Technical Assistance for Strategic Development and Documentation of the National Curriculum Reforms (preschool, primary and secondary) in Sri Lanka (distance or in country)

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, how can you make a difference?

Activities and Tasks

The key purpose of this assignment is to provide technical assistance to NIE (National Institute of Education) in the strategic development and documentation of the curriculum reform covering from the preschool education to general education (primary and secondary). The technical assistance will provide technical advice and assistance to consolidate the NIE/Curriculum Reform team’s visions, strategies and plans on the curriculum reforms in a written format within the overarching guiding framework of the ongoing Education Reform. The consultant will provide technical advice in the consolidation process overall.

In coordination with UNICEF Sri Lanka, the consultant will work closely with the Director General (DG) of the NIE and his curriculum reform team in charge at NIE, as well as MoE (Ministry of Education). The consultant will undertake the following key tasks to assist NIE:

1. Review of the existing key relevant reference documents on the national policies and plans, education sector and the school curriculum, as well as the overall education reforms, including those of the curriculum reforms in particular.
2. Consult with the NIE DG and the NIE curriculum team, key stakeholders in MoE and other partners and provide technical assistance and advice in consolidating the visions, strategies and plans on the curriculum reforms (preschool, primary and secondary).

3. Based on the desk reviews and the consultations, provide technical support in documenting those intended overall strategic paradigm shift of the school curriculum and the associated systems aligned with the overarching education reform, in a concise and professional manner, including in the forms of:

4. A written document (report)

5. Presentation slides (summary of the written document)
6. A summary of key information to be used for media, such as video, audio and social media etc. (the media production will be supported by other specialized agencies/consultants)

Work relationships: Under the direct supervision of UNICEF Chief of Education, and with coordination support by the UNICEF Education team, the consultant will closely work with UNICEF Sri Lanka team, NIE and other related key MoE officials and partners.

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

1. Education: Advanced degree on education and/or social science related field
2. Specialist skills/Training: Skills in curriculum development, education policy/strategy analysis and development; institutional capacity development; communication and facilitation skills
3. Years of experience: Minimum 10 years of related experience in education; Knowledge on and working experience in the education sector in Sri Lanka is an asset
4. Competencies: Analytical, Communication, Working with people
5. **Languages required****: Excellent English skills (oral and writing). Local language skills (Sinhala or Tamil) as asset.

Tentative start date - 20 November 2020

Period - 65 working days

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.

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.

Remarks:

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

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

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.