What's Happening?
UNESCO is inviting proposals for a consultant to provide technical support for the delivery of regional results from the ERCE 2025 study. This consultancy, based in Santiago, Chile, will last between six to nine months and requires the consultant to have
permission to work in Chile and be present in the office for several days a week. The role falls under the Education Sector (ED) and is open to external candidates. The primary objective of the consultancy is to contribute to the analysis of ERCE 2025 data across various areas, including learning achievements, associated factors, socio-emotional skills, and writing. The consultant will also be responsible for developing communication products and materials for disseminating ERCE 2025 results at both regional and national levels, creating clear visualizations for different audiences, and systematizing information for various result deliveries. Additionally, the consultant will support the review process for publications and dissemination materials and provide general technical support to the Latin American Laboratory for Assessment of the Quality of Education (LLECE), which is part of UNESCO's Regional Office in Santiago.
Why It's Important?
This consultancy is crucial for the effective dissemination and utilization of the ERCE 2025 study results, which are vital for educational policy-making in Latin America and the Caribbean. The ERCE (Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo) is the most extensive and representative assessment of primary education learning in the region, providing critical insights into educational strengths and challenges. By analyzing and communicating these results, the consultant will help countries adjust their educational plans and public policies to accelerate improvements and advance educational transformation. The emphasis on generating valid and reliable information for decision-making underscores UNESCO's commitment to evidence-based policy development in education. This initiative supports the broader goal of improving educational quality and equity across 18 participating countries, fostering South-South cooperation, and building evaluative capacities within the region. The role directly impacts the ability of educational stakeholders to understand and respond to the learning needs of students.
What's Next?
The application deadline for this consultancy is September 24, 2026. Interested candidates must submit a technical proposal, including a detailed CV and a proposed approach/methodology, along with a financial proposal in USD. UNESCO will prioritize technical elements during evaluation, selecting the proposal that offers the best value for money. The selected consultant will be expected to provide monthly activity reports and products based on an agreed work plan. The outcomes of this consultancy will directly feed into the regional and national presentations and publications of the ERCE 2025 results, which are anticipated to be a central input for educational reforms in participating countries. The work will contribute to ongoing dialogues about educational improvement and innovation, ensuring that the findings of this large-scale assessment are accessible and actionable for policymakers and educators across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Beyond the Headlines
The ERCE 2025 study and the subsequent analysis by this consultant represent a significant effort in understanding educational disparities and progress across a diverse region. Beyond the immediate policy implications, the systematic collection and dissemination of such data contribute to a global understanding of educational trends and challenges. The focus on socio-emotional skills alongside traditional academic achievements reflects a growing recognition in education of the holistic development of students. This approach acknowledges that learning extends beyond cognitive abilities and includes critical aspects like emotional intelligence and social competencies, which are vital for future success. Furthermore, the requirement for clear visualizations and tailored communication for different audiences highlights the importance of translating complex educational data into accessible formats, ensuring that research findings can genuinely inform practice and policy at various levels, from ministries of education to individual schools.
