BACKGROUND
Promoting sustainable development through flexible and inclusive lifelong learning systems
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) works to support lifelong learning systems and policy development at the national and local level through policy support, research, partnerships and networking, and tailored capacity-building activities.
Recognition, Validation and Accreditation (RVA) of non-formal and informal learning is one of the pillars of inclusive lifelong learning policy. Consequently, many countries have developed a national system for RVA. UIL considers it of the utmost importance to use RVA for the integration of outcomes of non-formal and informal learning into national, regional and global qualifications frameworks.
Within the context of the new UIL–SOU GNLC Academy Hub, UIL will implement a capacity-building programme on “Strengthening Lifelong Learning Systems through Multi-Level and Multi-Sectoral Engagement”, which is designed to support countries at different levels of system development, providing them with structured technical inputs, opportunities for international exchange and tailored support for advancing or updating national lifelong learning policies, strategies and practices. The programme will involve a component on flexible pathways and RVA and how they connect different sectors and sub-sectors. This line of work will also include follow-up activities with countries previously involved in UIL’s capacity-building workshops.
At the local level, UIL is working with UNESCO Learning Cities to support the development, enhancement and implementation of local lifelong learning policies and strategies. A particular focus of this work is in the area of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and lifelong learning for climate action, including the recent launch of the Greening Communities Guidance (GCG). In 2026, UIL will promote the practical use of the GCG in learning cities and will develop materials and offer targeted trainings to support cities in implementing the guidance.
PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY
This consultancy will support UIL in advancing its work on lifelong learning policies and practices at both national and local levels. Through targeted capacity-building and follow-up activities, a consultant is sought to contribute to the above described programmatic areas.
The consultant will play a key role in developing knowledge and training resources, facilitating national and regional engagement, providing technical feedback on country outputs, and supporting the further development and dissemination of key resources related to the Greening Communities Guide. Further responsibilities include coordinating the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) ESD Working Group. Overall, this consultancy will contribute to UIL’s strategic objectives of fostering inclusive and sustainable lifelong learning systems worldwide.
MAIN DUTIES AND RSPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the team leader of the Skills Throughout Life Team, the individual consultant will undertake the following main responsibilities:
Thematic area: ESD and greening communities
Revise the ESD Online Course and support coordination of the GNLC ESD working group
- Revise the structure and content to reflect the Greening Communities Guidance (English and Spanish edition)
- Develop a hybrid workshop format for implementing the course
- Assist in coordinating the GNLC’s ESD Working Group activities and meetings.
