Call For Consultants : UNESCO Calls for Remote Research Consultants
Call For Consultants : UNESCO Calls for Remote Research Consultants
Expanding the Call for Consultant Position at UNESCO: A Comprehensive Overview
In an ever-evolving landscape of global education, the pursuit of quality learning opportunities remains paramount. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stands at the forefront of this mission, advocating for inclusive and equitable education for all. As part of its ongoing efforts, UNESCO has launched a call for consultants to contribute to research on lifelong learning for teacher education. This comprehensive overview will delve into the intricacies of this call, exploring its background, objectives, responsibilities, required qualifications, application process, and broader implications.
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Introduction to UNESCO and Lifelong Learning
UNESCO, established in 1945, is dedicated to promoting peace and security through international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. Central to its mandate is the pursuit of lifelong learning, which encompasses learning opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Lifelong learning is not merely confined to formal education settings but extends to informal and non-formal learning contexts, fostering continuous personal and professional development throughout one’s life.
Background and Rationale
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing global challenges and improving the quality of life for all individuals. SDG 4 specifically focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning opportunities. Lifelong learning is recognized as a fundamental driver of sustainable development, empowering individuals to adapt to changing societal needs, acquire new skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In line with SDG 4, UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) have embarked on a collaborative project titled “Teachers as Lifelong Learners: International Research, Policy, and Practice on Lifelong Learning for Teacher Education (2023-2026).” This project seeks to explore the role of teachers as lifelong learners and identify strategies to support their ongoing professional development. Phase 1 of the project aims to generate evidence-based insights into policies and practices for developing teachers as lifelong learners.
Call For Consultants : UNESCO Calls for Remote Research Consultants
Objectives of the Research Project
The overarching objective of the research project is to advance understanding of lifelong learning in the context of teacher education. Specifically, the project aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Generate Evidence: Conduct a systematic literature review to gather evidence on effective strategies for developing teachers as lifelong learners.
- Inform Policy and Practice: Identify implications for policy, practice, and research in teacher education, informed by the findings of the literature review.
- Facilitate International Collaboration: Foster collaboration among international stakeholders in the field of teacher education to share knowledge and best practices.
Overview of the Consultant Position
As part of Phase 1 of the project, UIL is seeking a qualified research consultant to conduct a systematic literature review on teachers as lifelong learners. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UIL Director and the Team Leader of the Quality Learning Ecosystems Programme at UIL. The main tasks and responsibilities of the consultant include:
- Conducting a Literature Review: Define the objectives and key questions guiding the review, create a search strategy, conduct a thorough literature search, select relevant studies based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, and perform data extraction and interpretation.
- Preparing a Report: Develop a comprehensive literature review report, organize its structure, and incorporate feedback from UNESCO/UIL and expert members. The report should include an executive summary, introduction, research methodology, main analysis of findings, discussions, implications for further research, references, and relevant annexes.
- Deliverables: Submit a brief outline of the report, an initial draft, and a final draft according to specified timelines. Additionally, prepare presentation slides on the key findings of the report for an international expert workshop.
Duration and Location of the Consultancy
The consultancy assignment is expected to span from April 22 to August 1, 2024. The consultant will primarily work from their home location, with the flexibility to meet online with the UIL team during office hours in Hamburg, Germany. Depending on project requirements, there may be a need for travel to Shanghai, China, with expenses covered by the project partners (UIL and SHNU).
Eligibility and Required Qualifications
The consultancy is open to suitably qualified individuals with the following qualifications and experience:
- Education: Doctorate degree and empirical research experience in the fields of teacher education, adult education, and lifelong learning.
- Expertise: Proficiency in teacher policy and education research, with a proven record of research and publications in leading international journals.
- Work Experience: At least 5 years of research experience in diverse country contexts, as well as teaching experience in teacher training institutes or higher education institutions.
- Skills and Competencies: Strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills, with the ability to design quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and tools.
- Language Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in English is required, with intermediate proficiency in French or any other UN languages considered desirable.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers website by April 15, 2024. The application should include an updated CV, a short response highlighting the candidate’s suitability for the position, a literature review methodology, and a consultancy fee quotation. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.
Selection and Recruitment Process
The evaluation of candidates will be based on the technical criteria outlined in the vacancy notice, including tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews. UNESCO will select the proposal that offers the best value for money, considering the technical elements and overall alignment with the project objectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the call for consultant position at UNESCO presents a unique opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to research on lifelong learning for teacher education. By conducting a systematic literature review, the selected consultant will play a crucial role in informing policy and practice in the field of teacher education. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply, recognizing the importance of lifelong learning in advancing global education goals.
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