National Consultant (Study on Education Response to Covid-19)

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** Parent Sector : Field Office Duty Station: Kabul Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-NOV-2020 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** **Background and context** The spread of Covid-19 in Afghanistan led to a national school closure from March to early October 2020. At the outset of the health crisis, the Ministry of Education of Afghanistan (MoE) developed a comprehensive Alternative Learning Plan to ensure learning continuity while schools were closed, with three alternative learning options: (1) self-learning, (2) distance learning, and (3) small group learning. The Ministry of Education, development partners and NGOs joined efforts in implementing the Alternative Learning Plan. As of 3 October 2020, all grades of public schools, private schools, and community-based education (CBE) classes were authorised to reopen, following the mandated closure to prevent the spread of Covid -19 on 14 March 2020 in Afghanistan. The MoE has developed guidelines for reopening schools and CBE classes as well as guidance on promoting safe practices in schools after reopening. So far little is known systematically about the effectiveness of education response to Covid-19 including alternative learning and school reopening as well as the longer-term effect of the disruptions on the education systems. Within the framework of the Covid-19 response of the Capacity Development for Education (CapED) Programme, UNESCO is supporting the MoE to conduct a national study with a view to understanding the effectiveness of education response to Covid-19 including alternative learning and school reopening across provinces, taking stock of good practices and lessons learnt, and making actionable recommendations for longer-term reform and system resilience building. The study will collect evidence from students, teachers, schools and Provincial Education Department (PED) staff in at least six provinces, including three provinces with warm climate and three with cold climate. The study is expected to be completed by May 2021. The findings of the study will inform future recommitment, reform and reorganising for education response to Covid-19 and other sanitary crises. Long Description **Main duties and responsibilities** Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and Representative of UNESCO to Afghanistan, overall supervision of the Head of Education Unit and direct supervision of the CapED Programme Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing the national study. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following tasks in consultation with the Ministry of Education and UNESCO Office in Kabul: 1.Develop a written methodology (quantitative and qualitative) and a related work plan on the national study of the effectiveness of education response to Covid-19 including alternative learning and school reopening. 2.Develop related instruments, templates and manual for sampling, obtaining respondents’ consent, data collection, collation, analysis and reporting. 3.Prepare training materials both in English and in local languages and train PED staff to collect, collate and analyze data as well as reporting. 4.Support the coordination with relevant stakeholders including the MoE and PED staff on the successful implementation of the national study activities. 5.Provide continued support and guidance to PED staff while they collect, collate, and analyze data and draft their provincial reports as well as follow up with PED staff on the progress periodically. 6.Conduct field visits and carry out data collection and analysis for at least one province. 7.Analyze data and review draft reports from provinces prepared by PED staff, refine and finalize the provincial reports. 8.Develop a national report based on the provincial reports and review of grey literature. 9.Prepare and deliver a presentation together with UNESCO to the leadership of the MoE, highlighting the findings of the effectiveness of education response to Covid-19 including the alternative learning and school reopening and making actionable recommendations for longer-term education reform and system resilience building. Long Description **Deliverables** The following deliverables are to be submitted by the incumbent in editable file formats such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint: 1.Written methodology and related work plan (Two weeks after signing the contract). 2.Related instruments, templates and manual for sampling, data collection, data input, analysis and reporting (before 31 December 2020). 3.Training materials for PED staff (before 31 January 2021). 4.Revised provincial reports (before 28 February 2021). 5.Final provincial reports (before 31 March 2021). 6.Draft of the national report (before 30 April 2021). 7.Final national report (before 31 May 2021). 8.Final presentation to the leadership of the MoE together with UNESCO (before 31 May 2021). Each candidate is expected to submit a brief proposal (1-2 pages) discussing (1) the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment, (2) key deliverables with a timeframe and (3) proposed fees. See details in the section of ‘application process’. **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). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** **Education** -Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, monitoring & evaluation, economics or related area. **Work experience** -At least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience relating to monitoring and evaluation in education and/or national educational studies. **Skills & Competencies** -Excellent understanding of education response to Covid-19 in Afghanistan; -Excellent research skills in selection of research methodologies, design of instruments and data collection, collation, analysis and reporting; -Advanced cross-cultural communication skills; -Excellent time management skills; -Significant sensitivity and adaptability (cultural, gender, religion, race and nationality); -Highly competent computer skills and a proficient user of Microsoft Office software and online meeting tools; and -Excellent independent working skills with a desire for continuous improvement. **Languages** -Excellent knowledge of English and Dari (spoken and written). **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** -Excellent skills in using qualitative and quantitative data analysis software such as SPSS and Nvivo; -Previous work experience in education in the government or international development cooperation sectors is an asset; and -Work experience with the UN is an added advantage **APPLICATION 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. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. Candidates are invited to submit an Employment History Form during online application. It is required to provide the information: \- Details of work experience, including prior experience of similar and relevant work. \- A list of past similar work or reports/publications written with hyperlinks to access such papers if they are available online or samples of such papers if they are only available offline. **(Insert the list in main achievements or at the end of the Employment History Form as it is not allowed to upload multiple documents in the system.)** \- A brief proposal (1-2 pages) discussing (1) the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment, (2) key deliverables with a timeframe and (3) proposed fees. **(Insert your proposal at the end of the Employment History Form.)** **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.