Consultant for the analysis of INSET programmes for teachers in the area of digital competencies

Contract

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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

UNICEF in Serbia and the Ministry of Education (MoE) with the support from the European Union are implementing the project “Bridging Digital Divide in Serbia for Most Vulnerable Children” with the overall objective to strengthen the resilience of the education system to the effects of emergency situations. One of the specific objectives is to support further development of digital education and strengthen capacity of institutions for its delivery, management and monitoring. In the last few years, a lot has been done in the digitalization of education in Serbia, and it is a defined priority of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as well within the current Strategy for the Development of Education 2030.

Development of digital competences of teachers is also seen as a priority by educational authorities. For that purpose, the Ministry of Education developed a Digital Competence Framework for Teachers and the instrument for the self-evaluation of digital competencies of teachers. Nation-wide trainings of teachers for the development of digital competencies were rolled-out for several years.

Within the existing model of the In-Service Training of Teachers (INSET) in Serbia, in a so-called Catalogue of teacher training, there is also a number of training programs offered to teachers that focus on the development of digital competencies. For further development in this area, it is important to gain insight into the characteristics of these training offerings and draw conclusions and recommendations for both program providers and educational authorities managing the INSET system.

Work Assignment Overview:

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct an analysis of professional development of teachers in the area of digital competencies in terms of the existing offer, thus contributing to better balance of the supply and demand side of INSET and evidence-based decision making in the area of professional development of teachers.

Duration of the assignment: July – September 2023 (part-time, remote)

Task description:

• Develop a methodology for conducting the analysis, and an outline for the report,
• Analyze in-service training programmes in the online Catalogue of training programmes managed by the Institute for Improvement of Education (with a focus on competencies programme is intended to improve, training goals, topics and expected learning outcomes) taking into account National digital competencies framework for teachers,
• Consult relevant publications e.g., the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu), SELFIE for Teachers, ISTE Standards for educators, etc.,
• Consider recent developments and studies like those in the area of Artificial Intelligence in Education and digital well-being,
• Provide recommendations for training providers and educational authorities, and other stakeholders (schools, civil society organizations, donors),
• Focus on equity, gender sensitivity, and human rights as the core underlying values.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University degree in Science (including Social sciences), Humanities, Technology/ Engineering, or Mathematics,
• Advanced degree would be an asset,
• At least 5 years of professional experience in doing analysis relevant to digital education, digital competencies and use of information and communication technologies in education,
• Excellent knowledge of the education system in Serbia, particularly in the area of professional development of teachers,
• Excellent analytical skills,
• Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management and organization skills,
• Excellent knowledge of Serbian and English languages.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the service price for the whole assignment.

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "n/a” or “00" under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.