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Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for the Future of Learning and Innovation (FLI), the incumbent will work closely with members of the Division on supporting the strategic development and governance of the Futures of Education Programme, managing IdeasLAB, leading publications, advancing debate on education post-2030, and building community engagement. The role will contribute to strengthening the Programme’s intellectual foundations and its engagement in global consultations on the futures of education.
Job Responsibility:
Focal Point for Advisory Group r Group | Support the governance of the Futures of Education Programme. Act as the focal point for its Advisory Group. Coordinate quarterly meetings, ensure the preparation of agendas, briefings, and other materials, and follow the decisions and the integration of Advisory Group’s insights into Programme activities, plans and workstreams.
Managing Editor of IdeasLAB | Coordinate the overall solicitation, review, selection, publication, and dissemination of weekly think pieces to offer fresh insights and provocations about the futures of education, contributed by a diverse range of constituencies in education from a wide range of countries, epistemic perspectives, and cultures.
Production of two stand-alone publications | Lead the development and publication of two volumes of selected think pieces with original framing and analysis: (1) “The Algorithm in the Classroom: AI and the Futures of Education” (working title), anticipated for 7 September 2026 (Digital Learning Week), and (2) “The future of International Cooperation in Education” (working title), anticipated for 2 December 2026 (World Futures Day).
Coordinate Post-2030 Discussion ERF Paper Series and Co-author one Paper | (a) Coordinate the development a dedicated series of discussion papers, to be published within the Education, Research and Foresight (ERF) Working Paper series, to advance debate on education in the global development agenda beyond 2030. (b) Co-author one discussion paper with the Director of FLI.
Lead point of contact for “Futures of Education Narratives” research project | Develop concept note and TORs for researchers to undertake literature review for a better understanding of the explicit and implicit assumptions about the futures of education in academic and policy discourses is key to informing the transformation of education.
Community engagement | Produce a regular newsletter or bulletin that disseminates new content, announcements, and events from the Programme, and build a growing network of individuals and institutions who are engaged and committed to the Programme’s vision.
Requirements:
PhD in the field of international education, development studies, public policy, international relations, economics, and/or other relevant fields
Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in research and analysis
Experience in mobilizing research networks at international and/or regional levels
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
Excellent knowledge of English (written and oral)
Good working knowledge of French
Nice to have:
Prior experience with UNESCO
Experience in education foresight research
Working knowledge of Spanish or another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)