Consultant: Digital Competencies for older adults

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Hamburg

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-APR-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 I. Background

The global demographic landscape is witnessing a remarkable trend: the rapid growth of the population aged over 65, now the fastest-expanding age group worldwide. The United Nations forecasts that by 2050, this demographic will comprise 16% of the global population, up from 10% in 2022. In light of this shift, supporting the health, activity, and public engagement of older individuals becomes increasingly crucial. Lifelong learning is pivotal in this respect, playing a key role in enabling older adults to reskill, maintain autonomy, enjoy healthy aging, and improve their overall quality of life.

Long Description

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is at the forefront of understanding how lifelong learning can be effectively utilized to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by aging societies. Supported by funding from Shanghai Open University, UIL has launched three thematic studies this year, planned to span over the next three years. These studies are centered on lifelong learning for older adults, with specific emphasis on upskilling and reskilling, fostering intergenerational learning, and enhancing digital competencies.

Long Description

Each thematic study provides an in-depth analysis of the national policy environment, institutional frameworks, and the development and application of educational programmes for older adults within the scope of the three thematic areas. A case study methodology will be employed to examine these thematic studies. Additionally, the thematic study focusing on enhancing digital competencies for older adults will include a quantitative component dedicated to developing measurement frameworks for assessing the digital competence of older adults.

Long Description

II. Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and the supervision of the Inclusive Learning Program Team Leader, the incumbent will support the implementation of the three thematic studies, with a focus on the study enhancing digital competencies for older adults. The main responsibilities include:

Conceptual Development, Project Coordination, and Management

• Consolidate the conceptual development of the research framework for the thematic study on enhancing digital competencies for older adults.
• Assist in Identifying, communicating with, and coordinating consultants and partners to implement case studies for this thematic study.
• Assist the review of the case studies in consultation with project advisors.
• Draft the publication proposal for the thematic study.
• Compile and edit the case studies into a thematic report under the guidance of the project leader.

Development of Indicators and Guidelines

• Assist in developing measurement frameworks for assessing the digital competence of older adults.
• Assist in designing indicators to capture the digital skills of older adults that could be including in the monitoring framework of the Marrakesh Framework for Actions (MFA).
• Draft guidelines and recommendations for institutions to design and implement effective educational programmes for enhancing digital skills for older adults.

Representation, Advocacy, and Communication

• Develop and update the web pages for the three thematic studies.
• Assist in drafting policy papers and blogs where necessary.

Other duties

• Upon team leader’s request, support the work of the team on implementing the monitoring framework for the Marrakesh Framework for action (MFA) by contributing to the development of quantitative indicators.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Strategic thinking (M)
Building partnerships (M)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, economics, politics, development studies or other relevant social science discipline. 

Work Experience

• Proven experience in managing research projects, preferably in the field of lifelong learning or adult education.
• Background in designing educational programs, preferably with a focus on education, aging, or digital inclusion.
• Experience in developing, validating, and implementing indicators or measurement tools, specifically in the context of digital literacy or skills assessment.

Skills and competencies

• Strong skills in research design, including the ability to conceptualize and structure studies effectively.
• Competence in synthesizing research findings into comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and the use of statistical software (e.g., SPSS).
• Ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into actionable insights and indicators.
• Strong project coordination skills, including task prioritization, deadline management, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to maintain effective and inclusive working relationships across multiple internal entities and external partners.

Languages

• Excellent oral and written English. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Languages

• Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage.

DURATION OF CONTRACT AND SALARY

Duration of contract: 6 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Monthly fees: EUR 3,000

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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