International Consultant To Support MEHE In Lebanon In Developing Its Higher Education Policy

Consultant

Overview

Support MEHE in developing Higher Education Policy effectively

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education or other social science disciplines.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education.
• Experience acquired in the Arab Region will be an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of Higher Education Policy development related experience.
• Experience in producing analysis, reports and/or publications for international organizations, particularly UN agencies.
• Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken). The knowledge of Arabic/French is an asset.
• Deep understanding of education in general and higher education in particular.
• Strong sense of commitment and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure, heavy workload and meet tight deadlines.

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Beirut Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-06-2021 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Higher Education is rooted in the Lebanese society. Lebanon has been always well known for its high quality institutions of Higher Education (HE) and universities. This is really the most important capital of Lebanon. Some of the universities are more than 150 years old and are among the oldest in the Arab Region. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) through the Directorate General of Higher Education (DGHE) regulate higher education in Lebanon. There is only one public university only, Lebanese University (LU). Most of the faculties of the LU have branches spread all over the country. Moreover, there are about 50 private higher education institutions currently in operation in the country. DGHE manages the licensing and the establishment of new higher education institutions, the validation of the programs offered and the recognition of the degrees. All other responsibilities are within the mandates of each institution’s governing body. However, higher education institutions are legalized by the Council of Ministers following the recommendation of the Council of Higher Education. Concurrently to the health and social challenges, Lebanon is experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis, which has severely restricted government spending. International aid, a former reliable source of funding from donor countries, is always constrained, but now is more so as the mounting impact of COVID-19 globally hits donors’ own economies. Most recently, the Beirut Port blast has exacerbated the situation. The explosion also hit the Higher Education community in Lebanon. This Education Sector Plan 2021–2025 (hereafter referred to as the ‘Plan’) is focused on building on the strengths of the education system and finding impactful solutions that will lead to the recovery of Lebanon’s education sector. The Plan is based on the strategy for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), ‘Quality Education for All’. The plan does not cover the Higher Education sector. UNESCO Beirut intends to support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all by building stronger education systems for achieving improvements in education equity and learning. It is for this reason; UNESCO seeks the services of a consultant to support MEHE in developing its Higher Education Policy. Long Description ---------------- **Objective:** The overall objective of this consultancy is (a) Conduct a rapid comprehensive analysis of the context, challenges and opportunities that would enable the ministry to envisage the needs ahead; (b) Support MEHE developing its Higher Education Policy. The Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) and SDG4 Strategies should be highlighted as essential pillars of the Policy. **Purpose:** The purpose of this consultancy is to facilitate, in cooperation and partnership with MEHE a rapid comprehensive analysis that sheds light on policy options, areas for investment, and innovations to be introduced. The result of the rapid analysis will feed into the expansion/development of MEHE’s Policy for Higher Education. Being a very consultative and participatory process, the consultant will work closely with MEHE, the Higher Education Sector Committee, and other education stakeholders identified by MEHE. The process should be geared towards ensuring local ownership and building the capacity of MEHE for future sustainability, and increased capacity to carry out similar actions in the future. Scope of the assignment: ------------------------ **Scope of the assignment:** Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in The Arab States, in close coordination with the National Education Officer and the direct supervision of Higher Education Programme Specialist. The Consultant will support drafting, in close consultation with MEHE, a Higher Education Policy. Specifically, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks: 1. Conduct an analysis to consolidate information needed from the various departments/units of MEHE, looking at previous policies/plans. 2. Based on the findings of the analysis, provide a synthesis report, which will include data analysis, as well as a narrative portion, conclusion and recommendation on way forward. Including consideration and reflection of current socio-political/governance/economic environment and existing challenges within the HE sector. 3. Provide guidance on the different steps for designing and developing the HE Policy. 4. Organize consultative meeting/s in coordination with MEHE to facilitate a dialogue between political and technical views to clarify critical issues, define realistic strategies, and set overall targets of the Policy. 5. Based on the analysis and consultation findings, support MEHE drafting the policy document: articulating its vision, the key long-term objectives, and overall actions to be taken to evolve the Higher Education Institutions that offer research-led, innovative, and high-quality teaching, to equip graduates for appropriate employment in the context of SDG4 and Education 2030. 6. Upon developing the Policy, guide the development the strategic operational action plan for HE to realize the policy goals. 7. Identify and propose two suitable countries for successful case studies on HEMIS implementation Deliverables and time frame --------------------------- **Deliverables and Timeframe** 1. Develop detailed work plan with clear timeline by 9 July 2021; 2. Detailed outlines for HE situation analysis by 13 August 2021; 3. Draft the concept note and agenda for the first national consultation with HE stakeholders, and the consultation report by 30 August 2021; 4. Develop a conceptual framework for HE Policy by 17 September 2021; 5. Draft HE Policy’s Strategical Objectives 30 September 2021; 6. Conduct the second national consultation with HE stakeholders by 11 October 2021; 7. Submit the first draft of HE Policy by 22 October 2021; 8. Submit the second draft of HE Policy including an Action Plan by 28 October 2021; 9. Submit a refined draft of the HE Policy and final workshop by 15 November 2021. Note: The entire contract should be completed by 30 November 2021. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (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 or other social science disciplines. **Work Experience:** 1. Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education. 2. Experience acquired in the Arab Region will be an advantage. 3. Minimum 5 years of Higher Education Policy development related experience 4. Experience in producing analysis, reports and/or publications for international organizations, particularly UN agencies. **Skills/Competencies:** • Integrity, reliability, and strong sense of commitment and responsibility. • Deep understanding of education in general and higher education in particular • Excellent research, analytical and writing skills; • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; • Working knowledge of standard office software; • Familiarity with the Arab regional contexts; • Knowledge of UNESCO’s mandate and work in the education sector; • Ability to work under pressure, heavy workload and meet tight deadlines; • Meticulous, paying close attention to details and quality of deliverables; • Ability to work efficiently and effectively both independently and in international multicultural teams. **Languages:** Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken). The knowledge of Arabic/French is an asset. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Education** • PhD in Education or other relevant social science disciplines. **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- **Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS****”** **title to “APPLICATION PROCESS****”****, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.** **Otherwise you can delete this section.** **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.

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Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.unesco.org