Call for individual consultants - Promoting sustainable development
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Full-time Close on 7 Jan 2026
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: remote
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) : 07-JAN-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
BACKGROUND
Promoting sustainable development through flexible and inclusive lifelong learning systems
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) works to support lifelong learning systems and policy development at the national and local level through policy support, research, partnerships and networking, and tailored capacity-building activities.
Recognition, Validation and Accreditation (RVA) of non-formal and informal learning is one of the pillars of inclusive lifelong learning policy. Consequently, many countries have developed a national system for RVA. UIL considers it of the utmost importance to use RVA for the integration of outcomes of non-formal and informal learning into national, regional and global qualifications frameworks.
Within the context of the new UIL–SOU GNLC Academy Hub, UIL will implement a capacity-building programme on “Strengthening Lifelong Learning Systems through Multi-Level and Multi-Sectoral Engagement”, which is designed to support countries at different levels of system development, providing them with structured technical inputs, opportunities for international exchange and tailored support for advancing or updating national lifelong learning policies, strategies and practices. The programme will involve a component on flexible pathways and RVA and how they connect different sectors and sub-sectors. This line of work will also include follow-up activities with countries previously involved in UIL’s capacity-building workshops.
At the local level, UIL is working with UNESCO Learning Cities to support the development, enhancement and implementation of local lifelong learning policies and strategies. A particular focus of this work is in the area of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and lifelong learning for climate action, including the recent launch of the Greening Communities Guidance (GCG). In 2026, UIL will promote the practical use of the GCG in learning cities and will develop materials and offer targeted trainings to support cities in implementing the guidance.
PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
This consultancy will support UIL in advancing its work on lifelong learning policies and practices at both national and local levels. Through targeted capacity-building and follow-up activities, a consultant is sought to contribute to the above described programmatic areas.
The consultant will play a key role in developing knowledge and training resources, facilitating national and regional engagement, providing technical feedback on country outputs, and supporting the further development and dissemination of key resources related to the Greening Communities Guide. Further responsibilities include coordinating the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) ESD Working Group. Overall, this consultancy will contribute to UIL’s strategic objectives of fostering inclusive and sustainable lifelong learning systems worldwide.
MAIN DUTIES AND RSPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the team leader of the Skills Throughout Life Team, the individual consultant will undertake the following main responsibilities:
Thematic area: ESD and greening communities
Revise the ESD Online Course and support coordination of the GNLC ESD working group
Contribute to the implementation of the Greening Communities Guide
Flexible LLL systems:
Develop and implement targeted RVA training packages for selected countries
Develop a capacity-building training on the UNESCO Qualifications Passport and RVA
Contribute to the new edition of the Global Inventory of National and Regional Qualifications Frameworks
Promoting learning city development
Contribute to the development of the GNLC Academy Offer and regional networks
Contribute to the implementation of the GNLC webinar series
The consultancy is expected to last 11 months, commencing on 15 January 2026 and concluding on 15 December 2026. The consultant is required to work remotely and must submit editable versions of all deliverables in English (and, in some cases, Spanish) within the contract period. The specified dates for the deliverables indicated below are subject to revision.
List of deliverables
UIL will provide feedback to each deliverable submitted and hold regular meetings to ensure the progress and quality of the consultant’s work.
The contractor should ensure that all visibility materials are produced in line with UNESCO’s branding guidelines. Please refer to the UNESCO Style Manual for citation style, terminology and spelling, abbreviations, references, etc.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
The documents produced will be the property of UIL.
Logistic arrangements and travels : The consultant will work remotely.
Qualifications
Education
Work experience
Skills
Language
Procedure
Interested candidates will need to submit one consolidated PDF document which includes the following information:
The full proposal should not exceed 5 pages. Proposals missing any of the above will not be considered.
The complete application shall be submitted on or before 23:59 CET, 7 January 2026. Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
Selection process
A shortlist of the three most suitable applicants will be drawn up, and the selected candidates will be contacted by the Head of the Skills Throughout Life Team. The successful candidate will be selected and offered a contract based on the application review.
Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc., for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted, and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities, are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
