Consultant – GNLC Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (Hamburg, Germany) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 1 – Junior

Hiring Unit : Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)

Duty Station : Hamburg

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 8 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) : 17/04/2026

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

Within the framework of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), the consultant will lead the co-development of a revised monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for the GNLC. This work forms the central component of the consultancy.

In addition to the M&E framework development, the consultant will contribute to the organisation and delivery of one webinar within the GNLC Webinar Series 2026, offer support in the conceptualisation of the AI and digital learning lab for learning cities, and provide ad hoc support for thematic presentations, briefing notes, and knowledge products as required.

Under the supervision of the Team Leader of the STL Programme, Raúl Valdés Cotera, and supported by STL team members, the consultant will complete the following activities:

1.1.   Conduct interviews with a minimum of five GNLC member cities, representatives, or regional sub-networks to assess needs, political will, capacity for M&E, and priority outcomes to develop a theory of change for the revised M&E framework.

1.2.   Lead the formation of an expert advisory group to gather bi-monthly feedback on technical aspects of the new M&E framework.

1.3.   Organise and facilitate four feedback sessions with the advisory group.

1.4.   Conduct thematic analysis of interview data and produce a draft note on the theory of change.

1.5.   Develop a revised version of the provisional M&E framework and concept note based on interview findings.

1.6.   Facilitate co-creation sessions with a subset of interviewed cities to develop a refined bank of M&E questions.

1.7.   Develop a draft indicator database (v1), with each indicator accompanied by rationale notes covering expected use, added value, validity, reliability, feasibility, and data requirements.

1.8.   Design and administer a broader survey to the GNLC to complement interview findings; produce survey results dataset and thematic analysis.

1.9.  Prepare the organization of one in-person training module at the GNLC Academy yearly campus.

1.10.  Develop a revised indicator database (v2) based on survey findings.

1.11.  Prepare a draft framework report for team review.

1.12.  Recruit a minimum of five cities for the pilot study.

1.13.  Draft a revised version of the progress report questionnaire based on the draft framework report and indicator database, and disseminate to pilot cities.

1.14.  Collect, analyse, and prepare a report on the results of the pilot study.

1.15.  Finalise the indicator database (v3) and framework for internal agreement after incorporating findings from the pilot study.

2.1. Organise and deliver one online webinar for GNLC member cities as part of the GNLC Webinar Series 2026.

3.1. Provide inputs for the development of an AI and digital learning lab for learning cities.

3.2. Prepare presentations, briefing notes, and slides on thematic topics as required (e.g., GNLC M&E framework, lifelong learning for older adults, AI and digital learning).

27 April to 31 December 2026

Deliverbales: 

1.1 – Facilitation of interviews with at least five GNLC member cities or sub-network representatives;

1.2. – Finalise the advisory group members’ list

1.3 – Draft note on the theory of change following analysis of interview data

Date:  15/05/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.5 – Revised provisional M&E framework and revised concept note;

1.6 – Cleaned and categorised bank of M&E questions

Date: 15/06/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

2.1 – Organisation and delivery of GNLC Webinar on AI and lifelong learning in learning cities

1.7 – Draft indicator database (v1) with rationale notes

Date: 15/07/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.8 – Survey questionnaire and results dataset

Date: 15/08/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.9 – Organisation of one training module at the GNLC Academy yearly campus

1.12 – Final list of recruited cities for the pilot study

Date: 15/09/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.10 – Revised indicator database (v2) following survey findings;

1.11 – Draft framework report shared for team inputs;

1.13 – Final design of revised progress report questionnaire and dissemination to pilot cities

Date: 15/10/2026    3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.14 – Report on the results of the pilot study analysis

Date: 15/11/2026               3,000 eur

Deliverables

1.15 – Finalised indicator database (v3) and framework report;

3.1 – Provide inputs for the development of the AI learning lab for learning cities.

3.2 – Presentations, briefing notes, and summaries as required

1.4. – Organise and facilitate four feedback sessions with the advisory group

Date: 15/12/2026    3,000 eur

TOTAL 24,000

• 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.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in education, political sciences, international relations, social sciences, development studies or any other related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in project coordination or management, ideally within the field of education, lifelong learning, or international cooperation.
• Previous experience in planning and implementing multi-stakeholder activities, including event organisation, data coordination, and communications.
• Experience supporting or managing international projects, particularly in collaboration with local governments, city networks, or public institutions.
• Proven experience in researching and designing assessment framework models.
• Familiarity with lifelong learning, urban development, or education systems across different regions, especially in UNESCO Member States.
• Prior experience in the UNESCO system would be an advantage.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to collect, structure, and summarize data to inform decision-making.
• Excellent computer skills for MS Office package processing, presentation, online collaboration and data visualization, as well as knowledge of Power BI.
• Excellent independent working skills.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in English

Interested candidates should submit one consolidated pdf which includes the following information (please upload this pdf INSTEAD of the employment history form):

• A short description, one page only, explaining the approach proposed for completing the project assignments.  

• 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 proposal should not exceed 5 pages. Proposals missing any of the above will not be considered.   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Deadline of application: 17 April – 23:59 CEST (Paris local time) 

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).

• 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.