Call for Individual Consultant - Module Development for Digital Competencies of Adult Educators

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Remote Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff/ Individual Consultant Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 29-MAR-2024 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **Background and Context** Technological developments are changing the workplace, daily life and society at an increasing rate, leading to diverse and constantly evolving needs of adult learners to manage these changes. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global transition to different forms of distance learning, particularly online learning, that revealed adult educators lacked capacity and lacked support to conduct online learning, manage learners and conduct administrative processes using digital tools. Adult educators are key to learner success in adult learning and education, yet adult educators often lack structured training, recognition of competencies and opportunities for professional development in their work. In this era of rapid and profound technological change, adult educators must remain at the heart of quality lifelong learning and be adequately trained, supported and empowered to meet the diverse and numerous needs of their adult learners. These range from using digital resources, translation functions and language learning apps to support reading, writing and numeracy, to acquiring skills for employment and livelihoods, to navigating social media and developing media, information and data literacy, to learning to leverage the Internet for active citizenship, civic participation and having a political voice for fairer, more just and sustainable societies. Against this backdrop, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) – in collaboration with Shanghai Open University (SOU) have developed a Digital Competency Framework for Adult Educators and aims to develop a set of training modules for core digital competencies that countries can use to prepare educators for the present and future technological needs in adult learning and education. The framework consists of four domains, namely instructional practice, empowering learners, professional development and digital literacy. Each domains entails sub-domains connected to specific competencies of the adult educators. The consequent training modules will be developed based on these domains and sub-domains. To this end, UNESCO is seeking an individual consultant for the development of training sessions under the sub-domains focusing on a) designing and implementing digital learning and b) inclusion. Long Description ---------------- **Designing and Implementing Digital Learning:** This module will equip adult educators with the skills to identify, plan and organize effective learning experiences across diverse environments and learners. Emphasis will be placed on identifying, assessing, and selecting appropriate digital tools, platforms, and technologies to enrich learning experiences and outcomes. **Inclusion:** This module will help educators to learn ways and strategies to create equitable and inclusive opportunities to access resources, activities, and social interaction for all learners. This includes leveraging assistive and adaptive technology and AI to accommodate diverse learning needs of adult learners and foster an inclusive learning environment. Long Description ---------------- **Main duties and responsibilities** Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the supervision of the Team Leader at UIL, the contractor shall provide the following services: 1\. Develop one module on “Designing and implementing digital learning” for adult educators comprised of three sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. Each session is expected to comprise the following sections: a. Expected learning outcomes b. Knowledge section that will contain curated content aligned to the learning objectives, as well as hyperlinks to online resources and tools, written in simple English. The knowledge section should be presented in a way that identifies content suitable for a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner of the topic. c. Activity section that contains three different learning activities of approximately 30 minutes duration for the expected level of understanding of the targeted learners. d. Assessment section that explains how different formative assessment techniques can be used to support learning if learners struggle with the content. e. List of References 2\. Develop one module on “Inclusion” for adult educators comprised of three sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. Each session is expected to comprise the following sections: a. Expected learning outcomes. b. Knowledge section that will contain curated content aligned to the learning objectives, as well as hyperlinks to online resources and tools, written in simple English. The knowledge section should be presented in a way that identifies content suitable for a beginner, intermediate or advanced learner of the topic. c. Activity section that contains three different learning activities of approximately 30 minutes duration for the expected level of understanding of the targeted learners. d. Assessment section that explains how different formative assessment techniques can be used to support learning if learners struggle with the content. e. List of References. 3\. The sessions should contain prompts that explicitly gives space to an adult educator to consider and adapt the provided content to different learning environments, cultures, languages, and social contexts. 4\. Ensure the legal rights to use the different types of learning assets, such as pictures, diagrams, tables, designed text, etc., are assured and/or sources properly acknowledged. Open educational resources are preferred. 5\. The modules should be in a format that can easily be shared and edited by the intended users, such as commonly used word processing software formats. The contractor must ensure that sources are properly cited by using the Harvard referencing style, following international academic standards and making sure that no copyrights are violated. Please refer to the [UNESCO Style Manual ](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000141812)for citation style, terminology and spelling, abbreviations, references, etc. Long Description ---------------- **Deliverables and Schedules** 1\. First draft of the training sessions is to be submitted by **15 May 2024.** 2\. Final version of the training session is to be submitted by **14 June 2024.** **Remuneration instalments** Payment No. Upon submission to and approval by UNESCO of the following work Last date for submission Distribution of payment (%) 1. Two draft modules 15 May 2024 30% 2. Two draft modules 14 June 2024 70% UNESCO will provide feedback throughout the development process and hold regular meetings to discuss progress and next steps. In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible. The technical assets produced will be the property of UNESCO. **-** ----- **Qualifications and requirements** The ideal candidate should meet the following requirements and qualifications: **Required Qualifications** • Advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent or above) in technology in education, inclusive education, teacher education, ICT for development or related fields. • At least 5 years' experience in digital skills content development and writing learning content on the inclusive use of technology for teachers/educators and integrating technology into teaching for adults. • Demonstrated ability to draft and deliver structured learning content on similar topics. • Proficiency in English. • Experience conducting training, professional development or capacity building programmes for adult educators. **Desired Qualifications** • Proficiency in French. • Prior experience working in both national and international contexts would be an advantage. • Previous work with international organizations or UN entities. **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- **Submission of Application** Interested individuals are invited to submit the application and requirements through the [UNESCO Careers website ](http://careers.unesco.org) Interested candidates should click on “**Apply Now**” and download and complete the **Employment History form (Word document)** in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information: Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information: **•** **Technical proposal** comprising: 1\. An **updated Curriculum Vitae** (CV) and a cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. 2\. Short **Approach to work** (maximum 3, A4 pages) identifying the specific components of these TORs and how the intended objectives/outputs/delivery shall be addressed, and including specific hyperlinks or attachments of relevant examples of equivalent or comparable assignments. • **Financial proposal** that states the total compensation as a lump sum in US dollars, together with a breakdown according to the time-on-task or per output. No travel is expected for this assignment. 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 the best value for money. The complete application shall be submitted on or before **29 March 2024 (Midnight Paris time)**. Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Queries of a technical nature about these TORS may be directed to: [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 recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.