Consultant on Teacher Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean

Unesco

Unesco

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

Posted on May 20, 2026

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Santiago

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−3 Time) : 01/06/2026

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

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

UNESCO invites you to submit in writing consulting proposals for the work assignment described in the following section. For the preparation of this proposal, the elements to be considered are detailed below. In addition to completing the online application (mandatory), you must submit:

1. A technical proposal consisting of:

A detailed and updated curriculum vitae; and

B. A brief technical and methodological proposal for the implementation of the consultancy assignment

2. A financial proposal, expressed in USD, considering the monthly and total consultancy fees.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization best value for money.

Your proposal must be sent by e-mail to roster.santiago@unesco.org no later than (18:00 on 1st june, 2026).

Two separate files must be sent, one for the technical proposal and one for the financial proposal. Please quote in the subject line of the email the following: " Ref:STG/2026/CIC/08 Consultant on Teacher Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean". You must take into account these conditions to apply, otherwise the proposals will not be considered. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that their proposal is received by the deadline.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO consulting opportunity; and we look forward to receiving your proposal.

OVERVIEW

UNESCO is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading the Global Education Agenda 2030 through Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago and Office for UN Coordination in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO Santiago) supports Member States in the development, implementation, and monitoring of education policies and strategies aimed at ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Teachers and the teaching profession constitute a strategic priority for UNESCO and are central to the achievement of SDG 4. In this framework, UNESCO Santiago supports countries in addressing key regional challenges related to teacher policies, initial and continuous teacher education, teacher professional development, teacher wellbeing, retention, and the transformation of the teaching profession through evidence generation, policy dialogue, regional cooperation, and capacity-development initiatives.

In August 2025, during the World Summit on Teachers held in Santiago de Chile, UNESCO and its partners launched the Regional Teacher Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025–2030, which was endorsed by the Regional Steering Committee for SDG4-Education 2030. The Strategy seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and support Member States in advancing comprehensive and evidence-based teacher policies across the region.

Within this framework, the individual consultant will support the implementation of projects and initiatives related to teacher policies and the teaching profession in Latin America and the Caribbean, including activities related to teacher education, professional development, teaching and learning processes, literacy and mathematics education, knowledge production, capacity development, regional cooperation, and policy dialogue.

Consulting Functions

Within the framework of UNESCO’s Programme and Workplan, under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Santiago and the Chief of Education, and the direct supervision of the Education Specialist responsible for the teacher policy programme, the individual consultant will carry out the following tasks::

  • Support the implementation and follow-up of UNESCO’s Regional Teacher Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025–2030.
  • Analyze global and regional trends related to the teaching profession, including teacher education, teacher shortages, retention, professional development, and teacher wellbeing.
  • Contribute to the analysis of policies, strategies, and initiatives related to teachers, teacher education, professional development, and the teaching profession at the regional and national levels through document review, systematization of experiences, qualitative and quantitative information collection, evidence generation, and monitoring of relevant frameworks, instruments, and regulations.
  • Support the development and implementation of initiatives related to teaching and learning processes, including literacy and mathematics education, within the framework of teacher policy and teacher professional development.
  • Collaborate and engage with policymakers, teacher education institutions, teachers, teacher unions, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to support policy dialogue, regional cooperation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Support regional exchange, communities of practice, peer-learning, and cooperation initiatives among Member States and education stakeholders.
  • Liaise with external partners collaborating in UNESCO projects related to teacher policies and education, supporting the definition of collaboration frameworks, expected deliverables, coordination processes, and implementation follow-up.

  • Support the design and implementation of capacity-development and technical assistance activities related to teacher policies and the teaching profession, including trainings, peer-learning initiatives, and professional exchange spaces.
  • Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, webinars, consultations, focus group discussions, and coordination activities with national, regional, and international stakeholders.
  • Support the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, technical documents, communication materials, presentations, and correspondence in Spanish and English.
  • Provide technical and administrative support for the development, publication, dissemination, outreach, and visibility of UNESCO’s knowledge products and regional initiatives in accordance with UNESCO guidelines.
  • Support coordination and collaboration with UNESCO Field Offices, Category 1 Institutes, Headquarters, and other relevant partners and stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Carry out other related tasks within the scope of the assignment, as requested by the supervisor.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS

Modality: Full time and in person

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

-Master degree in Education, Pedagogy, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or another related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

-More than 7 years of extensive previous experience in research (qualitative, quantitative, or both) at a comparative and international level.

-Proven substantive work experience in project coordination and management (design, content, planning and execution of activities, technical support and supervision, evaluation, progress reports and budgets).

-Proven substantive work experience in teacher policies and frameworks, teacher training (pre-service and in-service), teacher practices and teacher working conditions in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

-Experience in international resources mobilization and stakeholder engagement.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

-Superior skills in self-management, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships.

-Experience in synthesizing and publishing technical materials, with demonstrated ability to manage the analysis and systematization of quantitative and qualitative results.

-Experience in results dissemination with a wide range of stakeholders, e.g. policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

-Excellent presentation skills for various stakeholders to consult with them and review and/or disseminate project- related materials.

-Excellent skills in clear and effective communication (written and oral).

LANGUAGES

--Excellent language proficiency in Spanish and English (written and oral).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

-Postgraduate studies (PhD, or equivalent) in Education, Pedagogy, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or another related discipline

-Experience in the design, monitoring, implementation, and analysis of large-scale international education studies.

-Experience in senior managerial and administrative roles at an international and/or intergovernmental institution.

-Experience working at an UN agency or at an international and/or intergovernmental institution.

-Work experience in teaching topics at an international and/or intergovernmental level.

-Publications on teaching topics in general, and specifically related to teacher training (pre-service and in-service), practices and working conditions.

-Knowledge of Portuguese or French.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
  • lndividuals 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.
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
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