Technical assistance to support implementation of ICT In Education In Samoa project

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : \[\[Education\]\] Duty Station: \[\[Apia\]\] Classification of duty station: \[\[Field Office\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement : \[\[From 1 to 6 months\]\] Job Family: \[\[Programmes\]\] Type of contract : \[\[Individual Consultant\]\] Duration of contract : \[\[2 months\]\] Recruitment open to : \[\[External Candidates\]\] Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : \[\[13 January 2023\]\] UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **BACKGROUND INFORMATION** Earlier in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the globe, Samoa quickly closed its borders and schools. Since April 2020, UNESCO has assisted Samoa in connectivity, training, and other training support in making education available through multimedia methods (radio, television, and online through the internet). The Government of Japan responded to the request made by Samoa Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture (MESC) with support from UNESCO. The focus of the ICT in Education project in Samoa will be on marginalized schools due to geographical location, cover low socio-economic status, have gender imbalance, and include children with disabilities. This selection is essential to ensure that the project helps bridge the digital divide in education and ensure that most marginalized students are not left behind. In addition, the project responds to Samoa’s need; • to connect more schools to the regional online learning management platform; • to help production of increasing curricular contents in multimedia formats (radio, television, and online); • for training of teachers and school administration at the school level as well as, training of students and parents to manage multimedia education and • to make available individual devices to the schools, and development of a system for their use by the students for online learning. This project builds upon other on-going support provided to Samoa MESC by UNESCO. UNESCO supported development of regional learning management platforms, which supports Samoa and other Pacific countries. The project includes the delivery of the online learning management platform and trial the platform by connecting a marginalized school and some individual devices to check connectivity, ease of access to learning material, and usage of the material. The collaboration between UNESCO and stakeholders will contribute towards Samoa’s efforts towards SDG4 making a specific contribution to SDG 4.4.1; To support the inclusion of students with disabilities in this process by ensuring accessible learning materials and teacher training and help advance the Education Sector Plan (2019-2024) by selection of a proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills. Long Description ---------------- **RATIONAL** With the adoption and use of ICT in education still at a foundational stage in Samoa’s schools, technical assistance in the form of a consultancy is required to support a range of activities related to capacity building and planning as well as to help ensure successful implementation of the project overall. Specifically, assistance regarding development and sourcing of curriculum-aligned digital resources and promotion of their use in learning and teaching is needed to support relevant MESC teams as well as project school teachers. In addition, assistance with developing workflows and processes relating to how specialist assistive technology devices might be provisioned to Students With Disabilities (SWD) is also required. Finally, there is a need for assistance to support planning and communications related to the delivery of a large-scale, milestone event at the close of the project. Note that this work will complement activities undertaken simultaneously by MESC and UNESCO involving the distribution of a variety of ICT equipment and devices to project schools as well as the development and delivery of related training. Long Description ---------------- **OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS** The overall objective of this work is to support the government’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 which seeks to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” through: i. Supporting MESC and project schools regarding the development and sourcing of curriculum-aligned digital resources and promotion of their use in learning and teaching. ii. Coordinating planning and implementation activities regarding development of workflows and processes needed to support evaluation of the ICT and assistive technology device needs of SWD from both project and non-project schools, as well as the provisioning, management, return and re-use of such devices. iii. Coordinating planning of a project closing event involving project school staff, MESC staff, Government of Japan representatives, project school students and media. Long Description ---------------- **MODALITY** This is a national consultant position that requires physical presence in Samoa. **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**: - A university degree in Education, Educational Technology, Education Management, Social Studies, or Information Systems. Post Graduate degrees should be considered an asset. **Work experience**: • Minimum 5 (five) years of professional experience in education, social studies or information systems. • Strong knowledge and familiarity with the education system in Samoa including curricula as well as MESC’s operations and structure. • Experience working with various counterparts, including government, NGOs, bi-lateral and multilateral agencies, and universities. • Experience in curriculum design, use of educational technology, event planning. **Languages (Essential)**: English, Samoan **Knowledge of Office ICTs**: Microsoft Office or equivalent **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Skills**: • Good knowledge of teaching and learning methodologies. • Well-organised, able to work independently and effectively manage own time. • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. • Ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect. • Ability to effectively work with others in a timely manner. **Specific ICTs**: Moodle, multimedia creation and editing tools **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- Interested applicants must apply online by submitting, 1. Technical proposal, including methodology 2. Financial proposal 3. Proposed work plan 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.