Education Consultant (Junior) - Right to Education

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 1 - Junior

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 16/04/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW

Within the framework of UNESCO's work on the Right to education, under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, the guidance of the Chief of Section and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge of the right to education programme; the Consultant will mainly contribute to several activities within the scope of the Right to Education Programme, in particular supporting rolling out the conclusions and findings of four publications : The Report on AI and education: protecting the rights of learners, the Report on Homeschooling through a human rights lens, the Report on Learning at risk: the impact of climate displacement on the right to education, and the Report on the Right to education of minorities

Long Description

Education is one of the most powerful drivers for breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling individuals to realize their full potential. Recognized legally as a fundamental human right, education not only transforms lives but also unlocks access to other essential rights.
Our mission is to uphold international human rights standards to guarantee the right to education for all. We advocate for States to embed these standards within their legal frameworks and align their policies, accordingly, creating a solid foundation for lasting, systemic change. To achieve this, we conduct comprehensive legal and policy reviews at the country level and develop technical tools that support States in effectively realizing this right. Through thematic research, we also explore emerging transformations in education, such as the shift toward digitalization. By offering actionable guidance, we help States adopt a human rights-based approach that promotes equity and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind.

ASSIGNMENTS

UNESCO seeks to advance the protection of learners’ rights in evolving educational contexts, including the integration of technology and emerging educational modalities. Over the last years major publications were published guiding some aspects of this work area the Report on AI and education: protecting the rights of learners, Homeschooling through a human rights lens, Learning at risk: the impact of climate displacement on the right to education, and right to education of minorities. The consultant will support the rollout of these publications’ conclusions and findings through research, analysis, and contributions to ongoing initiatives.
Specifically, the Consultant shall carry out the following tasks:

1.    Contribute to the Out-of-School Children Report regarding the section related to technology:
•    Conduct a targeted literature review on the role of technology in addressing and/or exacerbating out-of-school children challenges. 
•    Analyze risks and opportunities associated with EdTech and AI for marginalized and excluded learners. 
•    Provide evidence-based inputs to the report section, including case studies and policy examples. 
•    Ensure alignment with a rights-based approach, particularly regarding equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
•    Draft and revise the section in coordination with the core drafting team. 

Long Description

2.    Develop draft assessment framework building on the report AI and Education: Protecting the Right of Learners: 
•    Review and synthesize the normative standards, principles, and safeguards identified in the report
•    Translate these into a structured analytical framework with measurable dimensions (e.g. accessibility, non-discrimination, data protection, transparency, accountability)
•    Propose indicators and guiding questions to assess national policies, EdTech solutions, and AI-enabled education systems. 
•    Benchmark against existing international instruments (e.g. human rights frameworks, UNESCO AI Recommendation) to ensure coherence. 
•    Produce a draft framework document, including a conceptual model, and methodology
3.    Conduct a context mapping and support engaging with field colleagues on pilot plans:
•    Develop a mapping methodology to identify priority countries/contexts. 
•    Carry out a contextual analysis (policy environment, stakeholders, existing initiatives, risks, and opportunities). 
•    Produce a brief mapping, including country profiles and recommendations for pilot rollout.
•    Support the design of pilot interventions or implementation pathways for operationalizing report recommendations.

Long Description

4.    Draft research brief on the ecological impact of technology and AI in education: 
•    Review existing research on the environmental footprint of digital technologies and AI.
•    Analyze implications for education systems, particularly in relation to sustainability and climate justice.
•    Identify trade-offs and synergies between digital transformation in education and environmental sustainability.
•    Formulate draft policy-relevant recommendations to support environmentally responsible use of technology in education and deliver concise research brief suitable for policy audiences and advocacy.

5.    Conduct exploratory work on homeschooling and the role of technology:
•    Examine how digital tools and platforms are shaping homeschooling practices globally. 
•    Identify emerging trends, including hybrid models, platform-based learning, and AI-supported instruction. 
•    Assess implications for the right to education
•     Explore policy and regulatory responses across different contexts. 
•    Produce a short exploratory paper outlining key findings, gaps, and potential areas for further research or policy guidance.

CONTRACT DURATION

6 months

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

•    Comprehensive section on technology of out-of-school children Report that addresses the role of technology in both exacerbating and alleviating challenges faced by out-of-school children, incorporating evidence-based findings and case studies
•    Draft Structured assessment framework that translates normative standards related to EdTech and AI into measurable dimensions, enabling the assessment of national policies and practices concerning learners' rights.
•    Mapping and support material produced identifying priority countries and contexts for pilot interventions.
•    Draft research Brief on the ecological impact of technology and AI in education exploring the environmental implications of technology in education, offering policy-relevant considerations to promote sustainability.
•    Exploratory paper on homeschooling and technology examining the influence of digital tools on homeschooling practices globally, highlighting trends, implications for education rights, and areas needing further research.
•    Knowledge product on the right to education of minorities synthesizing research on the barriers minority learners face, integrating their perspectives into educational frameworks, and offering considerations for operationalizing their right to education.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Advanced post-graduate degree (master’s or higher) in education, AI law, human rights, or other related fields.
•    2 years of experience in research work.
•    Strong knowledge of human rights and the right to education.
•    Strong analytical and research skills.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Knowledge on the right to education and digitalization and AI in the field of education would be particularly valuable.
•    Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
•    The ability to effectively work within a complex and multicultural environment 

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent writing skills in English and very good command of the French language.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.