[Hiring] Consultant - Consultant - AI and Digitalisation in Learning Cities @UNESCO

Role Description

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) supports cities around the world in developing inclusive, equitable and sustainable lifelong learning systems through the Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). The consultant is expected to coordinate the establishment, co-construction and delivery of the AI and Digitalisation domain of work within the GNLC programme.

Qualifications

• An advanced university degree in educational technology, public policy, urban studies, international development, digital governance or a related field is required.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, with demonstrated competence in at least three of the following areas:
  • Programme design and management in an international, intergovernmental or multilateral organisation context.
  • Policy or practice work related to digitalisation, artificial intelligence or technology governance, preferably in education, public services or urban development.
  • Design and delivery of online capacity-building programmes, peer learning events or thematic webinars for international or multi-country audiences.
  • Facilitation of multi-stakeholder workshops, peer learning events or participatory co-design processes.
  • Engagement with municipal authorities or city networks on learning, development or governance issues.
  • Resource mobilisation, including the drafting of funding proposals, partnership agreements or donor concept notes.
  • Development of digital communications content, web-based resources or knowledge products for international audiences.

Benefits

• The consultancy runs from 18 May to 18 December 2026.
• The total remuneration for this period is €22,400, disbursed in instalments tied to the satisfactory completion of deliverables at the end of each period.

Deliverables

• Period 1: Groundwork (May 2026)
  • Finalised concept note for the Global AI Learning Cities Accelerator, including the AI Path operational framework and activity sequencing.
  • Longlist of potential experts and resource persons for the AI Lab and webinar.
  • Initial mapping of emerging city practices related to AI, drawing on GNLC webinar survey and progress reports.
  • Draft outline for the AI and Digitalisation web page.
  • Inception note articulating the consultant's approach to all workstreams.
• Period 2: Community Building (June – mid-July 2026)
  • Report on first city consultation, including synthesis of city needs and priorities in relation to AI and digitalisation.
  • AI and Digitalisation web page live on the GNLC platform.
  • AI webinar designed, coordinated and delivered (15 July 2026).
  • One funding proposal or partnership concept note drafted and submitted.
  • Initial mapping of prospective partners and learning cities-focused organisations.
• Period 3: Co-design & Preparation (mid-July – end September 2026)
  • Report on second city consultation, including revised AI Lab design.
  • Full AI Lab facilitation package: session guides, participant materials, expert briefs and facilitator notes.
  • Reviewed programme structure following expert review meeting.
  • Launch of micro-case study call to GNLC member cities, with submission template and communications plan.
  • ICLC 7 thematic framing note on 'Learning Cities in the Age of AI.'
• Period 4: Implementation & Consolidation (October – December 2026)
  • AI Lab delivered at GNLC Academy Campus, including 'AI Lab Notes' distributed to GNLC members and post-Lab evaluation report.
  • Initial outputs from agreed Accelerator activity components compiled and published on the online platform.
  • ICLC 7 session concepts and programme contributions.
  • Contribution inputs on the renewal of GNLC monitoring indicators on digitalisation and lifelong learning.
  • Consolidated roster of experts and partners engaged through the stream.

Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit one consolidated pdf which includes:
  • 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: 26 April - 23:59 CEST (Paris local time).

Selection and Recruitment Process

• All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information by the above deadline.
• The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks.
• Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent.