Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, established in 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering educational opportunities for all, advocating for human rights, and promoting cultural diversity. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position within UNESCO's Education Sector focuses on the Right to Education Programme, which aims to uphold international human rights standards and ensure that education is accessible to all individuals. The Consultant will work under the authority of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems and will be directly supervised by the Programme Specialist in charge of the right to education programme. The role involves contributing to various activities related to the rollout of findings from key publications, including reports on AI and education, homeschooling, climate displacement, and the rights of minorities in education. The Consultant will engage in research, analysis, and the development of frameworks and policy recommendations to support the effective realization of the right to education in diverse contexts, particularly in light of emerging technologies and educational modalities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks aimed at advancing the protection of learners' rights in evolving educational contexts. Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the Out-of-School Children Report by conducting literature reviews on technology's role in education, analyzing risks and opportunities associated with EdTech and AI, and drafting relevant sections in coordination with the drafting team.
• Developing a draft assessment framework based on the report 'AI and Education: Protecting the Right of Learners,' which involves reviewing normative standards, creating measurable dimensions, and proposing indicators for assessing national policies and EdTech solutions.
• Conducting context mapping to identify priority countries for pilot interventions, including a contextual analysis of policy environments and stakeholder engagement.
• Drafting a research brief on the ecological impact of technology and AI in education, analyzing environmental implications, and formulating policy recommendations.
• Exploring the role of technology in homeschooling practices globally, identifying trends, implications for the right to education, and producing an exploratory paper outlining key findings and areas for further research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced post-graduate degree (master’s or higher) in education, AI law, human rights, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in research work is required, along with strong knowledge of human rights and the right to education. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, as well as proven interpersonal and communication abilities. Knowledge of digitalization and AI in education is particularly valuable, as is the ability to work effectively in a complex and multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced post-graduate degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as education, AI law, human rights, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the right to education and the implications of technology in educational contexts.

Experience:
The Consultant should have at least 2 years of experience in research work, particularly in areas related to education, human rights, or technology. This experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the various tasks outlined in the job description and for engaging with complex issues surrounding the right to education.

Languages:
Excellent writing skills in English are mandatory, along with a very good command of the French language. Proficiency in these languages is essential for drafting reports, conducting research, and engaging with diverse stakeholders in the educational field.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 6 months, and it is classified as a Level 1 - Junior Consultant position. The role is open to external candidates and requires on-site work in Paris. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. All applications will be treated confidentially, and UNESCO does not charge any fees during the hiring process.