Consultants for Capacity Building on Education Transition

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion 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.

In order to strengthen the capacities of preschools for the implementation of the new preschool curriculum framework (PCF), the Ministry of Education (MoE) has, in cooperation with UNICEF, rolled out a comprehensive capacity building programme for preschool professionals (teachers, expert associates, and directors). The Capacity Building Program (CB Program) is combining the following approaches: 1) blended training (classical training and e-learning); 2) mentoring; 3) peer learning and horizontal exchange. To ensure continuity and smooth transition from preschool to primary school, online training for primary school teachers and expert associates had been developed and posted at the National Teachers Platform of the Institute for Improvement of Education.

Until September 2023, full coverage of preschool professionals with the basic training package for the implementation of the new PCF will be reached, while all pedagogues, psychologists and coordinators of the primary school teachers will participate at the online training related to education transition. The capacities of preschool principals for management and organization of the work of preschools, including in the transition period, will be strengthened through horizontal learning between preschool and school principals and education advisers. In addition, the capacities of education advisers from the regional school administrations for supporting quality development and change management will be strengthened.

Work Assignment Overview:

The consultants will be responsible for the development of the training scenario and working materials, and for facilitation of trainings aimed at the enhancement of cooperation between preschools and primary schools, in close consultations with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and UNICEF.

Duration of the assignment: March - May 2023 (part-time, home-based)

Task description:

Task 1: Develop the scenario and materials for the training of preschool and primary school principals and education advisers aiming at the enhancing of the management capacities for cooperation between the preschools and primary schools in consultations with the MoE, PIU and UNICEF.

Deliverables:

1.1. Agenda and scenario of trainings agreed with MoE, PIU and UNICEF through online consultations

1.2. Training materials based on the agreed scenario, with schools’ action plans as examples of good practices included

Timeframe: April 2023

Task 2: Facilitate up to 8 trainings related to education transition and establishing partnership between preschools and primary schools for all preschool principals, heads of municipal boards of primary school principals and education advisers based on the training plan developed by the MoE, PIU and UNICEF (around 400 participants).

Deliverables:

2.1. Up to 8 reports on implemented trainings

Timeframe: April - May 2023

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University degree in Education, Psychology, Pedagogy or other fields of Social Studies and Humanities.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in preschool and/or primary school education policy and practice in Serbia.
• Experience in education transition, in particular between preschools and primary schools.
• Experience related to the implementation of the new Preschool Curricula Framework.
• Experience in the development and implementation of a capacity building program for education professionals, in line with the new Preschool Curricula Framework and/or Primary School Curricula.
• Experience in the development and implementation of the capacity building programmes for education managers would be an asset.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office - Word, Power Point, Excel, Internet).
• Sound judgement is required in follow-up on requests.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management, organization and multi-tasking skills.
• Solid knowledge of English and fluency in Serbian language.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing a separate fee for each of the deliverables:

• Deliverable 1.1
• Deliverable 1.2
• Deliverable 2.1

Note: Please do not forget to specify your name in the file (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab). 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.

Important notes:

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

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

Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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.