International consultant to support in enhancing Math curriculum for grade 5 (phase II), Dushanbe, Tajikistan

UNICEF is seeking an international experts to provide ongoing technical assistance to the MoES and its affiliated agencies for revising math subject standards and development of a set of teaching and learning materials for grade 5-9.

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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, 

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 fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why 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.

How can you make a difference?

According to current National Education Strategy 2021-2030, education reforms in the country are aimed at “upgrading of general education content on the ground of transfer from knowledge-based to competency-based education model”. 

Currently, the Government of Tajikistan continues to prioritize strengthening the competency-based approach in education through revision of the curriculum, teacher professional development and assessment systems. In 2020-2021, MoES has initiated revision of primary curriculum and development of modern teaching and learning materials. The Government of Tajikistan has also partnered with UNICEF within the framework of “Support to National Education Development Strategy for the period until 2030” project, jointly implemented with the Islamic Development Bank and Global Partnership for Education. As part of the project UNICEF is expected to support MoES in revising language and math standards, while developing a new set of language and math materials. This task is to be conducted along with complementary interventions related to formative and summative assessment, as well as the review and strengthening of the system of in-classroom support of teachers to support the implementation of CBE at classroom level.  

As part of the first phase, the national mathematics curriculum and national mathematics textbooks were analyzed, gaps in CBE implementation were identified, competencies for Mathematics were drafted and a workplan for MoES experts was developed to facilitate their revision activities. For the second phase of the project, the consultant will be responsible to review completed tasks and ensure finalization of the joint workplan developed with MoES Affiliated Agencies as per present Terms of Reference. It is expected to be followed by a third and final phase leading to the finalisation of revision of curriculum standards,  textbooks and teaching and learning materials for Math subject, grades 5-9.

PURPOSE:

The key objectives of this assignment are:

1. Build the capacity of the MoES, affiliated agencies and textbook writers in development of competency-based Math standards and teaching and learning materials.
2. Assist the MoES identified curriculum and textbook development experts (100) in the revision and development of new textbooks and CBE materials for one selected grade 5.
3. Provide technical assistance in mainstreaming the approach to revision of curriculum and development of materials within the framework of other components of the project, including baseline study, strengthening of in-classroom teacher support, and introduction of blended learning for teacher professional development.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

UNICEF Tajikistan intends to engage an International consultant for Math who will work in close consultation with the MoES and its affiliated agencies, a national consultant, UNICEF Tajikistan, Project Management Unit of the Islamic Development Bank and all involved partners and stakeholders to ensure the completion of the review of secondary level Math standards, following a first phase of technical support.  It is expected that these activities will contribute to ongoing building of the capacity of relevant agencies in developing CBE based curriculum and materials and ensure finalisation of two units of national textbooks for math grade 5.

It is expected that the consultant will closely work together with other key project experts to ensure there is a consistent approach to development and revision of CBE curriculum and materials and their delivery.

Following the completed first phase of UNICEF technical support in curriculum revision, the consultant is expected to further develop and expand on the comprehensive capacity building programme, while delivering a series of workshops for curriculum and textbooks writers on the principles of CBE. This includes ensuring consistency of teaching and learning materials (including textbooks) with the curriculum and basic principles of development of inclusive, age-appropriate materials.

At the same time, the consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the data collected through the baseline study completed by UNICEF duly informs the revision of standards and development of math materials in the longer perspective.

Key tasks of Math consultant will include:

• Consultant for Math will continue to initiate the revision of math curriculum and education standards for grade 5.

• Consultant for Math will provide additional recommendations for the review of grade 5 Math textbook and materials to ensure that they are aligned with the revised CBE curriculum standards, are age-appropriate, have clear measurable competency-based outcomes for learners, as well as are gender and disability sensitive.

• Consultant will deliver the ongoing capacity building programme including development of overall methodology and training resources to achieve above mentioned objectives. Additional development of training material for curriculum and textbooks developers is expected in line with CBE approach and international standards.

• Consultant is expected to continue ongoing capacity development programme of the MoES affiliated agencies, curriculum and textbook writers in development of CBE based materials through series of workshops, regular consultative meetings and remote support to teams with practical assignments and reviews. 
• Consultant will provide guidance and day to day coordination to national experts identified by UNICEF and Ministry of Education and Science in the completion of the deliverables.
• Consultant will provide technical assistance to other key consultants on mainstreaming the approach to CBE (used in revision of curriculum and material development) across other components of the project

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Estimated duration:  150 w/d during April 2022 – March  2023 (11,5 months)

Duty station: Home-based, given ongoing COVID-19 Restrictions, with scope for in-country travel if restrictions are lifted.

On-site working days: The consultant is requested to have at least three visits with minimum of 18 days for face-to-face workshop with working groups for math subject.

Supervisor:  Chief Education

Reporting to: Education Specialist, UNICEF Tajikistan

KEY DELIVERABLES/TIMEFRAME/PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The assignment will be carried out in 150 days spread over a period ranging from April 2022 to  March 2023. The final products of this consultancy will include the following deliverables:

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

Education: Advanced university degree in the fields of education, with focus on curriculum design, learning assessment and development of teaching and learning materials, and any related fields. PhD level in education is an asset.

Work Experience: At least 8 years of work experience in a relevant field, with focus on curriculum development and education support. Experience in development of curriculum standards, including related to capacity development.

Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of education, with specific focus on subject matter related to Mathematics.

Competencies: Strong analytical and conceptual thinking. Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe. Good writing skills.

Language: Fluency in English, knowledge of Russian is an asset.

REQUIREMENTS:

 Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application/CV.
2. A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project and work plan, showing an understanding of tasks
3. Comprehensive vision plan for mapping competency-based progressions with Math
4. Financial quote for the consultancy, including fees in USD per day and estimates for travel to the country. 
5. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
6. At least two references
7. Applications without Technical and Financial proposals will not be considered

Queries can be sent to: dushanbe@unicef.org with the subject line “International consultant to provide technical support to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan in enhancing Math curriculum for grade 5 ” by 13 April 2022.

TRAVEL/ADMIN INFO:

Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible cost.

Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel and health insurance.

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 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.