Call for Consultancy (Individual) - Education Policy and Recognition for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Bangkok Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : Non Staff Application Deadline (Midnight Bangkok Time) : ​04-MAY-2021 (EXTENDED)​ UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***DEADLINE EXTENDED DUE TO IT MAINTENANCE*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Office in Bangkok is seeking applications for an Individual Specialist to research on Policy and legal frameworks and Recognition of prior learning, qualification and equivalency programme. Long Description ---------------- **1. Background Information** The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates that in 2017, 258 million people were residing out of their country of birth as “international migrants”; a triple-increase over the past 50 years. Of these international migrants, 106 million were from Asia. Migration occurs primarily between countries located within the same region, accounting for 60% of migrants from Asia, largely for work. Further, the number of those forcibly displaced globally has increased from 42.7 million in 2007 to 68.5 million in 2017 due to conflicts, climate change, and disasters induced by natural hazards, many of which have occurred in Asia and the Pacific. Today 1 out of every 110 people in the world is displaced, compared with 1 in 157 a decade ago, with much of this increase having occurred over the last five years. In response to this, UNESCO identified education for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) as one of three agile priorities under the strategic transformation. In September 2019, the Sector established the first pilot agile groups using the agile approach as a working tool and drawing expertise from different implementation units to fast track deliverables. Based on the discussions, UNESCO developed education strategy for crisis affected people on the move 2020-2025 which will support Member States to ensure that their national education systems provide inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels for refugees, IDPs and migrants affected by crisis, and their host communities. The strategy is guided by three targeted actions: 1) system strengthening, 2) knowledge generation and dissemination and 3) advocacy and thought leadership. Under the framework of UNESCO strategy, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok) with field offices in the Asia-Pacific region is embarking on a regional programme in supporting crisis-affected populations in the Asia-Pacific. Long Description ---------------- **2. Scope of Assignment** Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development (EISD) with technical inputs from the Programme officer, the Consultant will perform the following tasks: ***Step 1: Preparatory desk study and portfolio analysis*** A desk study in various types of crises (acute emergencies due to conflict or natural disasters and protracted crises) will be conducted to map out promising case studies in delivering inclusive and quality education for learners who are affected by crisis. The study will specifically look at two thematic areas, namely 1) policy and legal frameworks, and 2) recognition of prior learning, qualification and equivalency programme. Long Description ---------------- 1. **Policy and legal frameworks** Policies and legal frameworks are key pillars to ensuring that vulnerable groups' educational rights are guaranteed and inclusively implemented in society. Governments have made efforts in developing national policies that promote equitable access to education of people on the move regardless of their nationality and legal status. With cross-border elements and migration of this population, regional cooperation is indispensable to promote access to education wherever they are. 2. **Recognition of prior learning, qualification and equivalency programme** Accredited education from both the country of origin and the host country is critical for children of refugees, migrants and IDPs. Many of these children have no access to any forms of recognized education, posing a risk of dropping out or becoming out of school when they return to the country of origin and limiting their opportunities to pursue higher education in the host country. With existing educational barriers that may prevent these children from accessing formal schooling, non-formal education serves as an alternative learning pathway providing flexible learning equivalent to formal education. To ensure that prior learnings are recognized, it is essential to put in place smooth educational transitions within education systems, and between the country of origin and the host country. ***Step 2: Case study selection*** On the basis of the preparatory desk study and interview key relevant partners choices will be made . Selection of the case studies will be relevant to key aspects mentioned above. In addition, the criteria below will be greatly considered. - Geographical diversity - Nature of the crisis/emergency - Nature of the crisis-related work by UNESCO and key partners - Beneficiary of the project (government, teachers, learners, parents/communities) - Relevance and coherence of the project - Effectiveness of the project - Efficiency of the project - Sustainability of the project - Inclusiveness of the project ***Step 3: Data collection and analysis*** The following methods for data collection and analysis will be used for each of the case studies: - Desk study of relevant documents and data. - Interviews (in person and by telephone/Skype) with members of the UNESCO staff (BGK, FO) and external partners and stakeholders, including representatives of the main international mechanisms that respond to emergencies and crises. - Survey and statistical analysis (if necessary) ***Step 4: Reporting*** The final report will be comprised of two sections as follow: - 6 case studies relavant to two areas mentioned above: Based on desk study of relevant data, the case study reports, and regional strategic documents and programme documents related to the education in various types of crises (acute emergencies due to conflict or natural disasters and protracted crises) and Interviews (in person and by telephone/Skype) with members of the UNESCO staff (BGK, FO) and external partners and stakeholders, including representatives of the main international mechanisms that respond to emergencies and crises. - A set of recommendations and technical guilding points for education in emergencies and protracted crises based on documented case studies and portfolio analysis of in education in emergencies and protracted crises, including natural disaster, (post-)conflict, protracted crises including refugee crises. The specific methods will be further refined during the inception phase and in consultation with the project team. The consultant will use a mixed method approach involving quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources. Data collection, sampling and analysis must incorporate a gender equality perspective, be based on a human rights based approach, and take into consideration the diverse cultural contexts in which the activities are being implemented. The consultant will need to be mindful of adjusting methods in changing circumstances, which may result in additional challenges. **3. Deliverables, Timeframe and Payment Schedule** **Deliverables** **Timeline** **Payment** 1. A draft desk review/inception report 31 May 2021 30% 2. A draft report with 6 case studies and technical guiding points 31 July 2021 40% 3. Final report with 6 case studies and technical guiding points 31 August 2021 30% 100% **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **Education:** - University degree at Masters level or equivalent in Education, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, or any related field; **Professional Work experience:** - At least five years of professional experience in the field of education in (protracted) crisis situations; - At least five years of working experience acquired at the international level or in international settings; - Experience in project and/or programme planning, management and/or evaluation; - Knowledge of and experience in applying qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques and Results Based Management (RBM) principles; - Knowledge of United Nations emergency response coordination mechanisms; **Skills and Competencies:** - Knowledge of and experience in applying qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques and Results Based Management (RBM) principles; - Knowledge of United Nations emergency response coordination mechanisms; - Effective planning and organizing ability - Proven ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and multicultural team environment - Ability to work under pressure **Languages** - Fluency in English. Excellent drafting skills in English. **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document). Prior to uploading the documents, at the end of the word document, please insert with the following required information. - An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work; - A proposal (not more than 2 pages) discussing the approach/methodology that will be adopted in carrying out the tasks in the TOR and a competitive fee proposal in USD; - A list of past similar work (past publications, materials written or coordinated) with hyperlinks to access such works if they are available online or samples of the work if they are only available offline. **Note: Application is online. If you are unable to attach the requirements in the system, please inform us at** [**[email protected]**](mailto:[email protected]) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States [(last update here)](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.