Apply Today! Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy (Remote) | Global Education Opportunity with UNESCO (2026)
Apply Today! Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy (Remote) | Global Education Opportunity with UNESCO (2026)
The global education landscape is evolving rapidly, with countries increasingly recognizing the importance of lifelong learning as a foundation for sustainable development, employability, and inclusive growth. In response to this growing demand, UNESCO is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy to support transformative education initiatives worldwide.
This remote consultancy opportunity offers professionals the chance to contribute to global education reform, strengthen lifelong learning systems, and support the development of resilient learning cities through innovative policy and capacity-building approaches.
📌 Job Overview
- Position: Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy
- Contract Type: Consultant Contract
- Level: Mid-Level
- Duration: 8 Months
- Work Arrangement: Remote
- Hiring Unit: Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
- Application Deadline: 17 April 2026
This role is designed for professionals passionate about shaping education systems, influencing policy, and contributing to global knowledge-sharing initiatives.
🌐 About the Organization
UNESCO is a leading global organization dedicated to promoting education, science, culture, and communication as pillars of sustainable development. Through its Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), UNESCO works with governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen lifelong learning systems and promote inclusive education policies worldwide.
UIL plays a critical role in advancing lifelong learning through research, policy guidance, and global initiatives such as the Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)—a platform that connects cities committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable learning environments.
🎯 Role Purpose
The Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy will lead and support strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening lifelong learning systems across multiple countries. The consultant will bridge policy and practice by working closely with national governments, local stakeholders, and international partners to design and implement effective learning frameworks.
This role combines policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and knowledge development, making it ideal for professionals with a strong background in education systems and international development.
📚 Key Responsibilities
1. Strengthening Lifelong Learning Systems
The consultant will lead the implementation of a multi-country programme focused on improving lifelong learning systems. Key tasks include:
- Conducting comprehensive policy and systems analysis across participating countries
- Developing detailed country profiles to inform reform strategies
- Facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations with governments and partners
- Supporting countries in defining priority areas for system strengthening
- Delivering capacity-building sessions and technical exchanges
- Organizing and supporting policy dialogues at national and regional levels
2. Developing Learning City Resources
A significant component of this role involves supporting the expansion of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) by developing practical tools and resources:
- Designing capacity-building modules for cities at different stages of development
- Creating toolkits for learning cities in crisis and emergency contexts
- Coordinating consultations with city representatives and experts
- Supporting the publication and dissemination of knowledge products
- Exploring partnerships and funding opportunities for scaling initiatives
3. Supporting Crisis-Affected Education Systems
The consultant will contribute to targeted support for countries facing complex challenges, including:
- Strengthening lifelong learning systems in crisis contexts
- Supporting national education authorities with policy development
- Documenting best practices and lessons learned
- Integrating real-world experiences into global learning frameworks
4. Programme Coordination and Knowledge Management
- Managing multiple workstreams and deliverables
- Ensuring timely submission of outputs and reports
- Collaborating with international teams and partners
- Producing high-quality analytical and technical documents
📊 Deliverables and Timeline
The consultancy includes eight structured deliverables, submitted approximately every four weeks. These deliverables cover:
- Country system assessments and profiles
- Capacity-building modules and toolkits
- Policy dialogue documentation
- Final programme and impact reports
This structured approach ensures continuous progress, accountability, and measurable impact throughout the contract period.
💰 Payment Structure
The consultant will receive eight payments of €3,000 each, tied to the successful delivery of each milestone, totaling:
👉 €24,000 for the full consultancy
🎓 Required Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in:
- Education
- International Development
- Political Science
- Social Sciences
- Or a related field
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:
- Education policy
- Lifelong learning systems
- International development
- Proven experience in:
- Multi-stakeholder engagement
- Policy dialogue facilitation
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Working with governments or city networks
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of:
- Lifelong learning frameworks
- Education systems and reforms
- Governance and policy coordination
- Experience in:
- Crisis or conflict-affected education contexts (asset)
- International organizations or UNESCO-related programmes (advantage)
Skills
- Excellent analytical and writing skills
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in digital collaboration tools
Languages
- Fluency in English (required)
- Knowledge of French (advantage)
🌍 Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global education transformation by:
- Supporting inclusive and equitable learning systems
- Strengthening education resilience in crisis contexts
- Advancing lifelong learning as a global development priority
- Empowering cities and communities through innovative learning frameworks
Professionals in this role will directly influence how education systems evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
📄 Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a single PDF document including:
- A 1-page approach outlining how they will deliver the assignment
- A 1-page financial proposal
- A short CV highlighting relevant experience
- APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE.
📌 Important Notes:
- Maximum length: 5 pages
- Only complete applications will be considered
- Applications must be submitted via the official UNESCO careers platform
YOU CAN CHECK OTHER OPPORTUNITIES HERE!
⚖️ Equal Opportunity & Ethical Standards
UNESCO is committed to:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Gender equality and representation
- Ethical recruitment practices
- Zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination
Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and minority groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Consultant – Lifelong Learning Policy role is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to shape the future of global education. By contributing to policy development, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing, the selected candidate will play a vital role in advancing lifelong learning systems that are inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
📅 Apply before 17 April 2026 to be part of this impactful global initiative.
