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Junior Consultant_Education_Policies and Lifelong Learning - Job Opportunity at UNESCO

Paris, France
Contract
Entry-level
Posted: May 23, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 35,000 - 45,000 annually. Given this is a 6-month consultancy position in Paris with UNESCO, the total contract value would likely be EUR 17,500 - 22,500. This estimate reflects the entry-level nature of the role, the prestigious international organization context, and Paris market conditions for education policy consultants.

Benefits

International organization experience providing global perspective and networking opportunities
Exposure to high-level education policy development across multiple countries
Professional development through UNESCO's comprehensive competency framework
Access to cutting-edge education sector research and methodologies
Opportunity to work on GPE-funded projects with significant international impact

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical support for e-governance implementation in Ukraine's education system, directly impacting national education infrastructure
Lead the revitalization of international communities of practice on Education Management Information Systems, influencing global knowledge sharing
Develop comprehensive competency frameworks that will standardize EMIS capabilities across UNESCO member states
Conduct strategic audits of continental education data systems, shaping policy decisions across African nations
Analyze and synthesize Early Childhood Care and Education integration across Latin American countries, informing regional policy development
Pilot test innovative assessment tools that will influence ECCE implementation strategies globally
Produce high-impact analytical reports and deliverables that inform UNESCO's strategic direction in education policy

Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, public policy, public administration, governance, international development, data science, statistics or related fields

Experience

At least 1 year of relevant experience in education planning, policy development, monitoring and evaluation

Required Skills

Proven expertise in developing education frameworks and methodologies Proficiency in English Education planning capabilities Policy development experience Monitoring and evaluation skills Technical backstopping abilities Data analysis and synthesis Report writing and documentation
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Digital transformation in education governance is accelerating globally, with governments increasingly investing in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) to improve data-driven decision making and educational outcomes. This trend has been particularly pronounced in post-conflict regions like Ukraine where rebuilding education infrastructure requires modern, efficient systems. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is gaining unprecedented priority in international development agendas, with evidence showing that quality early childhood programs yield the highest return on investment in human development. Latin American countries are particularly focused on integrating ECCE into comprehensive education sector planning. The rise of competency-based frameworks in education is reshaping how international organizations approach capacity building and professional development in the education sector, moving away from traditional training models toward skill-based certification systems. Post-pandemic recovery efforts have highlighted the critical importance of robust education data systems and e-governance capabilities, leading to increased funding from organizations like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for technology-enabled education solutions.

Role Significance

The consultant will work within a structured team environment including Programme Specialists, Section Chiefs, and Division Directors, typical of UNESCO's hierarchical but collaborative approach. The role involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders across different portfolio areas (EMIS and ECCE).
This is a structured entry-level position designed to provide comprehensive exposure to international education policy work while contributing to high-impact projects. The role offers significant responsibility for deliverable production while maintaining appropriate supervision and guidance structures typical of junior consultant positions.

Key Projects

Technical implementation support for major GPE-funded e-governance initiatives in post-conflict educational reconstruction Development of continental-scale education data system auditing frameworks affecting multiple African nations Cross-regional analysis projects examining education policy integration across Latin American countries International competency framework development that will influence professional standards across UNESCO member states

Success Factors

Strong analytical capabilities combined with practical understanding of education sector challenges, as the role requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on implementation support across diverse educational contexts and geographical regions. Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail, given the extensive deliverable requirements including technical reports, frameworks, and analytical syntheses that will inform high-level policy decisions across multiple countries. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability, as the work spans multiple regions (Ukraine, Africa, Latin America) with varying educational systems, political contexts, and developmental challenges requiring nuanced understanding of local conditions. Project management capabilities and ability to work independently while maintaining regular reporting relationships, as the role involves managing multiple concurrent deliverables across different portfolios with varying timelines and stakeholder requirements.

Market Demand

High demand. The intersection of education policy, data systems, and international development is experiencing significant growth as governments worldwide prioritize education sector strengthening and digital transformation initiatives.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Education policy analysis and framework development skills are absolutely essential as this role involves creating competency frameworks and conducting policy integration analyses that will influence education systems across multiple countries and regions, requiring deep understanding of education sector dynamics and policy implementation challenges. Advanced analytical and research capabilities are crucial given the requirement to synthesize complex education data, conduct comparative analyses across different national contexts, and produce high-quality reports that inform strategic decision-making by UNESCO leadership and member state governments. Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder engagement abilities are vital as the work involves coordinating with education officials, implementing partners, and community stakeholders across diverse cultural and political contexts in Ukraine, Africa, and Latin America. Project management and deliverable production skills are critical given the extensive list of specific outputs with defined timelines and quality requirements that must meet UNESCO's high standards for technical excellence and professional presentation.

Beneficial Skills

Technical understanding of education data systems and EMIS platforms would significantly enhance effectiveness in the e-governance portfolio work, particularly given the growing importance of data-driven education management across developing countries. Knowledge of Early Childhood Development research and implementation approaches would strengthen contributions to the ECCE portfolio, especially as this sector continues to gain prominence in international development funding and policy attention. Familiarity with international development funding mechanisms, particularly GPE procedures and requirements, would facilitate more effective project implementation and stakeholder coordination in the Ukraine e-governance initiative. Language skills in French, Spanish, or other UNESCO working languages would expand collaboration opportunities and deepen understanding of regional education contexts, particularly valuable for the Latin American portfolio work.

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to both technical system implementation (EMIS/e-governance) and policy analysis (ECCE integration), providing a comprehensive foundation in education sector work that spans both technological and pedagogical dimensions of international education development.
The position provides direct engagement with post-conflict education reconstruction in Ukraine, offering invaluable experience in education system rebuilding that is increasingly relevant as international development work focuses on fragile and conflict-affected states.
Working across three distinct geographical regions (Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America) within a single role provides exceptional cross-cultural competency development and understanding of diverse education system challenges that is rarely available in other positions.
The role combines hands-on project implementation with high-level framework development, offering both practical experience and strategic thinking opportunities that accelerate professional development in international education policy work.

Career Growth

Typically 2-3 years to advance to mid-level positions, given the high-quality experience and international exposure this role provides. The UNESCO network and deliverable portfolio will significantly accelerate career progression in the international education development sector.

Potential Next Roles

Programme Specialist positions within UNESCO or other UN agencies focusing on education sector development Senior Consultant roles with international development organizations specializing in education policy and planning Education Policy Analyst positions with bilateral development agencies or international financial institutions Regional Education Adviser roles with organizations like GPE, World Bank, or regional development banks

Company Overview

UNESCO

UNESCO stands as the United Nations' premier education agency, with unparalleled global reach and influence in shaping international education policy and standards. The organization's Education Sector leads worldwide efforts in education system strengthening, policy development, and capacity building across 195 member states, making it the most authoritative voice in global education governance.

UNESCO holds the unique position as the only international organization with a constitutional mandate for education, giving it unrivaled authority and influence in global education policy development. Its partnerships with organizations like GPE, World Bank, and bilateral donors make it central to major education sector funding and implementation decisions worldwide.
The Paris headquarters serves as the global nerve center for education policy development, hosting the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems which shapes education strategies implemented across all UNESCO regions including Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Arab States, and Europe/North America.
UNESCO maintains a highly professional, multicultural environment emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and results-driven approaches. The organization's commitment to diversity, integrity, and continuous learning creates an intellectually stimulating atmosphere where staff engage with cutting-edge education research and policy development while working alongside experts from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
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