Consultant – GNLC and Capacity Building Workshops (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

Strengthening lifelong learning policy in francophone African countries through multilevel and multisectoral engagement:

Since 2018, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), in collaboration with Shanghai Open University (SOU), has organized annual capacity-building workshop on ‘Strengthening Education Systems from a Lifelong Learning Perspective’. Building on these experiences, a new three-year programme will be implemented under the new UIL–Shanghai Open University (SOU) cooperation agreement (2026–2028) to strengthen national systems for LLL through sustained multi-level and multi-sectoral engagement. This new programme line combines online learning, in-country collaboration and regional exchange to support countries in building more coherent systems for LLL. Within this programme line, the consultant will provide technical support to countries in francophone Africa.

Strengthening key thematic areas of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the GNLC Academy:

Within the framework of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), the consultant will contribute to core operations of the network and contribute to the development and implementation of thematic work streams as listed below.

• Contribute to core operations of the UNESCO GNLC

With the expansion in membership and the new GNLC Academy and Data Hub, the coordination effort within the UNESCO GNLC and its member cities will increase. This involves regular communication with member cities and partners, the newsletter, development of presentations and promotional materials. It also includes supporting the development of a European and North American Regional Network, supporting the creation of a regional hub in Francophone Africa, supporting the piloting of a new indicator framework in member cities in francophone Africa.

• Promoting ESD at local level

Within the context of the GNLC Academy, UIL seeks to empower learning cities to advance education for sustainable development and climate resilience through the learning city framework. This involves translating the ESD online course into French and implementing the course as an online offer.

• Promoting health and well-being at local level

The 2022 UIL guide, Lifelong Learning for Health in Cities, provides a strategic framework for embedding lifelong learning into urban health systems, emphasizing the role of education in improving health literacy, empowering communities, and fostering resilience. To operationalize this vision, UIL and the Academy of the World Health Organization are developing an online course titled ‘Transforming Urban Health Through Lifelong Learning’ to equip city officials with actionable tools and strategies to address urban health challenges through a lifelong learning lens. The consultant will serve as UIL focal point for the finalization, implementation and further development of this thematic area.

• Promoting technical and vocational education at local level

To meet evolving skills needs, TVET must be embedded in lifelong learning and strengthened at the local level. UNESCO Learning Cities provide ideal ecosystems for aligning TVET with community and industry demands through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Local strategies enable reskilling and upskilling for youth, adults, and vulnerable groups, fostering inclusion and sustainable jobs. By integrating TVET into lifelong learning policies and practices, Learning Cities elevate its status and build public confidence. This localized approach strengthens regional economies and creates scalable models, positioning TVET as a driver of social and economic resilience. In line with the stronger collaboration between UIL and UNEVOC, the consultant will support the development of this new thematic are in the UNESCO GNLC.

• Promoting healthy ageing at local level

This initiative aims to support cities in responding to the opportunities and challenges of ageing societies by leveraging the transformative power of lifelong learning. It will empower cities to harness the potential of demographic change while effectively tackling the challenges associated with population ageing. The initiative will generate knowledge-based resources designed to empower city-level action, foster innovation, and promote inclusion, dignity, and participation among older adults. The consultant will support the communication about this initiative with the member cities of the GNLC.

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. Strengthen lifelong learning systems in francophone Africa 

As part of the new three-year program aimed at strengthening national lifelong learning systems through sustained engagement across multiple levels and sectors:

1. 1. Support countries in establishing a multisectoral and multilevel coordination structure for LLL
   2. Provide countries with support in conducting a diagnosis of LLL in their country
   3. Support countries in developing a shared vision and objectives for all stakeholders
   4. Organize and implement capacity-building activities for participating countries and learning cities
   5. Facilitate continued peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among participating countries at the regional level
   6. Organize one or more activities under the new partnership with the African Foundation for Lifelong Learning, including participation in the Regional Policy Forum and capacity-building initiatives
   7. Design and organize in-country or regional events such as policy dialogues, workshops and technical consultations in francophone African countries

1. Support with the preparation of various meetings, documents and communication materials for the development, piloting and launch of a new GNLC Academy and GNLC indicators framework
   1. Support the preparation of communication materials related to the GNLC Academy and indicators framework in French (emails, letters, info sheets, presentation materials, social media posts, etc.)
   2. Assist with the selection of francophone cities for piloting the Indicators framework and support communication with the selected cities

1. Facilitate the establishment of the Regional Learning Cities subnetwork: European and North American Network
   1. Prepare and support the organisation of the subnetwork session at the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival (materials, logistics, official documents)
   2. Organize and facilitate an online meeting with all cities from Europe and North America
   3. Co-construct and draft the network charter (FR/EN/SP) based on cities’ contributions
   4. Support the organisation of the Second Forum of the ENA Learning Cities subnetwork

4. Support communication and reporting with GNLC cities

1. 1. Draft and coordinate the June newsletters (EN/FR/SP)
   2. Draft and coordinate the September newsletters (EN/FR/SP)
   3. Draft and coordinate the December newsletters (EN/FR/SP)
   4. Support the organisation of the June GNLC webinar “Building pathways to opportunity: Elevating TVET in Learning Cities”
   5. Support the organisation of the November GNLC webinar “Learning cities for health: Lifelong learning as a driver of urban well-being”
   6. Support the organisation of the December GNLC webinar “Advancing lifelong learning in Africa: Regional partnerships for learning cities”

5. Deliver the ESD capacity-building course – French edition

1. 1. Finalize the ESD-course related elements on the Learning Hub and modules on Rise 360
   2. Facilitate the workshop in May and June
   3. Supervise the completion of the final assignment
   4. Evaluate the success of the course

6. Finalize the Health and well-being course 

1. 1. Collect case studies from GNLC member cities
   2. Support the finalization of the online course on ‘Lifelong Learning for Health in Cities’, based on the developed thematic modules, together with the WHO Academy partners
   3. Facilitate the delivery of the course at the Annual Global Academy Campus

7. Promoting technical and vocational education at local level 

1. 1. Develop a repository of materials on promoting TVET at local level, based on reports by UNESCO, international organizations, and academic work; identifying key challenges that exist for organizing and promoting TVET at local level

8. Promoting healthy ageing at local level

1. Support communication with member cities to collect examples of good practices in lifelong learning for healthy ageing.

approximately 24 April to 31 December 2026

• 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 development studies, education, political sciences, international relations, social sciences, or any other related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 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 capacity building at the local and national level.
• 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 and French

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.