thematic papers:
- Review and provide extensive feedback on six national case studies and two thematic papers to improve and prepare them for copy-editing.
- Verify the accuracy and reliability of key data, insights, and sources presented in these case studies and thematic papers, and revise them accordingly, if required.
- Review and analyse additional resources to enhance the relevance and quality of the content;
- Communicate with respective consultants of these case studies and thematic papers for clarifications, when necessary, especially during the copyediting process at UIL;
- Revise and finalise the case studies, adhering to the UIL Style Reference Guide and work closely with the consultant and the UIL Publication Unit on the copy-editing and design.
Long Description
Support for the development and finalisation of the synthesis report
- Review and provide feedback to the synthesis report consultant to improve the quality of the synthesis report.
- Refine the final version of the report, ensuring it meets UIL's quality standards and work closely with the consultant and the UIL Publication Unit on the copy-editing and design.
- Ensure the finalisation of the report by the end of 2025.
Development and implementation of the webinar series
- Draft a concept note for a November webinar, outlining the purpose, objectives, its relevance, and key issues to be addressed on promoting teachers as lifelong learners and as facilitators of lifelong learning.
- Organise two webinars; one in September and the second in November.
- Identify and contact potential speakers for the webinars and ensure that logistics and communication materials are planned timely manner and ensure the organisation of these webinars.
Deliverables :
- Three finalised case study reports ready for copyediting and one webinar organised โ 30 September 2025
- Three finalised case study reports ready for copyediting and the preparation for the November webinar โ 31 October 2025
- Two finalised thematic papers ready for copyediting; one webinar organised; and the first full draft of the synthesis report ready for copyediting - 28 November 2025
- Finalised synthesis report โ 22 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.
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 initiative and demonstrate a 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 the penalty clause in the 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 are incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.
All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNESCO, and UNESCO will be free to adapt and modify, reproduce or otherwise use them in whatever 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)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, 27 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 online 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.
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.