Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is a specialized institute of UNESCO, established to promote lifelong learning and adult education globally. UIL's mission is to contribute to the development of lifelong learning policies and practices, ensuring that education is accessible to all individuals throughout their lives. The institute operates in various countries, engaging with Member States to monitor and support advancements in adult learning and education. UIL is known for its flagship publications, including the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE), which assesses progress in adult education and informs policy dialogue. The organization values commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, and it employs a diverse team of experts dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Editor for GRALE 6 involves overseeing the editorial process for the sixth edition of the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6). This report serves as a critical tool for monitoring the progress of Member States in implementing international frameworks for adult learning and education. The Editor will work closely with the UIL GRALE core team and thematic authors to ensure the report's analytical coherence, conceptual clarity, and editorial quality. The role requires the Editor to maintain the logical structure of the report, provide methodological guidance, and coordinate contributions from various authors. The Editor will also draft key sections of the report, including the Executive Summary, introductions, key messages, and policy recommendations. This position is essential for ensuring that the report meets UNESCO's editorial standards and effectively communicates its findings to a global audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Editor will be responsible for a range of tasks, including:
  • Maintaining and overseeing the analytical logic, structure, and coherence of the entire report.
  • Ensuring logical consistency between the Monitoring Section and the Thematic Section.
  • Adhering to UNESCO’s editorial, ethical, and language standards.
  • Contributing to the development of the methodology and conceptual framework for the Thematic Section.
  • Providing ongoing guidance to authors of both sections and reviewing chapter drafts.
  • Preparing the overarching editorial concept and final outline of GRALE
  • Drafting parts of the report, including the Executive Summary and key messages.
  • Supporting the development of a review rubric for peer reviewers and integrating feedback from various stakeholders.
  • Participating in regular meetings with authors and the UIL GRALE Core Team to ensure coherent progress. 1
  • Ensuring compliance with UNESCO editorial standards and preparing the final manuscript for publication readiness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, social sciences, public policy, communications, or a related field. They should have proven experience in editing major international publications, preferably those related to UN or UNESCO global reports. Excellent writing, editing, and synthesizing skills are essential, along with the ability to present complex concepts clearly for diverse audiences. A strong understanding of lifelong learning and adult education, familiarity with relevant frameworks such as RALE and the Marrakech Framework for Action, and experience in coordinating multi-authored texts are highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage iterative review processes effectively. Outstanding command of written English is mandatory, and knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as education, social sciences, public policy, or communications. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of adult learning and education, as well as for effectively engaging with the various stakeholders involved in the GRALE report.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in editing and managing large-scale publications, particularly in an international context. Experience with UN or UNESCO publications is highly valued, as is a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage contributions from multiple authors. The role requires a proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality editorial work under pressure.

Languages:
The primary language for this position is English, and candidates must have an outstanding command of written English. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the inclusivity of the report's content.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The contract duration ranges from 7 to 11 months, with payments disbursed in installments linked to the satisfactory submission of deliverables. The selected candidate will be expected to participate in online meetings during the office hours of Hamburg, Germany. The contract includes a penalty clause for unsatisfactory performance or failure to meet deadlines, and all work produced will remain the intellectual property of UNESCO-UIL. Candidates are encouraged to apply from diverse backgrounds, and UNESCO is committed to achieving gender parity and workforce diversity.
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