Individual Consultant - Higher Education

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Bangkok 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) : 28-FEB-2024 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE** ---------------------------- Following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States throughout Asia and the Pacific are experiencing increasing learner mobility flows, both physical and virtual. Sustainable and effective mechanisms for cooperation among countries and trusted providers are required to effectively manage the mobility of talent and the growing diversity of their qualifications, including the rapid expansion and implications of stackable micro-credentials. Qualifications recognition has a fundamental role in improving equitable access to quality higher education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ensure inclusive quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Fair and transparent recognition of diverse pathways of learning, credentials and qualifications enables mobility and promotes human development. Cooperation among Member States supports evidence-based policies to reduce barriers and facilitate student and professional mobility, including to pursue further education and training, and improved employment prospects. National recognition authorities benefit from policy reviews and information sharing about the impacts of mobility and recognition decisions - from empowering individuals to their families and societies, providing a wide array of social, cultural, and economic benefits. Effective cooperation among Member States informs and improves lifelong learning systems based on quality assurance, qualifications frameworks, internationalization of higher education, and the skills agenda, including entrepreneurship education. Understanding the status and barriers in these interconnected areas is critical to UNESCO’s unique mandate in higher education. The Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention) provides an efficient, sustainable, and effective mechanism for countries in the region to learn from one another and facilitate the recognition of qualifications to access higher education. Through the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC), established under the Tokyo Convention, States Parties cooperate to develop recognition tools and frameworks, exchange information to support the recognition of diverse modes of learning, micro-credentials and qualifications, and address common challenges. In tandem with the Global Convention on Higher Education and Tokyo Convention, UNESCO advocates for fair outcomes for students, graduates, and workers, and safeguards against fraudulent practices in qualifications recognition. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT ------------------------- To plan UNESCO’s technical and advisory support to Member States, an Individual Specialist will support the Higher Education and SDG4/Policy Planning team at UNESCO’s Regional Office in Bangkok. The Individual specialist will lead the development of a comprehensive work plan on the contributions of higher education to lifelong learning systems and how to manage an inclusive transformation of higher education in Asia-Pacific. The Individual Specialist will analyze policy trends and conceptualize technical support to Member States, including policy and stakeholder needs analysis to identify emerging barriers and opportunities for UNESCO Bangkok. The advisory support will be in line with UNESCO’s core mandates in SDG4 to support the implementation of the recognition conventions and promote equitable access to quality education, lifelong learning, and skills development opportunities for all, including through advanced Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), diversified learner pathways and relevance of entrepreneurship education for mobility and employability. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** ------------------------------- **Supervisory arrangements:** Under the authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education Section (ED), the Individual Specialist will provide high-level advisory input and assume responsibilities in contributing to UNESCO's mandate and outputs in 42 C/5. This role involves critical analysis and development of innovative approaches to ensure learners are equipped with relevant skills through TVET and higher education, aligned with monitoring SDG Targets 4.3, 4.4, and 4b, and coordinating the implementation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention). More specifically, the Individual Specialist shall be responsible for the following: 1\. Provide professional advice to the Director and Chief of Section and lead international programme development for new projects, research and policy advocacy efforts in higher education, TVET and entrepreneurship education in Asia-Pacific. This includes coordinating with UN agencies, other development partners and UNESCO Programme Specialists; providing critical advisory input, and formulating policy proposals to shape the direction of these programmes. 2\. Provide technical support and advice to UNESCO Bangkok’s Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention Committee, including reviewing work plans to promote fair recognition of micro-credentials, digital credentials and online and blended learning in Asia and the Pacific; 3\. Implement UNESCO’s Strategy for TVET (2022-2029) on transforming TVET systems and quality frameworks for micro-credentials in Asia-Pacific for successful and just transitions to work. This entails a high-level responsibility to analyse technical factors, devise new methods, and provide solutions to challenges in TVET; 4\. Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of ED’s current and future extra-budgetary projects in higher education and TVET, including but not limited to: a. Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust (KFIT) project on implementing regional quality tools in higher education in Asia-Pacific; b. Regular program and relevant policy support for TVET, including strengthening UNESCO work plans to improve the quality of TVET systems through a learner-centred approach in Asia and the Pacific. c. UNESCO-ICHEI project on micro-credentials for higher education and TVET teaching personnel in Asia and the Pacific – Recognition of digital competencies for professional development; 5\. Contribute to UNESCO’s efforts in implementing the Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau’s Education Support Strategy, including developing new relationships between potential donors and the UNESCO Bangkok Office, providing senior-level insights and policy proposals; 6\. Design and expand advanced technical support for policy development among Member States, assess new projects and partnership proposals for relevance and coherence, and conduct policy reviews to help Member States achieve SDG4 in Asia and the Pacific by 2030, requiring an in-depth examination of technical and policy factors. a. Support the director and senior management team on relevant documents and reports, develop additional supporting materials and relevant analysis to be shared with the UN Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP). b. Provide technical support and guidance on preparation of the 6th Asia-Pacific Meeting on Education2030 (APMED), including remarks by the director as well as any other relevant professional duties as assigned by the team leader of the Education Section. **Travel:** ----------- The Individual Specialist will be required to travel on missions directly related to programmes and projects implementation during the assignment. The Individual Specialist should travel economy class and receive DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Individual Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. The Individual Specialist is responsible for obtaining UNDSS security clearance prior to each approved mission. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINES -------------------------- 7\. The Individual Specialist is responsible for delivering the following, demonstrating an in-depth examination of technical factors and providing solutions to complex problems: a. Project document for Phase 3 of the Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust project to facilitate the cross-border mobility of students and professionals in Asia-Pacific by 29 March 2024. b. Special edition journal on micro-credentials trends and recognition practices in Asia-Pacific by 30 April 2024 c. Progress report on the role of micro-credentials in continuing professional development in Asia-Pacific by 31 May 2024 d. Final report from the external review of the Republic of Korea Funds-in-Trust project by 28 June 2024 e. Background materials for one thematic session during the 6th Asia-Pacific Meeting on Education2030 (APMED) including the selection and preparation of panelists and moderators by 31 July 2024 f. Remarks by the director for APMED-6 with inputs from the Education Section and senior management team by 30 August 2024 g. Progress report for UNESCO’s core planner on implementation of its 42 c/5 to ensure learners are equipped with relevant skills to meet individual, labour market and societal demands through literacy, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and higher education by 30 September 2024 h. Draft assessment framework for Member States to apply for technical assistance to facilitate the cross-border mobility of students and professionals in Asia-Pacific by 31 October 2024 i. Draft guidelines on effective mechanisms for micro-credentials for continuing professional development of higher education teaching personnel in Asia-Pacific by 29 November 2024 j. Final report on for micro-credentials for continuing professional development of higher education teaching personnel in Asia-Pacific by 31 December 2024 k. End of year report for regional activities in higher education and TVET in Asia-Pacific by 31 January 2025. In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the individual specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) Results focus (C) **-** ----- 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 or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international studies, or a related field. **Work Experience** - Minimum ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in research and/or capacity development in the field of education or other relevant areas. - Experience in working with and knowledge of mechanisms for recognition of qualifications and quality assurance in higher education in Asia-Pacific. - Experience in designing, planning, managing and coordinating the implementation of multidisciplinary or multi-partner technical assistance initiatives in higher education and youth skills development programmes in developing country contexts, preferably in Asia and the Pacific. - Demonstrated experience in partnership building and fundraising. - Experience in working in the relevant fields and policy development in Asia-Pacific. **Skills/Competencies** - Integrity, reliability, and strong sense of commitment and responsibility; - Excellent project management, coordination and organizational skills; - Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; - Good analytical and problem-solving skills; - Good understanding of the key issues and trends in education, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region; - Working knowledge of standard office software; - Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workload and meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to details and quality of work; - Ability to work effectively both independently and in international multicultural teams; - Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationship and partnerships. **Languages** - Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- - Understanding of UNESCO’s mandate and work in the education sector; - Previous experience working with United Nations, international organizations or government agencies is an advantage; - Proven experience in regional coordination and technical assistance; - Proven experience in donor and stakeholder relationship management; - Experience in preparing publications and reports; - Research experience; - Experience in leading international teams; - Good leadership and teamwork with excellent managerial skills. **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- Interested individuals are invited to submit to UNESCO Bangkok office the specific requirements through careers.unesco.org. Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and upload the following documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form. Before uploading the document, at the end of the Employment History Form, please insert extra pages with the following required documents: - An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work - A statement indicating how your qualification and experience make you suitable for the assignment - A brief proposal (1-2 pages) discussing the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment, a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference if any. - The proposed fee in USD to undertake the assignment. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in English. **Note:** Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process. Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in the system, please inform us at [email protected] **The complete application shall be submitted on or before 28 February 2024 midnight Bangkok time.** UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation the best value for money. **Assessment** - Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered. - Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. **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 recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities 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.