Consultant for implemention support of the education programme in Central Asia and Southern Caucasus

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : \[\[Education\]\] Duty Station: \[\[Home-based\]\] Job Family: \[\[Education\]\] Type of contract : \[\[Contract for Individual Consultants\]\] Duration of contract : \[\[17 May - 31 December 2021 (TBC)\]\] Recruitment open to : \[\[External candidates\]\] Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : \[\[11-MAY-2021\]\] UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **Background** In addition to the responsibility for UNESCO’s programming in Central Asia, the UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office has been tasked to act as the focal point for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia for matters relating to the participation of the Organization in the United Nations Development System initiatives. In this capacity, the Office has to contribute, on behalf of UNESCO, to the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) processes and ensure UNESCO's participation in the UN country-level programming and implementation in these countries. In this context, a Consultant with the experience and knowledge in the field of education and the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including the Southern Caucasus region, will be recruited to conduct an assessment of needs, identify gap areas and help define UNESCO’s education programme priorities in the region. Long Description ---------------- **Tasks** --------- Under the overall authority of the Director and in close cooperation with the Education National Professional Officer of the UNESCO Almaty Cluster Office (UNESCO Almaty), the Contractor shall support the UNESCO Almaty education programme planning and implementation in Central Asia and Southern Caucasus. In particular, the Contractor shall work on the following tasks: 1. Based on UNESCO’s Regular Programme priorities and expected contribution to UNSDCFs and CCAs, conduct a needs analysis in the education sector by undertaking a desk study, consulting relevant stakeholders, mapping ongoing programmes implemented by the other development partners, including the UN agencies, as well as identifying key national partners and stakeholders in Southern Caucasus; 2. Based on the needs analysis and the priorities identified, as well as in light of the mapping of the ongoing programmes, define UNESCO’s niche areas and develop recommendations for UNESCO’s possible support in the education sector in the three Southern Caucasus countries; 3. Participate, on behalf of the UNESCO Almaty Office, in the UN meetings at the country level pertaining to the field of education, e.g. relevant Results Groups; 4. Contribute to the development of the Sub-regional Strategy of the UNESCO Almaty Office as far as the education programme is concerned; 5. Based on the workplan defined, contribute to the implementation of programme interventions in the countries covered by the Office by drafting the budget estimates, terms of reference, timeline, etc. as required for the full implementation of programme activities; 6. Depending on the type of activities, develop M&E framework and tools to monitor the results of the activities; 7. In close consultation with the UNESCO Almaty Office, identify priority areas for funds mobilization and develop project proposals for submission to possible donor organizations and partners; 8. Conduct any other tasks and/or activities required for the smooth implementation of the education programme of the UNESCO Almaty Office. Long Description ---------------- **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Strategic thinking (M) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - Advanced University degree (Master's degree or équivalent) in éducation, public policy, social sciences fields or economics. ***Work experience*** - Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of education both at national and international level. - Experience in the fields of educational development, technical assistance, education policy, planning and implementing of education programmes at international and inter-governmental organizations. - Experience in resource mobilization and the development of strategic partnerships. ***Skills and competencies*** - Solid knowledge and expertise in education sector and understanding of different education challenges, preferably with a particular focus on the Central Asian and the Southern Caucasus countries; - Relevant research ability with identification of emerging educational needs to which an international research and training programme could make a substantial contribution, as well as with exploration of new avenues and patterns of action. - Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, as well as in implementing them effectively, and devising implementation strategies that take account of and mitigate risks. - Proven leadership and managerial skills, a broad general culture and sound analytical capacities, high sense of objectivity, professional integrity and political astuteness. ***Languages*** - Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Russian. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***Education*** - PhD degree in éducation or any related social sciences fields. - Other degrees or short to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post. ***Work experience*** - Relevant professional experience in the field of education and preferably in education development projects with the focus on the Central Asian (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and Southern Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia). - Experience working in an agile environment. - Strong professional network and contacts in the Central Asian and Southern Caucasus countries. ***Skills and competencies*** - Solid knowledge and expertise in education sector challenges of the Central Asian and Southern Caucasus countries. - Deep understanding of international organizations', including UNESCO’s areas of work in education sector. ***Languages*** - Knowing one of the national languages of the concerned countries is an asset. **Deliverables and Payments** ----------------------------- The Consultant will provide to the UNESCO Almaty (concrete deliverables to be discussed in detail upon selection of the Consultant): - Submit the 1st Report on completed tasks to UNESCO Almaty by the agreed date; - Submit the 2nd Report on completed tasks to UNESCO Almaty by the agreed date; - Submit the Final Report on completed tasks to UNESCO Almaty by the agreed date; The final fees and payment schedule to be discussed during selection of the consultant and all the payments are subject to acceptance of the deliverables by UNESCO Almaty. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that interested candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information as required below. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document). The application documents should be uploaded as one file. Before uploading the file, at the end of the Employment History document, please insert extra pages with the following required information: - An up-to-date CV in English stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work. - A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment. - Technical proposal discussing the approach/methodology that will be adopted to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO, the concept, methodology of work, and timeline. - Financial offer in USD that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs per activity and excluding any travel costs if necessary and DSA from the lump sum amount. Travel costs should be indicated separately, although under the current circumstances travel is not recommended. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, submitted application documents indicated above, 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.