International Consultant - Teachers as Lifelong Learners Research Study

<h2>OVERVIEW</h2> <p>Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)</p> <p>Duty Station: Hamburg</p> <p> </p> <p>Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]</p> <p>Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]</p> <p>Job Family: Education</p> <p>Type of contract : Non Staff</p> <p>Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months</p> <p>Recruitment open to : External candidates</p> <p>Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-FEB-2024</p> <p> </p> <p>UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism</p> <p> </p> <h2>OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST</h2> <p>Nature of the Consultancy</p> <p><br/> The Research Consultant, hereby the Consultant, will contribute to the conceptualisation, research design and instruments, and produce a synthesis report for global research on teachers as lifelong learners. Key technical outputs of the consultancy will include (1) a comprehensive literature review on the research topic; (2) research design including data collection instruments; (3) expert consultation on the preliminary research findings; 4) a global synthesis report that includes the findings of case studies and thematic papers. </p> <p>The consultancy will be managed and supervised by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in close consultation with the UNESCO HQ's Education Section’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, namely, the Section of Teacher Development (the Secretariat of the International Task Force on Teachers). The consultant will follow the guidance and feedback of the UIL and the project's Global Expert Group to ensure quality research outputs.</p> <p> </p> <p>1. Background and Rationale</p> <p>The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as a comprehensive guide for United Nations member states to advance in five crucial dimensions: people, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peace. Among its goals, quality education (SDG 4) is highlighted, urging nations to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Lifelong learning, a central tenet in the formulation of sustainable education policies, seamlessly integrates the concepts of learning and living, spanning all ages, education levels, and life contexts.</p> <p>This inclusive approach encompasses various learning modalities to meet diverse needs, emphasizing articulation, flexibility, and visibility. The goal is to facilitate accessible and adaptable learning pathways for individuals with different needs and preferences. Recognizing the complexity of lifelong learning as an evolving ecosystem, it becomes the overarching principle shaping the entire education system. The effectiveness and relevance of this ecosystem hinge significantly on educators at all levels, who, in embracing lifelong learning, impart the ultimate skill: the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn.</p> <p>In our ever-evolving global landscape, the importance of education, especially the art of quality teaching, resonates more profoundly than ever. A skilled, experienced and committed teaching workforce plays a key role in delivering not just education, but a transformative learning experience that maximises learners' potential and enhances their wellbeing. However, this noble duty is marked by increasing complexity and uncertainty, demanding teachers to shoulder multifaceted and dynamic responsibilities. Teachers, in their role as guides and mentors, extend beyond the traditional boundaries of imparting subject knowledge. They are entrusted with the task of nurturing attitudes and skills that align with the ever-changing demands of society. To achieve this, it becomes paramount to create an environment where teachers are not only encouraged but supported in their journey of continual self-improvement. This involves ensuring that they continuously enhance their skills and expand their knowledge base to adeptly navigate and respond to the evolving expectations placed upon them.</p> <p>In response to these challenges, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) have initiated a joint research project titled ‘Teachers as Lifelong Learners: International Research, Policy, and Practice on Lifelong Learning for Teacher Education (2023-2026). <br/>  </p> <h2>Long Description</h2> <p>The aim of the project is to contribute to transforming teacher training and education systems and policies into lifelong learning ecosystems and integrated learning policies. It seeks to achieve this by generating evidence, tools and experience on the role, profile and learning strategies of teachers, with implications for teacher education and training institutions. The project outlines specific objectives: </p> <p>a.    Generate new knowledge including i) a state-of-the-art on the current status of teachers as lifelong learners, considering legal and normative frameworks, education policies, teacher education and training cu