OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Aim and scope of the observatory

The UNESCO Global Observatory on the Futures of Education is one the main outcomes of the 2024 International Forum on the Futures of Education held in Suwon in the Republic of Korea. The Observatory aims to support all stakeholders involved in education in their efforts to transform education to shape more just, inclusive and sustainable futures for humanity and the planet. It examines how the vision outlined by the International Commission on the Futures of Education in Reimagining Our Futures Together: A new social contract for education is translated into action across diverse contexts worldwide. The Global Observatory on the Futures of Education analyses context-responsive experiences, highlights promising practices, and promotes dialogue and innovation to support the transformation of education through more inclusive ownership, democratic participation, and long-term futures thinking.

Functions of the observatory

The Observatory proposes:

1. Foresight analysis to inform public debate on the futures of education: The Observatory will inform public debate on the futures of education at both global and national level through foresight, the analysis of existing scenarios futures of education, and of the assumptions on which they are based. This will be achieved by mobilizing the global network of Chairs on Foresight, Anticipation and Futures Thinking to analyze long-term development trends, identify emergent tensions and opportunities, explore their implications for probable and possible futures of education, and examine the anticipatory assumptions that underpin each of these. The ideas generated through a combination of virtual and in-person seminars to be shared through think pieces to be published on the UNESCO IdeasLab.
2. Case studies to document, analyze and inspire the translation of the Futures of Education vision into action: The Observatory will identify, document, analyze and share innovative approaches that translate the Futures of Education vision into action through case studies which examine examples of the following: governing education as a common good; integrating foresight into educational planning; reimagining the teaching profession; rethinking curriculum, learning and assessment; and transforming the generation and application of research. The case studies aim to provide insights and inspiration to policymakers, educational planners, researchers, educational institutions, teachers, and students, for transforming education in view of more just, inclusive and sustainable futures for all.
3. International Forum on the Futures of Education 2026. Building on the foresight analysis and the Global Observatory on the Futures of Education, plan and convene the 2026 UNESCO International Forum on the Futures of Education as part of the global discussions on education in the post-2030 Agenda development.

Overview of tasks

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for the Future of Learning and Innovation, the research coordinator will support the design, establishment, and functioning of the UNESCO Global Observatory on the Futures of Education. The research coordinator will work with members of the Future of Learning and Innovation Division as regards documenting influence and impact of the Futures of Education report, further development of the Futures of Education website to serve as the platform for the Global Observatory, mobilizing and convening UNESCO Chairs specializing in futures studies, disseminating knowledge through IdeasLab and integrating research on the digital transformation of education. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Develop and refine documentation for the establishment of a UNESCO Global Observatory on the Futures of Education.
• Develop detailed project proposals for funding mobilization and the establishment of strategic partnerships.
• Support the development of futures of education framework to serve as reference for the identification of promising practice in educational governance, planning, the teaching profession, teaching/learning and assessment, and research that are inspired from and/or in line with recommendations of the International Commission on the Futures of Education.
• Coordinate the development of case studies and analyses of promising practice based on the futures of education framework.
• Coordinate the publication of Futures of Education IdeasLAB think pieces.
• Initiate preparation for convening the International Forum on the Futures of Education 2026.

Deliverables

• Project document for the UNESCO Global Observatory on the Futures of Education by 31 March 2025
• Framework for the identification of promising practices in educational governance, planning, the teaching profession, assessment developed and piloted by 30 June 2025
• Eight Futures of Education IdeaLAB think-pieces edited and published by 30 September 2025
• 2026 Forum on the Futures of Education | Concept note and draft programme, as well as the preliminary list of speakers: 15 December 2025

In addition, the consultant would have to submit monthly progress reports on the above-mentioned main deliverables.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• PhD in the field of international education, development studies, public policy, international relations, economics, and/or other relevant fields

Work experience

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in research and analysis
• Experience in mobilizing research networks at international and/or regional levels

Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent drafting and editing skills with record of published research
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective working relations with colleagues, partners, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other relevant institutions
• Solid IT skills including knowledge of Office software

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and oral)
• Good working knowledge of French

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with UNESCO
• Experience in education foresight research
• Working knowledge of Spanish or another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)