CONSULTANT: REVIEW OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS FOR RECOGNITION AND VALIDATION OF LEARNING
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Moscow
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) : 22-APR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) calls for applications from qualified individuals to develop a report with guidelines for educators and administrators based on review of digital technologies and tools used for assessment, recognition and validation of learning in formal, non-formal and informal contexts.
Long Description
Background and context
The consultancy is carried out within the project ‘Promoting ICT Capacity Building and Open Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies’ aimed to foster digital transformation of education for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 and implemented jointly by UNESCO IITE and Shanghai Open University.
The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of AI and digital technologies are transforming the landscape of education. Traditional strategies and practices for assessing, recognizing and validating learning outcomes are being reshaped by technology-driven solutions, including digital badges, micro-credentials and blockchain-based verification systems. These innovations open new opportunities in formal education and lifelong learning, enabling personalized, flexible pathways and empowering individuals to continuously acquire new skills throughout their careers.
Work assignment
Under the direct supervision of UNESCO IITE, the individual consultant shall perform the following tasks:
1. Conduct desk research to explore digital technologies and tools used to assess, recognize and validate a broad range of learning outcomes in formal, non-formal and informal contexts.
2. Collect and describe relevant examples of digital technologies and tools used in higher education across different countries, paying special attention to open digital tools (e.g., open badges).
3. Develop guidelines for educators and administrators on how to select appropriate digital technologies and tools for assessment, recognition and validation of learning.
4. Organize research findings into a structured report with guidelines for educators and administrators.
Deliverables
The individual consultant shall produce a report with guidelines for educators and administrators on how to select appropriate digital technologies and tools for assessment, recognition and validation of learning. The report shall be developed in English. The information provided shall be based on the consultant’s expertise in the field of ICT-related education, data gathered from reliable sources and insights from professional network.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in pedagogics, ICT, social sciences or a related field.
Work experience
• A minimum of five years of work experience in conducting research and developing reports on e-learning, digital technology use in education, digital pedagogy or related fields.
Skills and competencies
• Proven conceptual and analytical skills
• Excellent research skills
• Capacity to work independently and in a timely manner
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• PhD in pedagogics, ICT, social sciences or a related field is advantageous.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should complete the online application and submit as a single PDF document in the “Employment History Form” section the following documents:
• UNESCO Employment History Form, accompanied by a list of past works such as articles, reports or publications authored or co-authored, with hyperlinks to access such works if they are available online.
• A Technical Proposal comprising 1) Statement indicating how the candidate’s qualifications and experience make them suitable for the consultancy 2) Approach (methodology and detailed workplan, including timeframes) the candidate would adopt to carry out the consultancy (maximum 4 pages).
• A Financial Proposal indicating the amount to be charged for the consultancy, which should be quoted in USD.
Applications submitted without the requested documents will not be considered. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
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.
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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.
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