Individual Consultancy on Arabic Language Expert

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Beirut Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-03-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **BACKGROUND** -------------- The Arab world lives in continuous crises. Concepts such as participation, integration, empathy, respect, positive and constructive communication, tolerance and other remain a challenge at the individual, family, and community level. Despite the richness of the Arabic language and its extremely diverse and articulate stock of vocabulary, it struggles to match the ever-growing need for alternative, modern and practical personal expression and a more participatory inclusive attitudes in people’s everyday speech and practice. The structure of the Arabic language, the dichotomy between the formal written versus the local dialect, the use of traditional curriculum and teaching techniques, the limited digital content, the lack of unified definitions and terminology among linguists in the region, etc. has limited the ability of the Arabic language to position itself vis-a-vis the social cohesion dialogue.Language is the key to culture. It is foundation for social, economic, political, and cultural practices. It is the root of all communication between and among people. Its words and expressions are a reflection of our society and a symbol of our identities. Furthermore, the over growing influence of social and digital media has also negatively impacted the language, its structure, and meanings as people lose their ability to think and express themselves in complete thoughts and sentence structures, using the mother language. All which creates limitations for the Arabic language to become a vehicle for everyday interaction among people and across generations. The Arabic language even though for centuries was a facilitator for commercial and cultural exchanges and resulted in the development of shared linguistic and cultural heritage”, today it struggles to position itself within the global dialogue on social cohesion and integration within its own nation and across the whole spectrum of the Arab world. **OBJECTIVE** ------------- Building on the role of the Arabic language as a “major vector for intercultural dialogue, as well as scientific and cultural exchanges” and expanding on its long history of interaction and communication, the objective of this consultancy assignment is to support UNESCO in providing an alternative vision for the role of the Arabic language as a vehicle for social change, notably through fostering the Arabic Language in Education and among local communities towards building a more inclusive society by reflecting on the foundational and structural gaps within the language, identifying tools for emancipation and building on best practices and success initiatives in the region. SCOPE OF WORK/TASKS ------------------- Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Beirut Regional Office and the direct supervision of the Senior Adviser for Education in the Arab States, the consultant is expected to work for around 40 days and carry out the following tasks as part of his/her assignment: 1. Support in the organization of an online regional conference to identify and bring together experts to discuss issues related to fostering Arabic. The experts will consist of language linguistics, philosophy experts, social scientists specialists, educators, practitioners, and decisionmakers discussions with linguistic and philosophy experts and social scientists on different themes and issues related to fostering Arabic language among local communities in the Arab worlds (North Africa, Middle East, Gulf). Recommendations generated from the roundtable discussions will feed into the action plan to be presented at the regional conference at the end of the project; 2. Support in the organization of three online regional focused roundtable discussions with linguistic and philosophy experts and social scientists on different themes and issues related to fostering Arabic language among local communities in the Arab worlds (North Africa, Middle East, Gulf). Recommendations generated from the roundtable discussions will feed into the action plan to be presented at the regional conference at the end of the project; SCOPE OF WORK/TASKS ------------------- 1. Support in the organization of three online regional focused roundtable discussions with specialists, educators, practitioners, and decisionmakers on issues related to fostering Arabic Language in education systems in the Arab world. These discussions will focus on tools, practices, models, instruments, and practical case examples to be applied on the ground and within the education process (Gov non gov/ private/public/ across all grade levels); 2. Based on the outcomes of the online roundtable discussions, develop an action plan on fostering Arabic Language in education and among local communities towards building more inclusive societies the Arab World; 3. Based on the outcomes of the online roundtable discussions, develop an electronic guide of best practices to build on for educational curriculums in the region; 4. Develop Terms of Reference for an Arabic language expert panel to oversee and undertake the development of the action plan, and support in the identification of the panel members; 5. Support in the organizational of an in-person regional conference to discuss the outcomes from the different regional roundtable discussions and present the action plan on fostering Arabic language in education; 6. For each planned online roundtable discussion and the regional conference, the consultant will be expected to prepare the concept note and agenda, develop the content for the discussion, facilitate the discussion, support in the identification of speakers and participants, and prepare an activity report; TIMELINE -------- The total duration of this assignment is tentatively from April - December 2023. The consultancy will be part-time, and home-based with 1 mission as stated in section 6.Travel. TRAVEL ------ The consultant will be homebased but will be required to undertake one mission to a country in the Arab region (specific location to be confirmed) to attend the regional conference mentioned under Activity 3.vi. Therefore, the following provisions shall apply: 1\. A specific amount will be allocated to cover the travel costs based on UNESCO’s standard rates. Payment will be made based on actual number of mission days. 2\. Prior to undertaking any missions, the Consultant should receive the security clearance from UNDSS and sign a Travel Order by the UNESCO Beirut Office Director; 3\. The consultant shall be reimbursed for travel costs against a signed claim supported with a signed Travel Order and submission of a mission report along with original invoices and receipts of payments presenting the effective cost of travel including payment of daily subsistence allowances, Terminal fares, in accordance with UNESCO’s travel provisions and policies. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **QUALIFICATIONS** ------------------ 1. Advanced University Degree in relevant field, such as linguistics, philosophy, education, or a related field; 2. At least 10 years of experience in working in Education, or a similar field; 3. Knowledge and understanding of Arabic language, its usage, and challenges in education and local communities in the Arab world 4. Strong project management, reporting and organizational skills 5. Experience in facilitating and organizing roundtable discussions and conferences 6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic 7. Network of relevant experts and stakeholders in the Arab world (desirable) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, 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.