Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 15 - JAN - 2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
A. BACKGROUND
Robust Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) are a cornerstone of evidence-based education policy, effective system governance, and progress towards SDG 4. As education systems increasingly leverage digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data architectures, Ministries of Education face growing opportunities and challenges related to data integration, interoperability, ethics, inclusion, and governance.
UNESCO supports Member States in strengthening EMIS as part of its broader mandate on education planning, governance, and data systems, including through initiatives such as Sound Data for Good Governance in Education, EMIS-PATT, the international Community of Practice on EMIS and data systems in education, and partnerships with GPE, UNICEF, the World Bank, and other stakeholders.
To foster sustained peer learning, south-south cooperation, and collective problem-solving, UNESCO is scaling up the global Community of Practice (CoP) on EMIS. In parallel, UNESCO plans to convene a high-level international conference on EMIS in the era of AI by June 2026, to consolidate lessons learned, shape policy directions, and strengthen global coordination.
B. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The purpose of this assignment is to (1) Manage an international EMIS Community of Practice, facilitating continuous knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity development among Member States and partners; and (2) Lead the conceptualization, organization, and delivery of an international conference on EMIS in the era of AI, ensuring high policy relevance, technical depth, and strong global visibility by 30 June 2026.
C. MAIN DUTIES/TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the framework of UNESCO’s work in education sector-wide policy and planning, under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (PLS), the guidance of the Chief of Section for Education Policy (EDP), and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer in charge of the EMIS portfolio of activities, the Consultant will be engaged in the following activities:
EMIS Community of Practice (CoP) Management
International Conference on EMIS in the Era of AI
The consultancy is expected to last 7 months, commencing on 15 January 2026 and concluding on 15 July 2026. The specified dates for the deliverables indicated below are subject to adjustment.
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.
• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent/ PhD preferred) in education, public policy, public administration, governance, international development, data science, statistics or related fields.
• Relevant experience in education planning, policy development, monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience managing international networks or communities of practice.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and writing skills.
• Familiarity with UNESCO tools (EMIS-PATT, LASER, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English and good knowledge of French.
• Other UN language skills are an advantage
Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS” title to “APPLICATION PROCESS”, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.
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Interested candidates will need to submit one consolidated PDF document which includes the following information:
• A short description, one page only, explaining the approach proposed for completing this project.
• A financial proposal, one page only, for delivering the activities described in the call;
• A short CV, focusing on previous relevant working experience, consultancy assignments and deliverables and relevant expertise to this project.
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 UNESCO Section for Education Policy (ED/PLS/EDP) team. The successful candidate will be selected and offered a contract based on the application review.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line 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 an 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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.