Job Description

Type of contract :Consultant Contract

Level :Level 3 - Senior

Hiring Unit :International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)

Duty Station :Caracas

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract 3 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−4 Time) :21/03/2026

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

Campus IESALC is a digital environment hosted by the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC), a category 1 institute of the Organization. It is a digital environment that allows leveraging the programmes and priorities of the Institute from an academic perspective, favoring knowledge networks and the exchange of good practices through collaborative work for the development of the Latin America and Caribbean region, and through the promotion of digital credentials. See: https://campus.iesalc.unesco.org/inicio/blocks/htmllocalizado/home.php-id=campus_iesalc&lang=en

The objective of this consultancy is the strengthening and consolidation of the capacity development programme of UNESCO IESALC through the design and delivery of high-quality training programmes aligned with UNESCO’s strategic priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Agenda and implemented through the Campus IESALC. Key expected results include the rollout of competency-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education; the effective delivery of international programmes for university leaders; the operation of a digital knowledge ecosystem; and the strengthening of institutional networks, such as the Rectors’ Network for Sustainability.

In terms of impact, the assignment will enhance the institutional capacities of universities and higher education systems to integrate sustainability, improve governance, and advance towards more inclusive, innovative, and Sustainable Development Goal–aligned educational models.

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ASSIGNMENTS

Under the authority of the Director of IESALC, the Individual Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Design, coordinate and implement international training programmes for rectors, university leadership teams, academics and public decision-makers, delivered in online, hybrid and face-to-face formats, leveraging Campus IESALC, including academic and logistical management.
2. Work with international experts and mentors, ensuring continuous participant support, facilitation of synchronous sessions, monitoring of institutional progress and quality control of deliverables.
3. Strengthen the IESALC digital knowledge ecosystem, including Campus IESALC, by ensuring the systematization, valorization and dissemination of capacity development programme results through publications and knowledge products.
4. Provide technical support to regional initiatives and public policies in higher education.
5. Lead and coordinate the Rectors’ Network for Sustainability, oversee multidisciplinary teams, and represent UNESCO IESALC at regional and international forums.

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CONTRACT DURATION

3 months (23/03/2026 to 23/06/2026)

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DELIVERABLES

Prepare and submit to UNESCO IESALC for approval by 25/04/2026 :

• An action plan for the Capacity Building for the 2026 2nd Quarter including courses, educational materials; staffing and costing of the programmes;

Prepare and submit to UNESCO for approval by 25/05/2026:

• A Campus IESALC Activity Report;
• An update of the Action Plan for the Capacity Building for the 2026 2nd Quarter.

Prepare and submit to UNESCO for approval by 25/06/2026:

• A Campus IESALC Activity Report;
• A Draft Action Plan for the Capacity Building for the 2026 3rd Quarter.

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COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• 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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, economics, social sciences or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in education, including higher education, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Proven experience in designing and managing capacity development programmes in higher education, including at the regional/international level.

Proven experience in partnership building and liaising with university leaders and policymakers in a multilateral context.

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LANGUAGES

Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written)

APPLICATION PROCESS

The following package of documents should be sent to director.iesalc@unesco.org by 20 March (midnight Paris), in Spanish or English:
1) an updated CV
2) a technical proposal, including an approach and methodology for the assignment (2-3 pages)
3) a financial proposal: The amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD and include a financial breakdown for each of the 3 abovementioned deliverables.

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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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.