Re-advert: National consultancy for technical support to UNICEF Tajikistan with conceptualization and visualization of the Teachers Innovation Centers, MoES, 180 w/d (for Tajik nationals onl

Consultant Teaching & Training Programme & Policy Innovation

Contract

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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 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 fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, 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.

In order to increase overall quality and relevance of education, the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in cooperation with UNICEF and financial support of European Union (EU) has focused on digital transformation of the education system, further supporting the competency-based education reform. As a result, a national Roadmap on digital transformation of the education sector has been developed in 2021 within the framework of the EU funded project “Improving skills and competencies of adolescent girls and boys for school to work transition in Tajikistan and national support to continuity of learning within the framework of the National Education Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19.” This policy framework has been developed with UNICEF technical support under the leadership of MoES established working group consisting of representatives of all departments and institutions working on information and communications technology (ICT) in education. The finalized strategic document and action plan are expected to guide the sustainable implementation of digital transformation in the education sector.

These efforts build on national priorities to expand access to technology. In this regard, the concept of the digital economy was adopted in Tajikistan on December 30, 2019. Also, the concept of e-Government formation is being implemented. In various areas (financial, tax, and customs) the introduction of information technology is very advanced. But in general, one could state that Tajikistan is at the beginning of the path of digital transformation.

Additional challenges relate to unequal connectivity with less than 20% of schools with internet access, limited capacity at institutional level in relation to ICT in education, overall infrastructural constraints, etc. In addressing these challenges, UNICEF has been introducing new digital solutions within the framework of Regional LearnIn Initiative and global GIGA Initiative addressing the following areas: Connectivity and devices, teacher professional development, platforms and digital tools, policy, and upstream engagement and infrastructure improvement for Republican In-service Teacher Training Institute (RITTI) and Republican Teacher Methodological Centre (RTMC) for the first phase of activities. For the second phase within this framework, additional institutional support is provided for the five branches of RITTIs at the regional level to improve quality of teachers support and blended learning.

In order to increase overall quality and relevance of education, the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) in cooperation with UNICEF and financial support of European Union (EU) has focused on digital transformation of the education system, further supporting the competency-based education reform. As a result, a national Roadmap on digital transformation of the education sector has been developed in 2021 within the framework of the EU funded project “Improving skills and competencies of adolescent girls and boys for school to work transition in Tajikistan and national support to continuity of learning within the framework of the National Education Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19.” This policy framework has been developed with UNICEF technical support under the leadership of MoES established working group consisting of representatives of all departments and institutions working on information and communications technology (ICT) in education. The finalized strategic document and action plan are expected to guide the sustainable implementation of digital transformation in the education sector.

These efforts build on national priorities to expand access to technology. In this regard, the concept of the digital economy was adopted in Tajikistan on December 30, 2019. Also, the concept of e-Government formation is being implemented. In various areas (financial, tax, and customs) the introduction of information technology is very advanced. But in general, one could state that Tajikistan is at the beginning of the path of digital transformation.

Additional challenges relate to unequal connectivity with less than 20% of schools with internet access, limited capacity at institutional level in relation to ICT in education, overall infrastructural constraints, etc. In addressing these challenges, UNICEF has been introducing new digital solutions within the framework of Regional LearnIn Initiative and global GIGA Initiative addressing the following areas: Connectivity and devices, teacher professional development, platforms and digital tools, policy, and upstream engagement and infrastructure improvement for Republican In-service Teacher Training Institute (RITTI) and Republican Teacher Methodological Centre (RTMC) for the first phase of activities. For the second phase within this framework, additional institutional support is provided for the five branches of RITTIs at the regional level to improve the quality of teachers support and blended learning.

How can you make a difference?

The overall objective of an individual consultancy is to support UNICEF Tajikistan and the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan with management and coordination of developing new Teacher Innovation Centers (TICs) in five branches of RITTIs at the regional level for in-house development of digital resources.

Estimated duration**: 180 days, November 2022 – August 2023

Duty station**: Dushanbe

Off-site working days: 180 days

Supervisor: Education Officer

Reporting to**: Education Specialist

Currently, as part of the sustainability strategy of the distance learning module, UNICEF is planning to launch the TICs. The TICs will be equipped with the video-production and other teaching and learning equipment and software and also should have an ergonomic design.

To meet this requirement, UNICEF would like to invite a capable individual, who will provide below services:

1. Closely coordinate with the construction companies on planning, development and exploitation of the TICs;
2. Development of interior design concepts for 5 TICs and provision of their 3D model visualization for construction companies;
3. Development of the equipment/software user manual for the assigned TICs staff;
4. Provision of the capacity building for the assigned staff on maintenance and exploitation of the equipment;
5. Development of advocacy materials for usage of the TICs

UNICEF Tajikistan is looking for experienced consultant for provision of support for conceptualization and visualization and implementation of five TICs at regional levels. The consultant is expected to coordinate and liaison with the construction companies(y) team members and monitor the refurbishment process of the TICs as per produces interior design concepts and visualization in 3D models.

KEY DELIVERABLES/TIMEFRAME/PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

#

Tasks

Deliverables/Outputs

Number of days

Timeline

Payment schedule

1

Closely coordinate with the construction companies on planning, development and exploitation of the TICs

Coordination mechanism with the construction companies to ensure effective planning and design requirements for new TICs exploitation

25

November – December 2022

15%

2

Development of interior design concepts for 5 TICs and provision of their 3D model visualization for construction companies

Interior drawings, design concept, specifications, bills of quantity and design calculations, accompanied by their visualization in 3D models

45

January – March 2023

25%

3

Development of the equipment/software user manual for the assigned TICs staff

Prepare guidelines on exploitation of the equipment and software in both Russian and Tajik languages

45

April – May 2023

25%

4

Provision of the capacity building for the assigned staff on maintenance and exploitation of the equipment

Conduct three days per TICs ‘workshop’ style training with practical tasks on how to properly exploite, maintain and use the equipment and software for video-lessons production

45

June – July 2023

25%

5

Development of advocacy materials for usage of the TICs

Advocacy materials on the importance of TICs and its usage by assigned TICs staff

20

July - August 2023

10%

Total:

180 days

100%

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

The evaluation of the results will be based on:

1. Technical and professional competence (quality of the products delivered to UNICEF);
2. Scope of work (extent of activities related to the assignment);
3. Quality of work (quality of produced drawings, design concept and visualization in 3D models);
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 taken into account during the evaluation of the Consultant’s work.

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

1) Education

• University degree in Architecture with Interior Designer specialization or a related field.
• Advanced skills with 3D modeling tools and software
• Proficient knowledge of a range of interior design software programs: Autodesk AutoCAD LT, SketchUp Pro, TurboCAD, Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Revit, Archicad 25 and Adobe Creative Cloud (Student and Teacher Edition).
• Professional certificates are an asset.

2) Work experience

• A minimum of two years of experience in construction project coordination, including communication to end users.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government and local education authorities, with UNICEF and other UN or development agencies is an asset.

3) Competencies

• Experience in development of training materials and in conducting trainings for education sector stakeholders
• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
• Good judgment, initiative, high sense of responsibility, tact and discretion.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to establish harmonious working relations in a multicultural environment.

4) Language

• Excellent written and verbal communication in Tajik
• Knowledge of Russian and English an asset.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A brief technical proposal of services based on areas of expertise listed above
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in TJS with completion timeframe per deliverable and/or daily rate indication (as well as travel and subsistence costs, as applicable).
4. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
5. At least two references
6. Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.

TOR in Russian language is attached: 1) Нац. конс. по технической поддержке ЮНИСЕФ с концептуализацией и визуализацией Инновационных центров учителей, МОиН, 180 рабочих дней.docx

2) Список оборудования и ПО для 5 ИЦУ.docx

3) link

Queries can be sent to dushanbe@unicef.org with the subject line “Providing technical expertise to UNICEF Country Office in Tajikistan for conceptualization and visualization of the Teachers Innovation Centers for the Ministry of Education for in-house development of digital resources”.

Applications must be received in the system on our website by 8 November 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.

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