Consultancy: National Coordinator to support in management of TV Programming development (for Tajik Nationals only)

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child,

UNICEF CO and partners are supporting the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in the development of innovative mechanisms to ensure the continuity of learning for every child and adolescent in the country during COVID 19 pandemic. The immediate action after analysis of connectivity in Tajikistan is to support schools by using TV to connect students and educators for uninterrupted home learning. The effort of reimagining learning outside of the traditional classroom requires a close collaboration between UNICEF and MoES as well as the development of instructional, content, technology and institutional agreements. Therefore, the task is to support in the design and production of a total of 2045 TV lessons as an alternative education delivery system for all subjects. It entails reviewing existing quality resources, best teaching practices, analysis of capacities and context and establishing appropriate monitoring systems for response including data collection and analysis. The first development of TV lessons for grade 9-11 has been completed as part of the immediate response, launched during May-July 2020. As a result, a total of 120 lessons have been developed and broadcasted in national TV with the financial support of the European Union. The remaining 1885 lessons are to be developed covering all grades and subjects of national curriculum.

How can you make a difference?

Coordinator will be requested to support UNICEF with the organizational and preparation work including:

a) support to production team with the process of filming and approval of the resources for grades 1-11:

b) project management by overseeing technical work on TV lessons development;

c) support the recording of 1885 additional TV lessons and their final processing/validation from the MoES.

The activity will ensure the finalization 15 to 20 minute recorded inclusive lessons (subject driven), that interactively unpacks concepts, principles and theories using narratives, clear descriptive languages (including sing language) and practical applications focusing on project-based assignments. The model lessons exhibit a range of sample lessons in a classroom using different available visuals, animation, special effects and sophisticated editing, using pedagogical and methodical models of distant learning. The recorded lessons are based on an adapted competency-based lesson plans and teachers guides for students starting from grades 1 to 11. Therefore, consultant will be requested to work with specific grades and number of methodologists who are working with teachers to produce lesson scripts for each subject and themes. The consultants will be also required to plan coherency of timing for livestreaming of lesson according to align to the level of the students’ self-regulation and cognitive abilities. Preferably, the unit for primary school students should not be more than 15 minutes, and no longer than 20 minutes for secondary school students. In this regard, the consultants are required to follow the phase to phase approach already agreed with the MoES to develop 1885 TV lessons as a strategy to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production. It is planned the 2nd phase of lesson production will target grades 1 to 11grades.

General steps and requirements for TV lesson development:

Producing quality and inclusive video lessons for different age groups is challenging and lengthy process. It determines methodologist and teacher’s professionalism and dedication to explore new and innovative ways to help students to continue their learning despite any restrictions. The following steps have been taken to ensure the quality of produced video materials.

1. Teachers and methodologists capacity building and analysis of teaching and learning materials. The most important stage is capacity building of education staff involved in the process. Teachers and methodologists are key elements of producing video lessons. Training focuses on elements of design thinking by setting clearly defined outcomes and accurately format the video lessons themselves. The number of teachers involved, and their capacity building will increase when producing all subjects and grades. It is planned that 250 teachers will be trained to produce estimated 1885 video lessons for all grades and subjects. Additionally, 100 methodologists will be involved to support teachers during production of the TV lessons.

2. Writing video scripts and design of video lessons. Writing video scripts starts with the analysis of existing content and study of application of certain demonstrative and innovative techniques that can be used to make video lessons more child friendly. It is also about ensuring dress code for teachers and standards for screening, design of different components and expertly evaluating of each element with methodologists and consultants. Teachers will learn to prepare a trial version of the video script by selecting or creating images, animation and interactive effects, determining audio and video sequences before going to filming.

3. Review and evaluation process The purpose of review and evaluation process is to check the quality of the video scripts to improve it before it goes to filming. This process is done together with methodologists and consultants. When it is filmed two more review process are in place to ensure that the produced materials meet the requirements set by clear quality standards. Before distributing the lessons to national TVs, a final review is done by the MoES specialists ensuring endorsement of the developed video lessons.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Providing overall management of overseeing the filming of 1885 TV lessons that are planned to be produced in one year for phase 2. 360 TV lesson for grades 1 to 4 - primary levels; 835 TV lessons for grades 5 to 8 - lower secondary levels; and 690 TV lessons for grades 9 to 11 - upper secondary levels additional to 120 TV lessons that been developed. Developed TV lessons will contribute into educational and developmental needs of different age groups of children, including the most marginalized groups (children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, girls and the poorest). The lessons will include topics of five domains of child development covering theoretical and practical sides of child wellbeing and school readiness. The lessons will be used as follows:

1. Complementary educational material (when schools are open) – this is to addresses the general purpose of having quality supplementary learning support to be used for advancing Competency Based Education Reform in the Republic of Tajikistan (e.g. modelling, reinforcing instruction, further explaining subjects and concepts, etc.).
2. Structured distance learning modalities supporting blended learning (when schools are closed) – learners and parents will be guided by teachers to follow the lessons in a specific time schedule complementary with textbooks and other digital solution in a blended approach. In this case, the lessons will replace the knowledge and teacher explanation of a formal classroom interaction and will be supported by textbooks and digital support through the off-line platform.

Filming lessons according to subjects and grades will be divided into three different age groups as to ensure quality and quantity of video lesson production.

Duration of the consultancy/use of the product/deliverables:

Duration: 8 months (165 working days), Jan. -Aug. 2022

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Off-site working days: 165 working days

Supervisor: Education Specialist

It is expected that the final Road Map on Inclusive Education will be endorsed by the Task Force under the MoES and submitted for final comments to all relevant ministries and agencies. After final comments are incorporated, the document will be endorsed by the government.

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Tasks/Milestone

Deliverables/Outputs

Number of days

Timeline

Payment schedule

1

Production process oversight

Oversee the production process of 1885 video lessons with four different videography companies. The tasks will be divided between two consultants.

130

Jan. - July 2022

40%

Regular meeting conducted

Regular meeting with production teems to understand the gaps and challenges and provide ongoing support to the team.

Timely follow-up and feedbacks incorporated

Work closely with review bord for receiving timely feedbacks to be incorporated in the final version of TV lessons.

Coordination of final processing (editing)

Coordinate the final processing (editing) of lessons based on comments, recommendations and suggestions by the MoES

2

Monitoring systems established

Establishing appropriate monitoring systems for response including data collection and analysis

20

28 Feb. 2022

30%

3

Final TV lessons and report submission

Submit the final version of the TV lessons to the MoES

15

31 Aug.2022

30%

Write a report on the results of activities and outcomes

Total:

165 days

8 months

100%

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

The evaluation of the results will be based on:

1. Technical and professional competence according to different age group specificities (quality of the product delivered to UNICEF);
2. Scope of work (extent of activities related to the product);
3. Quality and timeliness of communication with UNICEF and stakeholders as well as participants
4. Quality of work (quality of TV lesson scripts);
5. Quantity and timeliness of work (completing the assignments indicated in table above as per timetable).

In addition, such indicators as work relations, responsibility, drive for results, and communication will be taken into account during the evaluation of the Consultant’s work.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Advanced degree in education, social sciences, or pedagogy; use of ICT in education and or a relevant field.

Work experience:

• A minimum of 2 years professional experience at the national level in relevant field, preferably production of digital resources, working with teachers of different background
• Exemplary leadership support to subordinates. Motivating and developing teams’ capacities to perform at their best.
• It is preferable that the individual has experience with, or in, multilateral institutions. Knowledge of UNICEF context in education sector is an added advantage.

Competencies:

• Possess strong communication in building a network of the MOES stakeholders, media, and private sector.
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and meeting results.
• Strong organizational, planning, oversight and subject matter analytical skills.
• Good judgment, initiative, high sense of responsibility, tact and discretion.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to establish harmonious working relations in a multicultural environment.

Language: High proficiency in Russian and Tajik, knowledge of English is an asset

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing production of TV lessons, showing understanding of tasks and work plan.
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in TJS.
4. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables, indicating how ICT, mass media and distance learning challenges have been met in different circumstances.
5. At least two references

Queries can be sent to dushanbe@unicef.org with the subject line “National Coordinator to Support to Ministry of Education and Science in management the process of development of TV Programming for uninterrupted learning for children, parents and communities”. Deadline for the applications - 26/12/2022 through UNICEF website.

Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible cost.

Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org