Consultancy Secretarial Support to ISCED Task Forces
Consultancy Secretarial Support to ISCED Task Forces
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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 Panels 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 issued16 recommendations covering conceptual methodological and operational aspects of the classifications.
In response UIS is establishing four thematic ISCED Task Forces to implement these recommendations1:
- Task Force on the classification of Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes;
- Task Force on professional/occupational and academic programmes at ISCED levels 6 to 8;
- Task Force on the integration of Work-Based Learning (WBL) into ISCED;
- 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 secretarial and organizational support to the ISCED Task Forces and UIS Management ensuring efficient operations timely documentation and effective communication between UIS Task Force members and other stakeholders.
Key tasks
Under the overall authority of the Director of UIS and direct supervision of the Head of the Education Standards Unit the consultant will:
- Assist in organizing virtual Task Force meetings (scheduling invitations technical arrangements follow-up).
- Prepare draft agendas compile background materials and support preparation of meeting presentations.
- Draft accurate and timely meeting notes summaries and action points.
- Maintain contact lists of TF members and ensure timely circulation of materials updates and feedback requests.
- Organize and maintain a shared repository of TF documents correspondence and working drafts.
- Assist UIS staff in tracking TF timelines deliverables and follow-up actions.
Deliverables
Deliverables
The consultant will deliver outputs aligned with the TFs workplans. Indicative deliverables include:
- Inception work plan outlining approach to supporting TFs (within 1 month of contract start).
- Draft agendas background packs and logistical support for each TF meeting (ongoing).
- Timely meeting notes and summary reports for all TF meetings (within 1 week of each meeting).
- A consolidated archive of TF documents and communications (quarterly updates).
- Final report summarizing secretariat support provided lessons learned and recommendations for future processes (at contract end).
Duration: The consultancy is expected to run for 11 months renewable depending on TF needs and progress following the adoption of ISCED RP recommendations by the 43rd UNESCO General Conference (November 2025).
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Bachelors or higher) in education social sciences public administration international relations or related field.
Experience
- At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative coordination or secretariat support in an international or multilateral context.
- Experience supporting expert groups committees or task forces.
Skills
- Strong organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent drafting and note-taking abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in digital collaboration platforms (Teams Zoom SharePoint etc.).
- Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
Language
- Excellent command of English (oral and written).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Familiarity with education statistics classifications or international organizations is desirable.
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:
- A cover letter describing interest qualifications availability and proposed consultancy fee.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A brief description of suitability for the assignment and if applicable proposed methodology.
- 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.
Employment Type
Full Time
