National consultant to provide technical support to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan in enhancing Tajik Language curriculum for grade 5 – phase two

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 28 Jul 2022 at 18:55 UTC

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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,

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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 fulfill 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.

According to current National Education Strategy 2021-2030, education reforms in the country are aimed at “upgrading of general education content on the ground of transfer from knowledge-based to competency-based education model”. The National Mid-Term Education Plan 2021-2023 puts forward a theory of change that should result in all subjects in all grades being taught based on the new competency-based curriculum. In addition, all teachers should possess the skills required for the transition to the competency-based curriculum and new teaching and learning materials supporting the implementation of the curriculum are to be developed and printed.

Currently, the Government of Tajikistan continues to prioritize strengthening the competency-based approach in education through revision of the curriculum, teacher professional development and assessment systems. In 2020-2021, MoES has initiated revision of primary curriculum and development of modern teaching and learning materials. The Government of Tajikistan has also partnered with UNICEF within the framework of “Support to National Education Development Strategy for the period until 2030” project, jointly implemented with the Islamic Development Bank and Global Partnership for Education. As part of the project UNICEF is expected to support MoES in revising language and math standards, while developing a new set of language and math materials. This task is to be conducted along with complementary interventions related to formative and summative assessment, as well as the review and strengthening of the system of in-classroom support of teachers to support the implementation of CBE at classroom level.

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 eTajik Language 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 second phase of technical support to MoES, following the completion of the mapping of competencies within Tajik Language curriculum and initial capacity development of national curriculum experts at MoES. As part of the first phase, the national Tajik Language curriculum and national Tajik Language textbooks were analysed, gaps in CBE implementation were identified, competencies for Tajik Language were drafted and a workplan for MoES experts was developed to facilitate their revision activities. The appointed consultant will be responsible to support completion of revision tasks and ensure finalization of the joint workplan developed with MoES Affiliated Agencies as per present Terms of Reference. It is expected to be followed by a third and final phase leading to the finalisation of revision of curriculum standards, textbooks and teaching and learning materials for Tajik Language subject, grades 5-9.

How can you make a difference?

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 Tajik Language standards and innovative teaching and learning materials.
  2. Together with international consultant assist the MoES Tajik Language curriculum and textbook development experts (100) 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

UNICEF Tajikistan intends to engage a national consultant for Tajik Language who will work in close consultation international consultant and the MoES, its affiliated agencies, UNICEF Tajikistan, Project Management Unit of the Islamic Development Bank and all involved partners and stakeholders to ensure the completion of the review of secondary level Tajik Language standards, following a first phase of technical support. It is expected that these activities will contribute to ongoing building of the capacity of relevant agencies in developing CBE based curriculum and materials and ensure finalization of two units of national textbooks for Tajik Language grade 5.

It is expected that the national consultant will closely work together with other key project experts to ensure there is a consistent approach to development and revision of CBE curriculum and materials and their delivery.

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. This includes ensuring consistency of teaching and learning materials (including textbooks) with the curriculum and basic principles of development of inclusive, age-appropriate materials.

At the same time, the consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the data collected through the baseline study completed by UNICEF duly informs the revision of standards and development of Tajik Language materials in the longer perspective.

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

*Estimated duration: 115 working days for a national consultant to revise standards and develop teaching and learning materials for Tajik Language grade 5***

*Duty station: Home-based, given ongoing COVID-19 Restrictions, with scope for in-country travel if restrictions are lifted.***

*Onsite working days: 30 July 2022 – 20 July 2023 Curriculum expert with focus on Tajik Language***

Off-site working days: n/a

Supervisor: Education Specialist, UNICEF Tajikistan

Reporting to: Education Specialist, *UNICEF Tajikistan***

Key tasks of Tajik Language consultant will include:

  • National consultant for Tajik Language will support the process of revision of Tajik Language curriculum standards for grade 5

  • National consultant for Tajik Language should provide recommendations for contextualization of Tajik Language 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.

When translators are asked to translate learning materials for capacity building in working groups, the national consultant will help them and lead them.

KEY DELIVERABLES/TIMEFRAME/PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The assignment will be carried out in 115 days, spread over a period ranging from 30 July 2022 to 20 July 2023. The final products of this consultancy will include the following deliverables:

#Deliverable

Number of days for consultant

Timeline

Payment schedule for Tajik Language consultant

Location

1

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

15

Ongoing from 30th July 2022 to July 2023

35 %

In-country

2

Together with international consultant work out recommendations and additional tools (if needed) to assess the level of learners’ proficiency in Tajik Language and mainstream Tajik Language competencies across other project components

20

Ongoing from 30th July 2022 to July 2023

In-country

3

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

40

30 August to 30 May 2023

50%

In-country

4

Support in drafting set of Tajik Language materials for selected grade (including feedback from teachers in selected schools)

10

20 November 2022 to 30 January 2023

15%

In-country

5

Supervise piloting of two competency-based Tajik Language textbook units, including trainings of teacher trainers by national working group

20

20 February 30 March 2023

In-country

6

Monitor project progress through ongoing progress tracking, using the developed monitoring and evaluation system.

5

Ongoing from July 2022 to July 2023

In-country

7

Reporting of the results based on approved template

5

20 July 2023

In-country

115

100%

Note: Due to COVID-19, the work and deliverables are subject to change. Consultant need to be flexible to adjust to any unforeseen circumstances that might occur during the implementation.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

The documentation of the results will be based on:

  1. Technical and professional competence (quality of the products delivered to UNICEF).
  2. Scope of work (e.g. no of products developed during the first phase of consultancy, number of people trained, no of workshops and meetings held).
  3. Quality of work (quality of drafts of all above-mentioned documents and incorporation of feedback provided by UNICEF, LEG and MoES affiliated agencies).
  4. Quantity of work (completing the tasks indicated in the table above within the set timeframe)

In addition, such indicators as work relations, responsibility, drive for results, and communication will be considered during the evaluation of the Consultant work.

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

Education: University degree in the field of education, with focus on curriculum design, learning assessment and development of teaching and learning materials, and any related fields.

Work Experience: At least 3 years of work experience in a relevant field, with focus on curriculum development and education support. Experience in development of curriculum standards, including related to capacity development.

Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of education, with specific focus on subject matter related to Tajik Language.

Competencies: Strong analytical and conceptual thinking. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe. Good writing skills.

Language: Fluency in Tajik and Russian, knowledge of English is an asset.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

  1. Cover letter/application/CV
  2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project and work plan, showing understanding of tasks
  3. Work plan
  4. Financial quote for the consultancy, including fees in Tajik Somoni per day and estimates for travel to the country
  5. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
  6. At least two references
  7. Applications without a financial quote will not be considered.

Queries can be sent to:[email protected] with subject line “National consultant to provide technical support to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan in enhancing Tajik Language curriculum for grade 5” by 28 July 2022.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org