JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station: Montreal

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31/10/2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background

The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) is the framework used internationally to classify education programmes and related qualifications by levels and fields. Developed and maintained by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), ISCED underpins the production of internationally comparable education statistics across countries.

As part of ISCED governance and to ensure that the classification remains fit for purpose and reflects evolving education systems, UIS convened an ISCED Review Panel in June 2023. The Panel’s mandate was to review ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and ISCED-F 2013, identify areas for further development, and provide guidance to UIS. Following its deliberations, the Panel issued 16 recommendations covering conceptual, methodological, and operational aspects of the classifications.

In response, UIS is establishing four thematic ISCED Task Forces to implement these recommendations :
1. Task Force on the classification of Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes;
2. Task Force on professional/occupational and academic programmes at ISCED levels 6 to 8;
3. Task Force on the integration of Work-Based Learning (WBL) into ISCED;
4. Task Force on the revision of ISCED Fields of Education and Training (ISCED-F 2013).

The Task Forces will operate virtually for 12-18 months, composed of international experts nominated by Member States and key stakeholders, with UIS providing management and secretariat support. Their work will directly inform the amendment of ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and the comprehensive revision of ISCED-F 2013, with outcomes expected to be presented to the UNESCO General Conference in 2027.

Objectives

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise, coordination, and drafting support to the ISCED Task Forces and UIS Management, ensuring their work progresses in a structured, evidence-based, and timely manner.

Key tasks

Under the authority of the Director of the UIS and the direct supervision of the Head of the Education Standards Unit, the Consultant will:

• Facilitate the work and meetings of the ISCED Task Forces, from inception through final outputs, including organizing and moderating virtual meetings, preparing agendas, drafting reports, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Develop technical working documents to support deliberations, including background research on evolving education systems, data collection, policy developments, and options for updating ISCED classifications.
• Draft and revise proposals for the amendment of ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and the comprehensive revision of ISCED-F 2013, reflecting deliberations, UIS guidance, and feedback from global consultations (Member States, UNESCO Institutes, other stakeholders).
• Support global consultation processes by preparing consultation drafts, synthesizing feedback, and integrating revisions.
• Produce final outputs, including the consolidated proposal of amended ISCED 2011 and revised ISCED-F 2013, and a roadmap for implementation if adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 2027.

Deliverables

Deliverables

The consultancy is expected to run over 18 months, aligned with the workplans of the Task Forces (to be convened following the adoption of the ISCED Review Panel Recommendations at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2025).

Key deliverables include:
1. Inception note and work plan (within 1 month of contract start).
2. Draft technical background papers for each Task Force prior to their first meeting.
3. Draft meeting reports and revised technical notes (following each meeting). The frequency of meetings will be discussed and agreed upon during the first session of each Task Force. However, it is anticipated that Task Forces will meet approximately once every two to three months, with intersessional discussions, research, and information gathering to support and prepare for subsequent meetings.
4. First draft of proposals for ISCED-2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) amendment and ISCED-F 2013 revision (within 12-15 months).
5. Consultation draft for circulation to Member States and stakeholders (within 16 months).
6. Consolidated draft incorporating feedback from the consultation (within 17 months).
7. Final proposal of amended ISCED 2011 (ISCED-P 2011 and ISCED-A 2011) and revised ISCED-F 2013, including implementation roadmap (by month 18).

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

–

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in education, statistics, social sciences, economics, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in education statistics, policy analysis, or international standard-setting.
• Proven expertise in international education classifications (e.g., ISCED, ISCO) or related global statistical frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating international expert groups or task forces, including drafting technical reports and synthesizing inputs from diverse stakeholders.
• Experience conducting research on education systems and preparing analytical background papers, policy notes, or technical guidelines.

Skills

• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible documents.
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills, including the ability to guide expert discussions and achieve consensus.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with experience working in diverse, international environments.

Language

• Excellent command of English (oral and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A specialization in education policy, international classifications, or comparative education.

Experience

• Familiarity with UNESCO processes, global education monitoring, and international consultations.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment.

Language

• Working knowledge of French or another UN language.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

1. A cover letter describing interest, qualifications, availability, and proposed consultancy fee.
2. An up-to-date CV.
3. A brief description of suitability for the assignment and, if applicable, proposed methodology.
4. A financial proposal indicating the all-inclusive fixed contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs.

Only the proposals that include all the four aforementioned elements will be considered. Failure to provide any of those will result in an incomplete application which will not be considered.

UNESCO places significant importance on achieving the objectives outlined in the Terms of Reference. Consequently, the evaluation of proposals will prioritize the technical components. From the proposals that meet the criteria specified in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO will select the one that provides the best value for money for the Organization.

References

• UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2012. International Standard Classification of Education: ISCED 2011. Montreal: UIS. Link.
• UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2014. ISCED Fields of Education and Training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013). Montreal: UIS. Link.
• OECD, Eurostat, and UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2015. ISCED 2011 Operational Manual: Guidelines for Classifying National Education Programmes and Related Qualifications. Paris: OECD Publishing. Link.
• UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). 2015. International Standard Classification of Education: Fields of Education and Training 2013 (ISCED-F 2013) – Detailed Field Descriptions. Montreal: UIS. Link.
• ISCED Review Panel Recommendations report (2024). Link.

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 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.

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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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements