Consultancy for Research on Higher Education

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Bangkok Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Bangkok Time) : 31-May-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Background** -------------- As we are moving more than halfway into the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) / Education 2030 agenda, cross-border tertiary and university education which is required under SDG Targets 4.3 and 4.b, remain fundamental to ensure equitable access to quality higher education in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. With the Tokyo Convention as the common normative instrument, Parties to the convention are in a better position to boost cross-border student mobility through fair and transparent recognition of qualifications giving access to higher education. In this regard, a better understanding of the secondary school leaving diplomas and certificates, as well as standardized tests and how they are recognized in higher education admission systems is critical to the information-based comparison leading to the cross-border recognition decisions. There is a vast diversity when it comes to higher education admission policies and practices across countries in the region. Many countries traditionally relied on high-stake college entrance examinations, which have increasingly been standardized and conducted by professional bodies. At the same time, academic performance as validated by secondary school leaving diplomas and certificates, as well as a student’s extracurricular activities have also played a role in admissions decisions. Given the diversity and complexity of higher education admission criteria in different countries in the region, a regional study is highly necessary to bring together country cases for mutual understanding, partnership building, and mutual learning. Long Description ---------------- It is in this context that UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education would like to launch a research study on the recognition of secondary school leaving diplomas, certificates and standardized tests giving access to higher education. In doing so, up to twelve country case studies of the Parties to the Tokyo Convention will be examined by APNNIC members with support from UNESCO. Each case study will deal with the national context, higher education admission systems, school-leaving diplomas and certificates, college entrance examinations and standardized tests, etc. Meanwhile, there will be two major meetings to discuss the research among APNNIC members with several virtual meetings to be prepared by the consultant. The final research product will be posted on the APNNIC portal (www.apnnic.net). The consultant will play a key role in drafting templates for the research, compiling the document from Parties, editing the outcomes and preparing meetings in accordance with the objectives of the research. **Purpose** ----------- **Purpose** UNESCO aims to facilitate student mobility in higher education, and this research can be a starting point for increased transparency, comparability, and compatibility among higher education systems. It can finally pave the way for harmonization-based higher education mobility in the region and beyond. Key activities and expected results include: • Document the latest structure of school leaving diplomas, certificates, and standardized tests and their roles in the higher education admission policies in each Party to the Tokyo Convention. • Prepare a synthesis report as a situational and needs analysis, as well as serving as a baseline analysis. • Encourage mutual learning and mutual nurturing between the parties through international referencing and benchmarking. • Create knowledge and momentum for future regional harmonization of the quality assurance of school leaving diplomas and certificates to facilitate their recognition. **Work Assisgnment** -------------------- Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development at UNESCO Bangkok, the individual consultant will be responsible for the following assignments: 1\. Prepare a research template for case studies on the Recognition of Secondary School Leaving Diplomas, Certificates and Standardized Tests Giving Access to Higher Education; 2\. Provide technical support to virtual meetings and an expert meeting from June to September (meeting dates to be confirmed); 3\. Peer review up to 12 case studies from diverse countries in Asia-Pacific; 4\. Provide technical support to an experts’ meeting in October 2021 (meeting dates to be confirmed); 5\. Edit and synthesize the outcomes of the case studies of the Parties to the Tokyo Convention as part of a final report. **Time Frame and Deliverables** ------------------------------- The Individual Consultant shall complete the following work assignment by the indicated tentative timeline for UNESCO’s review and approval: 1\. Draft research template and the concept note for virtual meetings with Parties by 20 June 2021 2\. Concept note and draft synthesis report of the first expert meeting by 15 September 2021 3\. Concept note and Draft synthesis report of the second expert meeting by 31 October 2021 4\. Edited version of the case studies of the Parties to the Tokyo Convention by 31 December 2021 5\. Final synthesis report based on peer review and UNESCO Bangkok (approx. 80 pages plus 20 pages of annexes based on the research) by 31 December 2021 **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). **Conditions** -------------- 1\. The ownership of the research shall belong to UNESCO Bangkok. 2\. The consultant will guarantee his/her service for 15 days after the submission, to fix any errors which may occur after the acceptance of the regional costing model. **Application Process** ----------------------- Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document). Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information: - An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work. - A list of past similar work or reports/publications written with hyperlinks to access such paper if they are available online or samples of such papers if they are only available offline. - A brief proposal (1-2 pages) discussing the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment and the proposed fee. **Note:** \- Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process. \- Please submit your application through Success Factor. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in system, please inform us at **[email protected]** **Selection and Recruitment Process** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered. 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.