Call for individual consultants - Teachers as Lifelong Learners

Overview

Call for individual consultants - Teachers as Lifelong Learners

Duty Station: UIL Hamburg | Classification of duty station: Standard Duration of Assignment | Job Family: Education | Type of contract: Non Staff | Duration of contract: From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to: External candidates | Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 06/02/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Background and justification

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development guides member states to advance in five dimensions: people, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peace, with quality education (SDG 4) promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Lifelong learning requires a trained teaching workforce that reflects and adapts to evolving societal changes. UIL and SHNU have launched a project titled "Teachers as Lifelong Learners: International Research, Policy, and Practice on Lifelong Learning for Teacher Education )." The project will develop resources such as curriculum guidelines, policy recommendations, and monitoring tools, and host workshops on UIL’s Learning Hub platform. UIL seeks a consultant to support the Team Leader and research consultants in coordination during 2026. Contract period: Mid-February - end of December 2026.

Scope of work and objectives

Under the supervision of the Team Leader (TL) of the Quality Learning Ecosystems programme, UIL, the consultant will support the implementation of the following activities. Detailed tasks and responsibilities include:

Finalisation of Phase 1 research outputs

• Coordinate with authors and the UIL Publications Unit to oversee copy-editing and graphic design phases of research outputs.
• Develop relevant presentations and visual materials to support the strategic launch and distribution of Phase 1 findings.

Support for the coordination of the development of Phase 2 documents

• Facilitate the integration of external consultancy teams, ensuring they are fully briefed on requirements for the three designated outputs and provide detailed presentations on Phase 1 findings as the basis for Phase 2 documents.
• Serve as the primary liaison for lead consultants to track deliverable timelines and provide actionable status updates to the TL.
• Conduct additional literature reviews for Phase 2 content.
• Assist the TL in evaluating technical documents and align content with UIL standards.
• Manage workflow between consultants and the Publications Unit to streamline final copy-editing and production.
• Lead logistics for online feedback sessions, including participant outreach and management of virtual platforms.
• Support TL in organizing consultative meetings/workshops for Phase 2 documents and assist external consultancy teams in preparing workshop agendas and consultation tools.
• Consolidate expert recommendations from workshops to inform document revisions.
• Collaborate with the UIL Learning Hub coordinator to prepare and finalize module content for digital platforms and instructional efficacy.
• Assist TL in identifying and engaging four country representatives for the online workshops.

General Project Coordination and Participation

• Organize regular coordination meetings with SHNU and UNESCO HQ teams, manage agenda setting and formal reporting.
• Maintain administrative and communication records and provide logistical support for smooth project implementation.
• Present project progress during weekly internal briefings and draft project-related presentations as required.
• Attend weekly team meetings and All Staff Meetings as scheduled.

Timeline milestones

• 27 February 2026: Finalized concept note, agenda with speakers for the webinar “ECCE teachers’ lifelong learning”; Phase 1 Research synthesis outline drafted for feedback.
• 31 March 2026: Webinar organized; four case studies submitted for copy-editing and design; Phase 1 synthesis report drafted; first virtual joint meeting organized for Phase 2 outputs.
• 30 April 2026: Two additional case studies submitted; two thematic papers submitted; second joint meeting organized for feedback on extended document outlines; synthesis report improved based on feedback.
• 29 May 2026: Third joint meeting; detailed programme for Phase 2 consultations; synthesis report finalized and uploaded; coordination for online and in-person consultations.
• 31 July 2026: Translations of Phase 1 outputs; finalizing Phase 2 draft; planning online training workshops on UIL’s Learning Hub in multiple languages.
• 30 September 2026: Three online workshops launched; translations completed; workshops delivered.
• 30 October 2026: Continued workshop delivery; finalization of Phase 2 documents; seventh virtual meeting to improve drafts; side event preparations for November.
• 30 November 2026: In-person side event; finalised curriculum guidelines and monitoring framework submitted for copy-editing and design; translations as needed.
• 29 December 2026: Materials uploaded to project website; final project narrative report prepared.

Long Description

Supervision

The consultant will be supervised by the Team Leader of the Quality Learning Ecosystems programme and work with relevant programme specialists, other consultants, and UIL units as required.

Location and travel

Home-based consultancy; may visit the UIL office in Hamburg at own cost if based outside Hamburg. Availability for online meetings during Hamburg office hours is required.

Nature of penalty clause: Payments withheld if deliverables are not submitted on time according to the TOR. UNESCO reserves the right to withhold all or part of payment for unsatisfactory performance or missed deadlines.

Additional regulations

The UIL Style and Referencing Guide shall be applied precisely. Materials should be clear, well-structured, and ready for publication. The English should be of mother-tongue level for experts in teacher education. Acronyms should be spelled out on first use with a table of acronyms. Footnotes should be avoided where possible.

All materials remain the property of UNESCO/UIL. The contractor must adhere to branding guidelines and gender mainstreaming.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education related to teacher education, adult education, lifelong learning, education policy, or related social sciences.
• At least 2 years of relevant education experience, with at least 1 year in an international context.
• Excellent digital skills: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations; data analysis software; basic coding.
• Language: Proficiency in English; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; strong analytical and writing skills in English.
• Excellent ICT skills with standard office software; ability to learn emerging issues and work independently.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; integrity and ethics; ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Selected candidates will receive feedback on each deliverable and regular progress meetings. Visibility materials must align with UNESCO branding.

In line with UNESCO gender mainstreaming, integrate gender perspectives where feasible. Documents produced are the property of UIL.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C) • Communication (C) • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Application requirements

Interested candidates must submit one consolidated PDF including: a description of the approach, a one-page financial proposal, and a one-page CV. The full proposal should not exceed 5 pages. Applications must be received by 23:59 CET, 6 February 2026. For questions, contact:

Selection process: A shortlist of three applicants will be contacted; the successful candidate will be offered a contract. All candidates must complete an online application on the UNESCO careers site.

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