Book Reviews Editor - Call for Consultants
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Level 2 - Middle Full-time Close on 16 Apr 2026
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: remote
Classification of duty station:
Standard Duration of Assignment:
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Affiliated personnel
Duration of contract : 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 17-APR-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) supports Member States in the field of lifelong learning with a focus on learning ecosystems, skills for life and work, and inclusive learning. It pays special attention to UNESCO’s global priorities, Africa and Gender Equality. It has one of the largest libraries in the world within its specialized field and hosts the world’s longest-running journal of comparative education and lifelong learning.
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) seeks to appoint a Book Reviews Editor to its flagship journal, the International Review of Education – Journal of Lifelong Learning.
Founded in 1955 and published in English by Springer, the International Review of Education – Journal of Lifelong Learning (IRE) is edited by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). IRE is a peer-reviewed journal of education that publishes research articles on lifelong learning policy and practice. Special consideration is given to papers on adult education, non-formal education, and literacy, or on formal education viewed through the lens of lifelong learning.
Description of role
As a Book Reviews Editor, the successful candidate will manage the commissioning, review and acceptance process for book reviews submitted to the journal. They will be responsible for ensuring a diverse, high quality and up to date range of book reviews.
The successful candidate will also be called on to support the Executive Editor in managing the peer review of general submissions in their area of expertise, enhancing the journal’s reputation as a world-leading publication in the field of lifelong learning, and ensuring that it can attract the best authors and papers for its readership.
Work assignment
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), the Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Executive Editor of the International Review of Education – Journal of Lifelong Learning (IRE) and support him as Book Reviews Editor in:
All administrative work in relation to book reviews, including direct correspondence with publishers, will be the responsibility of the IRE Secretary.
The Consultant is expected to provide assistance remotely. They will be responsible for the necessary equipment (laptop) and software for conducting the work.
The contract will be for an initial period of two months, depending on when the contract begins, starting in May 2026. Subject to satisfactory performance in the role, this will followed by a second contract of five months, starting in July.
Deliverables
The incumbent will submit a progress report on their work assignment at the end of each month and present a report to the IRE Editorial Board in November each year.
Contractual arrangements and payment schedule
Payment at the rate of EUR 1,500 per month takes place once the requisite reports have been provided, and the payment claim or invoice is received:
UNESCO shall contribute a total amount of € 10,500,00 in 7 installments of € 1,500.00
Application instructions
Interested candidates are invited to submit a full CV – this should give enough information to demonstrate embeddedness in the field, e.g. information about networks, conferences attended, relevant publications, professional memberships, etc.
Candidates should also submit a cover letter giving a brief outline of their ideas for the book reviews section of the journal and explaining their interest in the role and why they are suited to it.
The application should be submitted in one consolidated PDF. Proposals missing any of the above will not be considered.
Please upload this PDF file in the field / and instead of the UNESCO employment history form.
The complete application shall be submitted on or before 23:59 CET, on 17 April 2026. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.
For any questions please contact: ire@unesco.org
Instead of uploading the employment history form, applicants should upload the combined PDF.
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.
