[Hiring] Consultant on Out-of-School Children and Youth @UNESCO

Role Description

The Consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct desk-based research, literature review, and data collection on the profiles of out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY), as well as on the specific push, pull, and systemic factors driving children and youth out of school across the world.
• Prepare a questionnaire to complement the research and analysis of the profiles of OOSCY, focusing on the gaps identified.
• Identify key project partners and their contributions to the paper, and conduct consultations.
• Identify promising practices from different regions.
• Propose a detailed outline including solutions and policy guidance for Member States and other key stakeholders.
• Elaborate a draft paper on out-of-school children and youth from a rights-based perspective (approx. 30 pages).
• Integrate UNESCO’s initial reviews and comments, and finalize the paper based on internal and external reviews.

Qualifications

• Advanced post-graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in education, human rights, social sciences, or other related fields.
• 4 years of experience in related areas with experience in data analysis, research, and triangulation.
• Strong experience working on out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY), school disengagement, and dropout.
• Experience with international organizations, preferably in multilateral settings and in crisis-affected or displacement contexts.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of human rights.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Knowledge of the right to education and child’s rights is particularly valuable.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to effectively work within a complex and multicultural environment.
• Excellent writing skills in English and command of the French language.

Benefits

• The consultancy is expected to last about 4 months (approximately 86 working days) from January 2026 to end of April 2027.
• Home-based work.
• All visibility materials must be produced in line with UNESCO's branding guidelines.
• Integration of a gender perspective in all activities.

Company Description

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. 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. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.