Re-Advertised, Consultant - To provide technical support to the Office of the DDG Planning and Delivery Oversight (and Branch) of the Department of Basic Education on the function shift of

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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, Opportunity

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Goal: Under the supervision of the Education Manager (ECD) and the Office of the DDG Planning and Delivery Oversight (and Branch) at the Department of Basic Education or senior official designated by him/her, the consultant will provide strategic technical support to the Deputy Director General, Chief Director and Director ECD on the function shift of ECD to the DBE.

Objectives:

1. To provide direct technical and strategic support to the DDG, Chief director and director for ECD for the coordination of all internal and external activities related to the function shift.
2. To provide technical assistance in the implementation of the national HRD strategy for early childhood development workforce linked to the function shift.
3. To provide technical support and guidance on the additional year of early childhood development before Grade R

How can you make a difference?

The consultant shall execute the assignment under the general supervision of Office of the DDG Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring at the DBE, or person designated by the DDG, and the Education Manager (ECD) at UNICEF with a focus on the following activities in relation to the objectives spelled out above:

1. provide direct technical and strategic support to the DDG, Chief Director and Director for ECD for the coordination of all internal and external activities related to the function shift with particular focus on:
   1. Participation in the DBE’s work streams that are established for the purpose of the function shift and provide strategic guidance and keep the DDG, Chief director and director for ECD up to date with developments;
   2. Supporting the work of the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) that has been contracted to support the DBE and DSD with the ECD function shift.
   3. Provide strategic and technical guidance on the development and implementation of the department’s implementation plan for the function shift;
   4. Provide strategic and technical support related to the DBE’s national census, audit and case studies on ECD as well as the development of national early learning index;
   5. Provide technical assistance in the development of national norms and standards for the registration of early learning and development programmes with the DBE;
   6. Assisting with coordination and strategic direction of the national ECD Think Tank led by the DBE;
   7. Support the work on the National ECD Framework that is led by the DBE;
   8. Provide technical and strategic assistance with government, business and other partners or funders that are involved or planned to be involved in activities pertaining to the function shift;
   9. Provide technical assistance to the DDG, Chief Director and Directorate on the preparation of strategic documents and reports related to the function shift;
   10. Prepare a monthly status report on the key indicators related to the function shift.
2. Provide direct technical and strategic support in relation to the ECD Human Resource Development strategy with particular focus on the implementation thereof and regulatory requirements as far as it pertains to the function shift.
3. Provide technical support and guidance on the additional year of early childhood development before Grade R, inclusive of a framework for the implementation of the additional year linked to the existing foundation phase and the function shift of ECD.

4. Any other task related to the function shift, by mutual, agreement, that is assigned by the DDG.

   Work Assignment Overview: VA TOR for ECD Function shift Office of the DDG.docx

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

• A minimum of an advanced degree or equivalent in education, early childhood education, basic education, child psychology, social sciences or related technical fields
• Knowledge of early learning and development and the ECD sector in South Africa is a requirement.
• Minimum of five years professional work experience in ECD, education, programme management in an education field, preferably in curriculum as well as sound analytical and policy experience.
• Sound knowledge of current developments in the field of early childhood development and basic education as well as sound analytical and policy experience
• Good skills in MsWord and MsExcel as well as excellent and concise writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel and a valid driver’s license.
• Proactive and energetic approach to work.
• Ability and commitment to work under tight timeframes

• Fluency in English is required.

  ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:

The consultant will be based at the Department of Basic Education. The contract will be managed by UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education. The consultant will work as per agreement with Department of Basic Education with resources availed by Department of Basic Education for the execution of the assignment, unless otherwise agreed to during the finalization of the contract.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application to the following link: http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/545265?lApplicationSubSourceID= by 20 February 2022.

This notice will also appear on http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/, http://www.unicef.org/southafrica, UN Job List, UN Jobs

Please indicate your ability, availability, and daily/monthly rate (in ZAR) to undertake the terms of reference above (including admin cost if applicable).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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 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.

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.

Remarks:

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