National consultant to provide technical support to MOES RT in enhancing Math curriculum for grade 5 – phase II, 130 w/ds, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (deadline extended)

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Education

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

Currently, the Government of Tajikistan prioritizes strengthening the competency-based approach in education through the revision of the curriculum, strengthening of teacher professional development and reforming the assessment system. In 2020, the Government of Tajikistan has also partnered with UNICEF within the framework of the “Support to National Education Development Strategy for the period until 2030” project, jointly implemented with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) - herewith referred to as the project. This project is aimed at supporting the curriculum reform through the following activities: 1) stocktaking of current achievements; 2) improving pre-service and in-service teacher training systems through introduction of blended learning modalities and Competency Based Education (CBE) pedagogy 3) revision of Math and Language curriculum and design of language materials, 4) introduction of new formative and summative assessment strategies and 5) strengthening of in-classroom support system.

Since 2012 efforts have been taken by the MoES to transition from knowledge to competency-based education and in 2019 the country announced that CBE was mainstreamed in all grades of general secondary education. However, a number of national learning assessments completed in 2020 and 2021 and a stocktaking of CBE resources exercise conducted within the framework of GPE/ISDB project by UNICEF, demonstrated that there are still gaps in implementation of CBE, which need to be addressed to ensure improved students’ learning outcomes at all levels. UNICEF has leveraged partnerships and expertise to reform the in-service teacher professional development and in-classroom support systems promoting a unified approach to teacher learning and growth through establishing Continuous Professional Learning system.

Purpose:

In follow up to the above objectives, UNICEF is seeking a national expert to provide ongoing technical assistance to the MoES and its affiliated agencies for revising math subject standards and development of a set of teaching and learning materials for grade 5-9. The national consultant will guide a local working group consisted of local experts from affiliated agencies who will support them in the delivery of below tasks. This is the continuation of the second phase of technical support to MoES, following the completion of the mapping of competencies within Math curriculum and initial capacity development of national curriculum experts at MoES. As part of the first phase, the national mathematics curriculum and national mathematics textbooks were analysed, gaps in CBE implementation were identified, competencies for Mathematics were drafted and a workplan for MoES experts was developed to facilitate their revision activities. During the initial stage of second phase of technical support the conceptual underpinning for development of TLMs were structured and 3 chapters drafted and tested.

The national consultant will be responsible to support completion of the remaining revision of TLMs, supporting midline and end line studies, capacity building at 30 pilot schools, piloting of developed TLMs and ensure finalization of the joint workplan developed with MoES Affiliated Agencies as per present Terms of Reference. This would be the final phase leading to the finalisation of revision of curriculum standards, textbooks and teaching and learning materials for Math subject, grades 5-9. Together with international consultants the national consultant will be assigned to support the MoES in ensuring testing and piloting of the best practices related to in-service professional development and school support system for math teachers.

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Duration: 130 working days for one year and two months (August, 2023 - October, 2024)

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Supervisor: Section Chief, UNICEF Tajikistan

Reporting to: Education Specialist

The key objectives of this assignment are:

1. Together with international consultant, national consultant will be tasked to build the capacity of the MoES, affiliated agencies and textbook writers in development of competency-based Math standards and innovative teaching and learning materials.
2. Together with international consultant assist the MoES math curriculum and textbook development experts (100 person) in the revision and development of new textbooks and CBE materials for grade 5.
3. Together with international consultant and national working groups provide technical assistance in mainstreaming the approach to revision of curriculum and development of materials within the framework of other components of the project, including baseline study, strengthening of in-classroom teacher support, and introduction of blended learning for teacher professional development.
4. With the support of Academy of Education and Republican Teacher Methodological Center to support the process of pilot at 30 pilot school in Khalon and DRS regions.

Following the completed first phase of UNICEF technical support in curriculum revision, the consultant is expected to further support development and expansion on the comprehensive capacity building programme, while supporting in delivering a series of workshops for curriculum and textbooks writers on the principles of CBE for math. This includes ensuring consistency of teaching and learning materials

(including textbooks) with the curriculum and basic principles of development of inclusive, ageappropriate materials. At the same time, the consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the data collected through the midline study by UNICEF duly informs the revision of standards and development of math materials in the longer perspective.

Under direct supervision by the Education Section Chief and technical support from the Education Specialist and the national Working Group at the MoES the National consultant is expected to perform and accomplish the following tasks:

To achieve the objectives of this assignment, the following key interventions are required:

Revision and testing of Math curriculum and TLMs mainstreamed through close linkages with other key components of the project for a more consistent and comprehensive modelling of CBE reform. Enhancing the quality of learning resources (TLMs) and improving student performance is long term effort for the MOEs. As planned by the project any developed TLM for math it should go through testing it at pilot schools to ensure the relevancy and impact of resources.

National consultant for Math will support the process of revision, piloting and upgrading of math

curriculum and education standards for grade 5.

• National consultant for Math should provide recommendations for contextualization of Math textbooks to ensure that they are aligned with the revised CBE curriculum standards, are age appropriate, have clear measurable competency-based outcomes for learners, as well as are gender and disability sensitive.
• National consultant will support the process of building the capacity of the MoES affiliated agencies, curriculum, and textbook writers in development of CBE based materials through series of workshops, regular consultative meetings, and remote support to teams with practical assignments and reviews.
• National consultant together with international consultant provide guidance and day to day coordination to national experts identified by UNICEF and Ministry of Education and Science in the completion of the deliverables.
• Review of midline results and give recommendations on incorporating the assessment of learners’ proficiency in Math. This might require development of new tools to assess the level of learners’ proficiency of math or providing concrete suggestions on mainstreaming math competency assessment across other areas of midline, such as use of textbooks and inclassroom support system.
• Provide guidance and day to day coordination to math working group identified by UNICEF and Ministry of Education and Science in the completion of the deliverables.
• Guide the process of development of a set of math materials for grade 5, their testing and finalization in close collaboration with identified local experts.

WORK ASSIGNMENT FOR 2023

Tasks/Milestone:

Deliverables/Output:

Timeline:

Payment schedule:

Ensuring ongoing Coordination between working group for math and assessment

Del 1. Detailed activity and monitoring plan finalised. This activity should be coordinated in close collaboration with international consultant to ensure efficiency of the workflow process.

5 days (August to December 2023)

1st payment – 46 % upon submission of deliverables # 1, #2 #3, #4, #5and #6) by Dec.2023

Supporting development of standards and TLMs for math subjects

Del 2. Testing of initial 3 developed chapters at 30 pilot schools.

10 days (August to December 2023)

Support international consultant during development of training package for building the capacity of curriculum writers

Del 3. Training package for mentors and teachers of Math around initial 3 chapters for 30 pilot schools

20 days (August to December 2023)

Support in organization of series of workshops (online and offline) for national working groups on curriculum and textbook writers (at least 10)

Del 4. Teachers and mentors’ reflection document (teachers’ portfolios) on the series of workshops

15 days (August to December 2023)

Support to integration of work on IE, BL, assessment into math activities

Del 5. Integration plan for IE, BL and Assessment with other components

10 days (August to

December 2023)

Support in drafting quarterly and annual reports. Ensuring that all the data presented in the report are accurate.

Del 6. Draft quarterly and annual report for math

5 days (August to

December 2023)

WORK ASSIGNMENT FOR 2024

Tasks/Milestone:

Deliverables/Output:

Timeline:

Payment schedule:

Ensuring ongoing coordination between working group for math and assessment

Del 7. Detailed activity and monitoring plan finalised. This activity should be coordinated in close collaboration with international consultant to ensure efficiency of the workflow process.

5 days (January to December 2024)

1st payment

– 36 % upon submission of deliverables # 7, #8 #9 and #10)

Supporting development of standards and TLMs for math subjects

Del 8. Final 6 chapters developed and piloted. The updated TLM is submitted for final technical revision, design and presentation process.

10 days (January to October 2024)

Support international consultant during development of training package for building the capacity of curriculum writers

Del 9. Training package for mentors based on the remaining chapters developed and tested

10 days (January to October2024)

Support in organization of series of workshops (online and offline) for national working groups on curriculum and textbook writers (at least 10)

Del 10. Teachers and mentors’ feedback to finalised Math curriculum.

10 days (January to October 2024)

Support to Integration of work on IE, BL, assessment into math activities

Del 11. Integration plan for IE, BL and Assessment with other components

10 days (January to October 2024)

Support during final phase of experience exchange workshops (conference)

Del 12. Running experience exchange workshop and recommendations

5 days (August 2024)

2nd payment

– 18% upon submission of deliverables #11, #12, #13, and #14)

Support to Finalization of the development of standards and TLMs for math subjects

Del 13. Final TLM, standards and programme shared with UNICEF

13 days (August to September 2024)

Submission of final report on IsDB/GPE project related to development of math TLMs to UNICEF

Del 14. Final report on IsDB/GPE project related to development of math TLMs prepared and shared with UNICEF

2 days (October 2024)

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education: University degree in the fields of education, with focus on teacher preparation and professional development, competency-based education, use of technology, blended-learning approaches.
• Working experience: At least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in the area of education, teacher training, and/or lifelong learning at the policy, management and operational levels with the MoES and affiliated institutions. Demonstrated knowledge and technical capacity in social service workforce strengthening and child protection programming
• Skills: Strong coordination skills, analytical and conceptual thinking. Ability to work with large teams and guide policy discussions. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian and Tajik is an asset.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

• Cover letter/application/CV.
• A technical proposal with proposed approach to managing the consultancy deliverables, showing understanding of tasks. Special attention should be paid to organizing the process of co-development and capacity building.
• Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate.
• Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
• Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.

Applications must be received in the system by 24 September 2023 on UNICEF website.

• Those who have applied already, no need to re-apply. Your qualification will be considered accordingly.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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Added 8 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: unicef.org