Consultant on Human Rights/Right to education
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Remote
Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 20-JUN-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Within the framework of UNESCO’s work on the right to education, under the overall authority of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, the guidance of the Chief of Section and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in charge of the right to education programme; the Consultant shall support the research project on homeschooling and the right to education.
Long Description
Context
The quest for alternative model to schooling has a certain resonance in today’s context as the international community searches to transform education to not only address the challenges faced but also respond to novel demands of learners and parents.
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, governments worldwide were forced to switch to distance learning solutions to ensure the continuity of education. In this context, parents, caregivers and family members were often required to fill the role of primary guides for their children’s learning at home. While challenges emerged due to the lack of parental preparation, connectivity and, in many cases, appropriate educational resources, homeschooling also emerged, with families realizing that their home could be the centre of learning, and an opportunity to encourage intergenerational transmission (UNESCO, 2020). As a result, despite the reopening of schools, in some contexts, such as the United States, there has been an increase of parents choosing to switch to homeschooling their children and the acceptance of this practice has likely solidified (Hamlin, D., and Peterson, P.E., 2022).
Recognizing today that learning takes place “in all times and spaces” (International Commission on the Futures of Education, 2021), homeschooling provides potentially a space suitable for the provision of education and learning. Yet, while international human rights law offers a certain framework for homeschooling, its concrete application deserves further investigation. It is in the framework of the ongoing Initiative on the Evolving right to education, that UNESCO aims to address these trends.
As part of this Initiative, UNESCO aims to investigate the challenges, opportunities and trends in homeschooling from a rights-based perspective with a view to fill a knowledge and evidence gap and inform discussions on the evolving right to education framework.
Long Description
Assignments
Specifically, the Consultant shall carry out the following tasks:
- Conduct desk-based research on the practice of homeschooling across the world.
- Code and analyze data from the completed government questionnaires (comprised of 10 questions) of approx. 14 countries.
- According to a detailed outline, and by liaising with key partners of the project, elaborate a draft paper (approx. 25 pages) on the basis of the desk-based research and analysis, government responses to questionnaires and partner contributions.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced post-graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in education, human rights, social sciences, or other related fields.
- 2 years of experience in data analysis, research and data triangulation.
- Strong knowledge of human rights.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
Language:
- Excellent writing skills in English and command of the French language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Competencies
- Knowledge on the right to education and child’s rights would be particularly valuable.
- Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
- The ability to effectively work within a complex and multicultural environment
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
