Consultant for EMIS Community of Practice Management and International Conference

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization aims to foster sustainable development and promote human rights, particularly the right to education, and is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The position involves managing an international Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) Community of Practice (CoP) and leading the organization of a high-level international conference on EMIS in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The consultant will facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among Member States and partners, ensuring that the CoP aligns with UNESCO's strategic priorities. The role requires a deep understanding of education policy, governance, and data systems, as well as the ability to engage stakeholders effectively. The consultant will also be responsible for developing a comprehensive conference program that balances strategic discussions with technical depth, ensuring high policy relevance and visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will implement the CoP strategy, manage the digital collaboration space, coordinate regular activities such as webinars and peer-learning sessions, curate knowledge products, and foster participation among various stakeholders. Additionally, the consultant will conceptualize and design the international conference, engage with high-level speakers and partners, coordinate logistical planning, oversee the preparation of conference outputs, and ensure that the outcomes are integrated into the CoP for sustained follow-up. The consultant will also monitor CoP performance and propose adjustments as needed to enhance engagement and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent; PhD preferred) in fields such as education, public policy, governance, or data science. Relevant experience in education planning, policy development, and managing international networks is essential. Strong facilitation, communication, and writing skills are required, along with familiarity with UNESCO tools. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and good knowledge of French is preferred. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) is required, with a preference for candidates holding a PhD. The educational background should be in relevant fields such as education, public policy, public administration, governance, international development, data science, or statistics, which are crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and data management.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in education planning, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrated experience in managing international networks or communities of practice is crucial, as is a proven track record of facilitating discussions and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders. The level of experience should reflect a deep understanding of the education sector and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with good knowledge of French being highly desirable. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 7 months, commencing on 15 January 2026 and concluding on 15 July 202

• The consultant will be required to produce visibility materials in line with UNESCO's branding guidelines. The application process requires candidates to submit a consolidated PDF document that includes a project approach description, a financial proposal, and a short CV. The complete application must be submitted by 23:59 CET on 7 January 202
• Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted, and the selection process may include tests and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply.