UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) and Shanghai Open University (SOU) jointly implement the project “Promoting ICT Capacity Building and Open Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies”. The project has achieved multiple outcomes in research and practice through cooperation of both parties in 2021-25. In order to reinforce the project outcomes already in place, UNESCO IITE and SOU are committed to further broadening joint research coverage and areas and enhancing teachers’ digital technology competencies and advocating for the utilization of WEB 3.0 technologies, including immersive experiences, blockchain and generative AI in the realm of education and instructional design. In 2026 the goal is to include more diverse and rich recommendations in existing overall guidance provided to teachers.
To reach this goal UNESCO IITE is looking for an individual consultant, being able in close cooperation with UNESCO IITE and SOU teams to develop guideline on generative AI in Education for achieving critical competencies for future learning and teaching in collaborative human-computer intelligent models.
In particular, the consultant shall carry out the following tasks:
- Develop the “Guideline on Generative AI in Education” reflecting UNESCO AI competencies framework aspects and progression levels (minimum 30 pages, font – Calibri; font size – 12; line space – 1.5). The guideline should include description of challenges in integrating AI into teaching and learning as well as in improving AI competencies among teachers and students; effect analysis and future application suggestions and deliver them to UNESCO IITE by 23 November 2026. The consultant shall make changes based on the feedback provided and deliver the final version to UNESCO IITE by 20 December 2026. The deliverables must be prepared in full compliance with the UNESCO Style Manual for the presentation of English-language texts: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001418/141812e.pdf, and in a tone that is reader-friendly for its intended audience, i.e., educators and policymakers. The format of images: JPEG, PNG, SVG. Image resolution should be not less than 4000×3000 pixels. All outputs will be subject to a rigorous quality assurance process, including internal and external reviewers (at least two recommended by SOU and two by UNESCO IITE, plus one internal UNESCO expert outside IITE), with final quality assurance decisions and resolution of any technical disagreements residing solely with UNESCO IITE and SOU.
- During the contract period, participate in the online working meetings with the IITE – SOU project team as well as write responses to the questions.
Candidate specification:
The prospective candidate should
- hold an advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Education or Social Sciences,
- have a proven record of desktop research in the area of education, no less than 5 years of relevant experience,
- possess necessary and sufficient ICT competencies,
- be fluent in English and proficient in communication.
Interested qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (in English) to o.akimov@unesco.org before 12 October 2026.
The official application shall include:
- Candidate’s latest Curriculum Vitae.
- A statement indicating how the candidate’s qualifications and experience make him/her suitable for the assignment.
- An indication of the approach the candidate would adopt to carry out the assignment.
- Proposed budget (in USD).