UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) and Shanghai Open University (SOU) are following the extended project, entitled “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 2021-23. 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 specificity based on the existing collaboration through developing a global network for digitalization in lifelong learning. The goal is to deepen research in community learning enabled by advanced digital technology, enhance teacher training to align with the latest developments in artificial intelligence, and develop digital literacy, application scenarios, and educational service guidelines for the elderly population. To reach this goal UNESCO IITE is looking for an individual consultant, being able in close cooperation with UNESCO IITE and SOU teams, develop the appropriate Guidance.
In particular, the consultant shall carry out the following tasks:
- Develop the guidance for teachers on digital inclusion and e-learning for the elderly with a list of the relevant open learning resources useful for teachers (minimum 30 pages, font – Calibri; font size – 12; line space – 1.5). Draft version should be submitted to UNESCO IITE by July 31, 2025. Guidelines should be focused more on AI technologies and the creative changes AI can bring to the elderly. Experience from Shanghai will be mentioned in the Guidance. The guidance will enhance the digital competencies of community-based teachers engaged in inclusion and e-learning of elderly, including lifelong learning opportunities. The Guidance should include strong illustrations and infographics. The consultant shall make changes based on the feedback provided and deliver the final version to UNESCO IITE by August 15, 2025.
- Develop the guidance for policy makers on promoting digital inclusion and e-learning for the elderly (minimum 20 pages, font – Calibri; font size – 12; line space – 1.5). Draft version should be submitted to UNESCO IITE by September 15, 2025. Guidelines should be focused more on AI technologies and the creative changes AI can bring to the elderly. The guidance will present approaches for creation of a flexible, equitable and inclusive system of learning for the elderly with the help of advanced ICT adapted to the needs of end users and taking into consideration the demands of the content for this target group. Experience from Shanghai will be highlighted in the Guidance. The Guidance should include strong illustrations and infographics. The consultant shall make changes based on the feedback provided and deliver the final version to UNESCO IITE by October 15, 2025.
- During the contract period, participate in the online working meetings with the UNESCO IITE – SOU project team and provide consultative support as written responses to the questions throughout the whole contract period.
The language of all deliverables is English.
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.
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 inclusive education and/or e-learning with 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 29 June, 2025.
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).
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.