Consultants for the development of methodological and advocacy briefs for the inclusion of students on the move in ERCE 2025

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO plays a pivotal role in leading the Global Education Agenda 2030, particularly through Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago is instrumental in guiding and supporting countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to achieve these educational goals, collaborating with various stakeholders and other UNESCO offices to enhance educational quality and accessibility across the region.

Job Overview:
The position of consultant involves developing methodological and advocacy briefs aimed at enhancing the inclusion of students on the move in educational assessments, particularly in the context of the Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (ERCE) 202

• This consultancy is crucial as it addresses the pressing need for improved representation of refugee and migrant learners in educational data and assessments, which have historically overlooked these populations due to limited sample sizes and data reliability issues. The consultant will be expected to contribute to the design of technical documents that inform the inclusion of these students in learning assessments across Latin America and the Caribbean. This role requires a deep understanding of educational methodologies and the challenges faced by mobile populations, as well as the ability to produce high-quality advocacy materials that promote equity and inclusion in education systems. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the methodologies developed are practical, effective, and aligned with the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultants will be responsible for a range of tasks that include conducting thorough research and analysis to review existing tools and information systems relevant to the inclusion of refugee and migrant students in educational assessments. They will draft methodological and strategic briefs that guide the integration of these students into learning assessments and education data systems. Additionally, the consultants will contribute to the production of advocacy materials aimed at promoting the inclusion of refugee and migrant learners in regional assessment frameworks. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including educational institutions and governmental bodies, to ensure that the developed materials are effective and widely disseminated. The consultants will also be expected to validate the technical documents they produce and ensure that they meet the needs of the target populations and stakeholders involved in the educational assessments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in fields such as Education, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Statistics, Demography, or a related area. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in research, technical assistance, or the development of education-related studies or data systems. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in producing learning assessments and/or Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) tools specifically within the Latin American and Caribbean context. Strong knowledge of learning assessment methodologies and EMIS in the region is essential, along with a solid understanding of human mobility and educational inclusion frameworks, particularly concerning refugee and migrant students. Excellent analytical and writing skills are crucial, as is the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines. Candidates should also possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with fluency in Spanish being a mandatory requirement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, which is typically at the master’s level or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Education, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Statistics, Demography, or similar disciplines. This advanced education is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of methodological and advocacy briefs that address the inclusion of students on the move in educational assessments.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this consultancy position is significant, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience being necessary. This experience should encompass research, technical assistance, or the development of education-related studies or data systems, particularly within the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with learning assessments and/or EMIS tools, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of educational data and assessments in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is a mandatory requirement for this position, as the primary documents and communications will be in this language. Additionally, a working knowledge of English is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract is non-staff and has a duration ranging from 1 to 6 months, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and applicants are required to submit their documents in either English or Spanish. The application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on June 30, 202

• Selected candidates may be required to work remotely or home-based depending on program needs. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals belonging to minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.