International Organisation of Employers is looking for an Independent Consultant - Research for Publication on AI, Skills and Education Systems

HOME-BASED CONSULTANCY FOR PUBLICATION ON AI, SKILLS AND EDUCATION SYSTEMS

About IOE

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers' organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers' and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable global economic environment, promoting fair and beneficial free enterprise for both business and society.

IOE offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into global policy development, how it operates from both technical and political perspectives, how it influences business, and how business interacts with social partners, governments, and NGOs. The IOE team consists of highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds who are efficient, passionate, dedicated, and versatile.

Background

The International Organisation of Employers and Business at OECD (BIAC) jointly published the Learning for Better Life and Work report to support the development of better-informed education and training policies that contribute to economic growth, job creation, sustainable enterprises and well-being.

The first phase of the project examined how education and training systems can better respond to labour market needs and support sustainable enterprises. It identified key trends and barriers, analysed emerging skills needs, reviewed evidence and best practices, and formulated 18 policy recommendations. The publication also included country fiches on Argentina, India, Italy and South Africa.

The second phase expanded the comparative analysis through additional country fiches covering Brazil, Egypt, Korea, Mexico and Portugal, and updated the policy recommendations in light of new evidence and research.

The IOE and Business at OECD are now launching a third phase of the project. This new edition will explore the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education, training and the future of work, while continuing to include a limited number of country analyses.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to support the development of the third edition of the Learning for Better Life and Work publication, with a focus on how quality education and training systems can better address skills mismatches and respond to rapidly evolving labour market needs, including in increasingly AI-supported working environments.

The publication should provide a concise and policy-oriented analysis of how education and training systems can strengthen cooperation with business, improve skills anticipation mechanisms, keep curricula and learning methods aligned with labour market demand, and equip learners and workers with relevant, adaptable and job-ready skills.

The Consultant will be responsible for:

A. Conceptual Development

• Develop the structure and analytical framework for the publication;
• Ensure continuity with previous editions while integrating a stronger focus on AI, skills needs and the role of employers;
• Identify key policy issues related to skills mismatches, labour market needs and business engagement in education and training systems.

B. Research and Analysis

Conduct research and analysis on:

• How education and training systems can better anticipate labour market needs and adapt curricula, teaching methods and teacher trainings accordingly;
• Skills needs in AI-supported and rapidly evolving working environments and analysis of existing gaps;
• How ecosystems are evolving to support the development of AI skills and relevant competencies, including the role of the private sector, collaboration between businesses and education providers, and lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling strategies to meet changing labour market demands.

C. Country Fiches / Comparative Analysis

• Prepare concise country fiches for approximately 3-4 countries representing different regions and policy contexts;
• Conduct desk research and stakeholder interviews;
• Identify promising practices in how countries are adapting education and learning systems to advance responsible AI use in the workplace and evolving skills needs.

Duration

August - October 2026. The consultant will be expected to deliver the final revised draft by end of October 2026 to allow sufficient time for review/editing/ layout and launch of the publication before the end of the year.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in education, skills and labour market analysis, including education and training systems, skills mismatches, labour market trends and skills anticipation mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of AI and evolving demand for digital skills and competencies, future-ofwork trends and their implications for education and skills systems, including curriculum adaptation, teacher training, lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling strategies.
• Excellent policy research, analytical and communication skills, with proven experience in producing concise, evidence-based policy publications and engaging with stakeholders across the public, private and education sectors.

Conditions

You will be collaborating with a dynamic team that is looking forward to working with someone adaptable, willing to learn and willing to gain new experiences in a multicultural environment.

The consultant will work independently and address statutory contributions in their country of residence. You must be registered as an independent consultant in your country of residence, affiliated with a university, or a registered organisation/company to apply for this consultancy.

Funding

The proposed funding available is 14'000 CHF.

How to Apply

Interested parties should submit their CV and letter of motivation by email to [email protected] with the subject line: Education&Skills_Consultancy_2026 .

Deadline: 31 July 2026

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