Non-Staff Consultant

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Fiji Classification of duty station: \[\[filter12\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement : \[\[filter13\]\] 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) : 27-OCT-2022 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- UNESCO Pacific is one of several Implementing Agencies of the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF). The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) is an expression of the region’s commitment and shared priorities for improvement in education and training framed though a participatory process and formally endorsed by the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES). PacREF is supported by funds made available by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Government of New Zealand and is administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In line with the PacREF Rolling Implementation Plan, UNESCO Pacific provides technical support to PacREF member countries to strengthen 21st century skills in and through education. 21st century skills can be considered as abilities that empower individuals and groups to manage effectively the demands of everyday life while adapting to and shaping interconnected global, regional and local transformations. In line with SDG 4, Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have identified 21st century skills as key enabler to support the development of foundational skills, gender equality, economic restructuring for cleaner, climate resilient and efficient economies and positive health and societal outcomes. Regional consultations preceding the Transforming Education Summit, a global project to recover from COVD-19, revitalize global and national efforts to achieve SDG 4, reaffirmed among PICTs the relevance and urgency to invest in 21st century skills in line with the summit’s second action track ‘learning and skills for life, work and sustainable development’. 21st century skills as cross-sectional competencies are not new, nor completely absent in existing curricula, teacher development and policy work in PICTs and are often linked to indigenous pacific values. Despite the various regional and national interventions and achievements, there is currently no concrete definition and collective understanding among PICTs of which aspects or characteristics of 21st century skills are key for the development of PICTs and the region based on national development strategies and regional strategies such as the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development and the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, 2022). Also, there is currently no comprehensive understanding on the extent to which national education systems already address 21st century skills and whether strategies taken meet national and regional ambitions. This includes strategies taken as part of curriculum, teaching and learning materials, teacher training and assessments. While initiatives on specific transversal skills are plentiful, measuring the effectiveness and impact of programmes contributing to 21st century skills among teachers and learners remains underexplored. **Key stakeholders, especially partners who this consultancy is expected to serve:** Up to 15 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) Ministries of Education, other government and non-government entities, and regional partners. **UNESCO’s concerned post responsible for managing the consultancy contract:** Under the overall authority of the Director of the Office and direct supervision of the Senior Project Coordinator PacREF. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES OF POST -------------------------- **PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES OF THE POST** The consultant will support activities undertaken by UNESCO as part of PacREF Policy Area 1 (Quality and Relevance), which aims to works towards providing all learners a safe and supportive environment, within which they are offered high-quality learning opportunities that are meaningful, valuable, inclusive and future-focused (Goal). Concretely, the consultant will support the development of a regional framework for 21st century skills which aims to provide policymakers, planners, educators, employers, students and communities a shared understanding of skills and competencies needed in PICTs (standards). The framework also provides concrete guidance for education leaders, decision makers and implementers on how to address identified needs through targeted interventions in teacher practices, national curricula and learning assessments. The preparation of the regional framework is divided into four parts. Part 1: Agreement on definitions and 21st century skills standards in the Pacific Part 2: Guidance for mainstreaming 21st century skills in national curricula Part 3: Guidance for mainstreaming 21st century skills in assessments Part 4: Guidance for mainstreaming 21st century skills in teacher practices EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES --------------------------------- **EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES** The consultant will be responsible for the production of: **Output 1:** Development of a mapping of existing strategies, bottlenecks and enabling factors for advancing the 21st century skills agenda in PICTs in the areas of curriculum, teacher training and assessments. The mapping will be based on a document review and stakeholder interviews (October to December 2022). **Output 2:** Preparation and lead facilitation of regional consultations for the development of the regional framework for 21st century skills (part 1 to 4). This includes coordination with PacREF member countries to ensure inputs, feedback and country leadership during the consultations; and preparation of consultation materials (agendas, briefs and reports) (November 2022 to April 2023). **Output 3:** Drafting, revision and finalization of the regional framework for 21st century skills (part 1 to 4) based on consultations and mapping results (January to June 2023) **Output 4:** Development of a brief strategic guidance document on UNESCO’s mid-term support to PICTs in mainstreaming 21st century skills in education (June 2023). TASKS RELATED TO THE ASSIGNMENT: -------------------------------- **TASKS RELATED TO THE ASSIGNMENT** i) Communicate with and guide national conveners (Ministries of Education and/or other government entities) in the preparation of consultative regional workshops and inputs on surveys; ii) Liaise with UNESCO Pacific which will provide logistical and technical support to countries and coordination with other PacREF Implementing Agencies; iii) Assist and support the 21st century skills ‘champion’ (one PacREF member country) in fully exercising its leadership role in convening and consolidating inputs among PICTs; iv) Assist countries in formulating national statements following the regional consultations, as needed/requested; v) Provide other support as required by UNESCO and member states, related to the development of the regional framework for 21st century skills. MODALITY -------- **DURATION** Approximately 130 days between 24 October 2022 and 30 June 2023 ***This is not a full time position.*** **TENTATIVE TRAVEL PLAN** The consultant is requested to travel to the region for one (1) mission. The purpose of travel is to facilitate Regional Consultation Workshop. Please note that variations in dates or destination may be required at the time of travel planning based on the prevailing situation. **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 in Education curriculum development, policy design and analysis or related field. **Work experience and qualifications:** - At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in providing technical assistance and support to countries in curriculum development, teacher education or assessments. - Experience/ knowledge in areas relevant for 21st century skills development. - Progressively responsible experience in organizing and coordinating national, regional or international multi-stakeholder meetings. - Excellent organization and coordination skills. - Progressively responsible experience in delivering hands-on capacity development for national governments agencies. - Ability to deliver on time and on target with a careful attention to details under pressure; - Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect; - Ability to connect and communicate virtually, using Zoom, MS Teams and other platforms; - Consultant must be available and accommodate the Pacific states’ time zones and working hours convenient to these countries and travel. **Languages (Essential):** Oral and written fluency in English is required. **Knowledge of Office ICTs:** Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use internet and email. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Experience:** Knowledge and understanding of education in the Pacific is a plus **Languages (Essential):** Oral and written fluency in Pacific languages would be a plus. **Specific ICTs:** Standard office hard and software, access and ability to use virtual meetings, including Zoom and MS Teams. **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- Apply online. Submit an application with: 1. Technical proposal, including methodology 2. Financial proposal, including for international travel and all other expenses. 3. Proposed work plan 4. CV of the Expert Please combine and upload as one document. Required validity of the application submitted: 90 days. **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.