International Consultant- Digital Teaching and Learning

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Home based with expected missions to Iraq

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract :6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) :

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, education actors in Iraq made significant investments in delivering teaching and learning using distance modalities such as television and other ICTs. However, these efforts were largely uncoordinated, with different actors developing and delivering content in an ad hoc manner, with no over-arching policy and strategy. In order to strengthen MoE capacity to coordinate the integration of ICTs and digital media for learning and to facilitate its delivery, this set of activities builds on Iraq's commitment to the Transforming Education Summit track 4: Learning and Digital Transformation, as well as ongoing investments and lessons learnt from COVID-19, Sub-programme "Digital and Distance Education". These actions fall under the INES first pillar Access and Equity (enrolment and equality) of General Education.

The use of digital technology in teaching and learning reached new prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as much education moved to an online, distance basis. This experience, in Iraq as elsewhere, demonstrated both the advantages and limitations of online learning. Since the end of the pandemic, key questions include the use of digital technology in the classroom, the role of distance or hybrid learning as schools have re-opened, and the capacity of teachers to integrate digital technology into their pedagogical practices. While many of these issues continue to animate international debates, the first step in the national context is to develop an Action Plan that provides a coherent and sound framework for using digital resources in teaching and learning.

Within the framework of ITALEEM project funded by the European Union, UNESCO Office for Iraq is committed to support the MoE in Iraq to enhance the quality of education through the integration of digital technologies. As part of this commitment, UNESCO with the cooperation of MoE aims to develop an EdTech/Digital Teaching and Learning action plan. This initiative is intended to ensure that MoE and teachers are equipped with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to manage the digital interactive curricula or tools for the secondary schools. The Action Plan for EdTech/ Digital teaching will also potentially enable the MOE in Iraq in achieving SDG 4 and transforming education through digital learning. It will also build the resilience of Iraq education system and prepare the education sector to be responsive to the crisis but also contribute to improved access to quality education.

In line with the above, UNESCO Office for Iraq is seeking for a consultant with significant expertise in education technologies, curriculum development and developing national digital learning and teaching strategies. The consultant shall provide a framework for the process and requirements for developing a comprehensive EdTech/Digital Teaching and Learning action plan for MoE. The action plan will serve as a strategic roadmap to guide the implementation of tools and digital curriculum initiatives for secondary school learners and teachers.

Long Description

Duties and Responsibilities of Consultant

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO office for Iraq and under the director supervision of the Chief of Education and the ITALEEM Programme Manager, the consultant shall undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

2.1. Situation Analysis

•Conduct a comprehensive situation analysis to understand the current state of education technology approaches /digitalization in the MoE.

•Evaluate existing digital curriculum, infrastructure, and resources.

•Identify gaps and areas for improvement.

2.2. Key stakeholders consultation and engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders, including educators, administrators, students, and technology providers.

• Facilitate workshops and focus groups to gather input and feedback.

2.3. Identify good practices of EdTec practices, preferably within the region, taking into consideration of the Iraq context and ensuring respect for human rights; inclusion, equity and gender equality are the at the heart of digital solution; Identify relevant digital tools, platforms, and resources that can be integrated into the curriculum.

2.4. Action Plan Development

•Develop a detailed action plan outlining the steps, timelines, and resources required for the digitalization of the curriculum.

•Define clear objectives, outcomes, and performance indicators.

•Provide recommendations for digital content creation, teacher training, and infrastructure upgrades.

2.5. Implementation Strategy

•Develop a phased implementation strategy to ensure a smooth transition to digital curriculum.

•Outline roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders.

•Propose a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and measure impact.

Long Description

Deliverables:

The consultant shall deliver the following:

•A comprehensive situation analysis report.

•Stakeholder engagement report summarizing input and feedback.

•Benchmarking and best practices report.

•Detailed action plan for the digitalization of curriculum.

•Phased implementation strategy document.

•Monitoring and evaluation framework

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.

Required Qualifications

Academic Qualifications
Advanced degree in education or more than 10 years of experiences in the field of education, educational technology, or a related field.

Work Experience

•Proven experience in curriculum development, curriculum digitalization, and teacher training on blended pedagogy.

•Strong understanding of digital education tools and platforms.

•Excellent analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.

•Experience working with government and educational institutions.

Language

• Very good knowledge of English (written and spoken)

•Knowledge of the Arabic language is desirable.

Application Process

Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now", then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English:

* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the "My Employment History Form / My Documents" section of the online application form. Only applications with the below requested information will be considered.
1- A Technical Written proposal (2-3 Pages Maximum) consisting of:

• Comments on the Terms of Reference, if any (in brief);

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), and a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.

• A cover letter outlining their relevant experience and proposal /approach to the assignment.

• A description of your proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment.

• A work plan with detailed milestones and key deliverables/activities as per the terms of reference.

• Examples of previous work related to in- service teachers' capacity development

• List of work assignments and/or THREE (03) contacts as references – to be filled and returned to UNESCO as part of the submission.

2-A Financial proposal in US dollars. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. Please design the payment scheme against a clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in the work plan.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy will be proportionate with the qualifications and experience of the consultant. Detailed budget proposals should be submitted as part of the application process.

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. 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.

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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) 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.

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