Consultant for Futures of Education Programme

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 and territories, focusing on building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Futures of Education Programme is pivotal in steering the global discourse on the future of education, initiated by UNESCO in 201

• This role is designed for an experienced professional who will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for the Future of Learning and Innovation (FLI). The consultant will be responsible for supporting the strategic development and governance of the Futures of Education Programme, which aims to rethink how education can contribute to more just and sustainable futures. The consultant will manage the IdeasLAB, lead the publication of significant research outputs, and engage with various stakeholders to advance discussions on education beyond 203
• This position requires a blend of strategic oversight, editorial skills, and community engagement to ensure the Programme's objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including acting as the focal point for the Advisory Group of the Futures of Education Programme, coordinating quarterly meetings, and ensuring that insights from these meetings are integrated into Programme activities. The consultant will also serve as the Managing Editor of IdeasLAB, overseeing the solicitation, review, and publication of think pieces that provide innovative insights into the future of education. Additionally, the consultant will lead the production of two major publications, coordinate the development of discussion papers for the Education, Research and Foresight (ERF) series, and act as the primary contact for the 'Futures of Education Narratives' research project. Community engagement is also a key aspect of this role, requiring the production of newsletters and the cultivation of a network of stakeholders committed to the Programme's vision. The consultant will be expected to submit monthly progress reports on deliverables and may be assigned additional duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in international education, development studies, public policy, international relations, economics, or related fields. A minimum of six years of relevant experience in research and analysis is required, along with a proven track record in mobilizing research networks at international or regional levels. Strong analytical skills, excellent drafting and editing capabilities, and the ability to build effective working relationships with various stakeholders are essential. Proficiency in IT, particularly with Office software, is also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a PhD in a relevant field such as international education, development studies, public policy, international relations, or economics. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of global education systems and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the Futures of Education Programme.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least six years of relevant experience, particularly in research and analysis within the education sector. Experience in mobilizing research networks and engaging with international or regional stakeholders is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to fulfill the Programme's objectives effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. A good working knowledge of French is also required, as it will facilitate communication within the UNESCO framework. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish or another UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time consultancy role with a contract duration of nine months. The consultant will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders and may need to travel as part of their duties. The recruitment process is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity among its staff.