Consultancy Title: Mathematics Progressive Learning (Remote) Consultant, 2 Month, Amman, Jordan Country Office

Contract

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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, hope.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is leader in the region for the rights of its children. Working closely with the Government of Jordan, civil society, the private sector and communities, UNICEF Jordan Country Office aims to sustain results achieved for children to date, and strive to further improve policies, national institutions and programmes, for the well-being of every child in Jordan, in line with Jordan's Vision 2025 and the National Human Resources Development Strategy (2016-2025) towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our programmes focus on improving the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the Kingdom, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or background. Our main pillars include: Child Protection; Education; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Adolescent and Youth Engagement; Health and Nutrition; Social Protection; and Operations.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of this consultancy with UNICEF Jordan Country Office is to develop materials that parents can use to support their children (KG2 to Grade 3 aged) to learn basic mathematics. The consultancy will focus on reviewing and improving a module that has already been developed, as well as leading the design of two further modules to complete the package/materials. Further development of the package/material is envisaged to complete the mathematical units, and evaluate implementation in the final phase.

BACKGROUND:

The Consultant will apply his/her technical expertise in implementing mathematics learning programmes. The programme is not starting from scratch, as in 2020 UNICEF Jordan Country Office piloted an adaptation of an existing international programme developed by Mathematics Teaching experts in South-East Asia for teachers. The pilot in Jordan covered only the first mathematical unit through a padlet methodology and it is currently completing a first booklet with 4 units (counting, reading and writing numbers, number patterns, and place value). See completed padlets in English and Arabic at https://padlet.com/dashboard ). The Consultant will have access to the existing practices and will have to adapt them to complete the programme adapting it for parents. Once padlets are completed to cover basic math skills included in a primary education curriculum KG2- Grade 3, the materials will be translated into Arabic including audios and videos also to guide parents with limited reading skills.

The consultant will produce at least two mathematical units appropriate for parents and children to learn and enjoy. Play-based learning is key for UNICEF approach to ECE. International practices and different modalities as well as major considerations for introducing this methodology in Jordan need to be applied. The padlets could be accessible on phones and computers, but printed materials will be needed for some families without access to internet of electronic devices.

The consultant will work closely with the UNICEF team. Technical and language support will be available within UNICEF Jordan team (Arabic knowledge is an advantage but not a must as everything will be translated).

Key Deliverables:

1. Deadline: 28 February 2021 - (50% of assignment)

Review and improve content of existing materials in both padlet and printed form. Provide brief note documenting changes made.

2. Deadline: 31 March 2021 - (50% of assignment)

1. Creation of two mathematical units building on the work done so far (counting, reading and writing numbers, place value, number patterns, calculations).
2. Present units in word document and provide graphic materials to illustrate the activities, guidance and assessments. Integrate feedback and comments from UNICEF before final.
3. To note that the units will be produced both as booklets and padlets and translated, with support of UNICEF technical team.

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

Education: Advanced university degree in Education or related area.

Working Experience: A minimum of 8 years of experience in designing and implementing Maths Programmes for early graders. Experience as trainer and teacher, especially mathematics teaching experience as well as an understanding of humanitarian response systems, public education systems in low and middle-income contexts is highly desirable. Good interpersonal skills and human and cultural sensitivity is required.

Language: Fluency in English required, deliverables will be presented in English. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.