OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Duty Station: Montreal
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31/10/2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background
The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) is the framework used internationally to classify education programmes and related qualifications by levels and fields. Developed and maintained by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), ISCED underpins the production of internationally comparable education statistics across countries.
As part of ISCED governance and to ensure that the classification remains fit for purpose and reflects evolving education systems, UIS convened an ISCED Review Panel in June 2023. The Panelโs mandate was to review ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and ISCED-F 2013, identify areas for further development, and provide guidance to UIS. Following its deliberations, the Panel issued 16 recommendations covering conceptual, methodological, and operational aspects of the classifications.
In response, UIS is establishing four thematic ISCED Task Forces to implement these recommendations[1]:
Task Force on the classification of Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes; Task Force on professional/occupational and academic programmes at ISCED levels 6 to 8; Task Force on the integration of Work-Based Learning (WBL) into ISCED; Task Force on the revision of ISCED Fields of Education and Training (ISCED-F 2013).
The Task Forces will operate virtually for 12-18 months, composed of international experts nominated by Member States and key stakeholders, with UIS providing management and secretariat support. Their work will directly inform the amendment of ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and the comprehensive revision of ISCED-F 2013, with outcomes expected to be presented to the UNESCO General Conference in 2027.
[1] Subject to their adoption by UNESCO General Conference at its 43rd Session (November 2025).
Objectives
The objective of this consultancy is to provide secretarial and organizational support to the ISCED Task Forces and UIS Management, ensuring efficient operations, timely documentation, and effective communication between UIS, Task Force members, and other stakeholders.
Key tasks
Under the overall authority of the Director of UIS and direct supervision of the Head of the Education Standards Unit, the consultant will:
Assist in organizing virtual Task Force meetings (scheduling, invitations, technical arrangements, follow-up). Prepare draft agendas, compile background materials, and support preparation of meeting presentations. Draft accurate and timely meeting notes, summaries, and action points. Maintain contact lists of TF members and ensure timely circulation of materials, updates, and feedback requests. Organize and maintain a shared repository of TF documents, correspondence, and working drafts. Assist UIS staff in tracking TF timelines, deliverables, and follow-up actions.Deliverables
Deliverables
The consultant will deliver outputs aligned with the TFsโ workplans. Indicative deliverables include:
Inception work plan outlining approach to supporting TFs (within 1 month of contract start). Draft agendas, background packs, and logistical support for each TF meeting (ongoing). Timely meeting notes and summary reports for all TF meetings (within 1 week of each meeting). A consolidated archive of TF documents and communications (quarterly updates). Final report summarizing secretariat support provided, lessons learned, and recommendations for future processes (at contract end).Duration: The consultancy is expected to run for 11 months, renewable depending on TF needs and progress following the adoption of ISCED RP recommendations by the 43rd UNESCO General Conference (November 2025).
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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Bachelorโs or higher) in education, social sciences, public administration, international relations, or related field.Experience
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative, coordination, or secretariat support in an international or multilateral context. Experience supporting expert groups, committees, or task forces.Skills
Strong organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail. Excellent drafting and note-taking abilities. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. Proficiency in digital collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, etc.). Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.Language
Excellent command of English (oral and written).DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
Familiarity with education statistics, classifications, or international organizations is desirable.Language
Working knowledge of French or another UN language.APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:
A cover letter describing interest, qualifications, availability, and proposed consultancy fee. An up-to-date CV. A brief description of suitability for the assignment and, if applicable, proposed methodology. A financial proposal indicating the all-inclusive fixed contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs.Only the proposals that include all the four aforementioned elements will be considered. Failure to provide any of those will result in an incomplete application which will not be considered.
UNESCO places significant importance on achieving the objectives outlined in the Terms of Reference. Consequently, the evaluation of proposals will prioritize the technical components. From the proposals that meet the criteria specified in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO will select the one that provides the best value for money for the Organization.
References
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2012. International Standard Classification of Education: ISCED 2011. Montreal: UIS. Link. UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2014. ISCED Fields of Education and Training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013). Montreal: UIS. Link. OECD, Eurostat, and UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2015. ISCED 2011 Operational Manual: Guidelines for Classifying National Education Programmes and Related Qualifications. Paris: OECD Publishing. Link. UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2015. International Standard Classification of Education: Fields of Education and Training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013) โ Detailed Field Descriptions. Montreal: UIS. Link. ISCED Review Panel Recommendations report (2024). Link.
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.
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