Inclusive Education Consultant (LSG & NCIE)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all 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 is supporting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (MoESTD) in the implementation of the EU project IPA 2020/Serbia “Enhanced Equal Access to and Completion of Pre-University Education for Children in Need of Additional Support in Education”.

The project aims to (a) strengthen the capacities of professionals to implement inclusive practices and provide well-designed and appropriate additional support, (b) improve the national policies and institutional capacities to implement, coordinate and monitor inclusive education, (c) develop the resource centres for support to the education of children with disabilities and increase the availability of assistive technology. In addition, the project will promote inclusive education as a generally accepted standard in the Serbian education system.

Work Assignment Overview:

The project will directly impact further development and strengthening of the institutional, legal and policy framework for the implementation, monitoring and coordination of inclusive education (IE) in Serbia, which will bring benefits for all education institutions and children in pre-university education.

The consultant will work in the team of three consultants tasked to support the MoESTD in the implementation of the system reform programme “Enhanced Equal Access to and Completion of Pre-University Education for Children in Need of Additional Support in Education”. More specifically, the consultant will support the MoESTD in the implementation, monitoring and further development of IE, through providing support to the MoESTD to coordinate and implement activities envisaged in the project actions related to the establishment and work on the National Coalition for Inclusive Education (NCIE) and local Inclusive Education Networks, the development of local IE (LSG) capacities and support services, and promotion of IE.

Duration of the assignment****:

October 2021 – September 2022 (full-time, office-based), with the possibility of extension until May 2024

Detailed task description:

The consultant will provide support to the MoESTD in the following areas:

1. Establishment of the National Coalition for Inclusive Education (NCIE) and its activities.
2. Establishment of the local IE networks in 20 local self-governments (LSGs) and the development of local capacities for promotion and implementation of inclusive education in the LSG’s.
3. Capacity-building for institutions, networks and professionals to implement IE and provide additional support to children in inclusive education, including development and coordination of the delivery of trainings for different professionals in 20 selected LSGs, based on their needs.
4. Development and work of model institutions for IE, and support to the members of the Network for Support to Inclusive Education (NSIE).

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University degree in human sciences, preferably education, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, or other humanities. Advanced degree will be an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience at the local level policies in the area of inclusive education in Serbia.
• At least 1 event with public bodies and/or general public organized (capacity building program, advocacy, promotional activities and promotional material prepared, etc.).
• Excellent knowledge of Serbian education system and education policies, and experience in working with different public institutions in the area of inclusive education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
• Excellent networking and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management and organizing skills.
• Experience in education research and surveys will be an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of Serbian; knowledge of English would be an asset.
• Knowledge of the UN/UNICEF mandate and UN rules/procedures is an asset.
• B driving license is an asset.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

1. Daily rate (all costs included, e.g. health insurance, pension, usage of mobile phone),
2. Daily travel allowance for overnight stay in Serbia (including accommodation),
3. Transportation costs per km (for travel within Serbia).

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.

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

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.