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International Consultant to Provide Technical Support in Revision of the In-Service Preschool Teachers’ Training Curricula

UNICEF Global

https://www.unicef.org

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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, Education!

Early Childhood Development and Education is one of the key priority areas of the UNICEF Uzbekistan Country Programme 2021-2025. UNICEF has been providing technical assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to improve access and quality of Early Childhood Education services.
 
In the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) funded project “Enhancing Access to Quality Early Childhood Education Project in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” UNICEF has been providing technical support to the Government in implementation of the component related to the reform of in-service and pre-service training for capacity building of teachers and managers. The sub-component 2.2 of the IsDB funded project has two priority areas: (i) development / revision of in-service training for preschool teachers and managers, and (ii) reforming the pre-service training of preschool teachers with outlined series of activities to achieve the set goals and objectives.
 
In 2024 within in-service teacher training curricula revision sub-component several activities were held to improve in-service teacher training system and address ongoing reforms in Teacher Professional Development (TPD) System. Several developments happened in 2024 in teacher professional system reforms based on the Presidential Resolution # 231 of June 2024 devoted to improvement of the system of continuous professional development of teachers, which envisaged creation of integrated system of retraining and professional development of employees of educational organizations. UNICEF provided technical support in the process of reforming in-service training system for preschool teachers and managers. In particular the International Consultant supported in the revision of the in-service teacher training curriculum and syllabi for preschool teachers, metodologiests and managers, provided several capacity building activities for the National Working Group of Experts and faculty at the level of In-Service teachers’ Training Institute (ISTTI) in charge of revising / develoing new curriculum/syllabi.
 
Based on the technical recommendations of the international experts and the work of the appointed working groups, the curricula for teachers and methodologists have been reviewed and revised from 144 hours into two training paths: a 100-hour in-person program and a 72-hour online course. The in-person program uses hands-on methods for child-centered learning, managing diverse classrooms and promoting social and emotional growth with big emphasis on practical implementation. The introduction of the online courses will give flexibility through digital tools for easy access. As a result, the new in-service teacher training curricula was developed and endorsed to be introduced starting 2025 and over 119,000 preschool teachers will go through the new in-service teacher training over the next five years. The syllabi for the new curricula are being revised and developed accordingly and will be finalized by the beginning of the courses to start in 2025.
 
Also, Curriculum for Directors of Preschool Educational Organizations was revised and improved. In alignment with the Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution #531, which mandates enhanced leadership training for preschool directors, new certified managerial courses were developed at the request of the MOPSE. UNICEF provided technical support in the development of the curriculum for Directors for 144 hours through the review and analysis of their managerial, pedagogical and motivational competencies and needs necessary to lead well in a fast-changing environment. The curriculum was approved and is being pretested in December for full implementation starting January 2025.
 
It is also envisaged that 11 Regional Teacher Training Centers to be established nationwide and in 2024 five Centers have been identified and UNICEF has started procurement of goods to fully equip the Centers to accommodate all teachers through in-service training at regional level within five coming years.
 
Scope of Work:
Within the framework of the IsDB funded project, there are a number of activities planned for 2025 based on Project Appraisal Document and new reqirements of the Goverment in enhancing TPD system. The new teacher training curriculum should be introduced through all 11 In-service-Teachers’ Training Centers established in all regions of Uzbekistan. The reform of the in-service teacher training programme will need to be fully aligned with the ongoing work in pre-service teacher training system and International Consultant is expected to work in collaboration with the Expert hired to support the Pedagogical University and Pedagogical colleges in the pre-service curriculum revision to bridge both programmes and establish continuous system of teacher professional development.
 
Under the direct supervision of the ECD Officer and in close collaboration with the National Consultant the International Consultant will support the activities related to the reforming the teachers’ in-service professional development system for preschool education as per the developed and agreed Project Appraisal Document (PAD), Component 2.2 and closely collaborate with UNICEF appointed expert currently tasked with the review pre-service curriculum in order to ensure synergy and alignment between pre-and in-service teacher programmes in the country.
 
Also, MOPSE approached UNICEF to support review and analysis of the current Preschool curriculum “Ilk Kadam” agains best internationa practicies and Singapore Preschool Curriculum with the possible revision and improvement in 2025 based on Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution. It is expected that International Consultant will provide expert support in review and analysis of the Preschool Curriculum and revision based on the recommendations.
 
The Consultant will contribute to various project phases and ensure achievement of concrete and sustainable program/project results according to plans, budget allocation, result based-management approaches, methodology. Quality review of deliverables will be based on UNICEF’s strategic plan, standards of performance and accountability framework.
This consultancy will require approximately five visits to Uzbekistan in 2025 to be followed by other phases of project implementation as per the PAD.
 
The International Consultant will be in charge of several activities and tasks:
 
1. In-service training for existing preschool teachers & managers
  • Revise in-service training program for managers, methodologists and teachers based on new curriculum, along with capacity building of WG/National experts.
  • Create new syllabi for the revised curricula for managers, teachers, and methodologists (approximately 10).
  • Create (25) practical materials for each Ilk Qadam area, and for each group age working with methodologists and educators.
  • Capacity building for professors/teachers of ISTTI on how to make the lectures more interactive.
  • Analysis of the contents of the Learning Passport and of the WB ECE portal.
  • Develop content for on-line courses prioritized by the Institute for teachers and methodologists in line with 72-hour on-line programme, including pedagogical materials on Ilk Kadam.
  • Develop monitoring and assessment system for in-service teacher training system (managers, methodologists, and teachers).
2. Capacity building of professors/teachers of ISTTI at national and regional levels
  • Develop a training program/package and materials for the training of Master Trainers and professors/teachers of ISTTI.
  • Create an assessment tool for the quality of training assessment/evaluation.
  • Conduct 5-days training of 20-25 Master trainers at national level (ISTTI)
  • Develop a training program and a plan for further trainings of the staff of the Regional Centers.
  • Facilitate and supervise trainings for first five Regional Centers’ staff on teacher training programmes and assessment (together with the National Trainers. Provide feed-back to National Trainers and on-the job coaching.
3. Revision of Ilk Qadam preschool curriculum.
  • Review and make an analysis of the National Preschool Curriculum “Ilk Kadam” based on best international practices (UNESCO frameworks, Singapore and other developed countries).
  • Provide technical support in revision of the “Ilk Qadam” Curriculum based on recommendations of the analysis in close collaboration with Working Group of experts.
  • Conduct meeting/round table discussions with MOPSE to present and discuss revised Ilk Qadam and next steps for further materials development.
  • Create practical material for each Ilk Qadam area, and for each group age working with methodologists and educators.
  • Digitalize materials developed for Ilk Qadam implementation.
Work Assignment Overview – Deliverables – Timeline
 
1. In-service training for existing preschool teachers & Managers – 30 days
  • In collaboration with the National Consultant and working group of National Experts revise in-service training program for managers, methodologists and teachers based on new curriculum, along with capacity building of WG/National experts.
  • Provide technical support to the WG of experts in the creating of the new syllabi for the revised curricula both for teachers and methodologists (approximately 10)
  • Capacity building for professors/teachers of ISTTI on lectures’ interactivity.
  • Creation of a set of pedagogical publications/documentations based on the experimentation from the preschools.
  • Analysis of the contents of the Learning Passport and of the WB ECE portal.
  • Develop content for on-line courses prioritized by the Institute for teachers and methodologists in line with 72-hour on-line programme, including pedagogical materials on Ilk Kadam.
  • Provide regular updates to the management of the ISTTI and MOPSE on the progress and accomplishments.
Deliverables 
  1. In-service teacher training programmes developed.
  2. 10 syllabi developed
  3. Capacity building activities conducted.
  4. # of on-line courses developed.
  5. A report comparing the tools and highlighting material useful for the online in-service training.

2. Capacity building of professors/teachers of ISTTI at national and regional levels – 40 days

  • Develop a training program/package and materials for the training of Master Trainers and professors/teachers of ISTTI.
  • Create an assessment tool for the quality of training assessment/evaluation.
  • Conduct 5-day training for 20-25 Master trainers at national level (ISTTI)
  • Develop a training program and a plan for further trainings in Regional Centers.
  • Facilitate and supervise trainings for first five regional Centers’ staff on teacher training programmes and assessment (together with the National Trainers). Provide feed-back to National Trainers and on-the job coaching.

Deliverables 

  1. Training programme/package and materials developed
  2. Assessment tools created.
  3. TOT for Master trainers conducted;
  4. Training programme for Regional Centers developed and regional trainings supervised and assessed.

3. Provide technical expertise in review and revision of the National Preschool Curriculum “Ilk Kadam” – 60 days

  • Review and analyze the National Preschool Curriculum “Ilk Kadam” based on the observation of the Uzbek context and on the world, class approaches to early education.
  • Four-day workshop with relevant stakeholders for the participatory revision of the “Ilk Qadam”.
  • Provide technical support in revision of the Curriculum based on recommendations of the analysis. Facilitate the work of the National Experts in the revision process.
  • Conduct meetings/round table discussions with MOPSE and other stakeholders to present and discuss revised Ilk Qadam and next steps for further materials development.
  • To facilitate the work of the WG in creating teacher guidebooks for Ilk Qadam implementation.
  • Digitalize materials developed for Ilk Qadam implementation.

Deliverables

  1. Report on the review and analyses provided.
  2. Preschool Curriculum “Ilk Kadam” 2025 for approval
  3. Practical materials/teacher guidebooks developed, including digitalized ones.

4. Reporting and Monitoring – 10 days

  • Provide brief quarterly reports with monthly updates on conducted activities highlighting results and challenges.
  • Prepare the final process documenting report.

Deliverables

  1. Three quarterly reports
  2. Process documenting report

Total 140 days

Travel: Travel International (to Uzbekistan) at least 5 times

Conduct capacity development sessions for the In-service Preschool Teacher Training Institute faculty members and NWG members, conduct TOT and supervise regional trainings. Meetings with MOPSE and other stakeholders.

Please submit a professional fee (in USD) based on 140 working days to undertake this assignment, without travel fees as this will be reimbursed as and when they take place.

Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

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

  • Advanced University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: education, or any other social sciences.
  • More than 10 years of professional and relevant experience in education, preferably in ECD/E in curriculum development, teacher training/capacity development. 
  • Excellent written and spoken skills in English and Russian.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 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 or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

Advertised: 06 Jan 2025 West Asia Standard Time
Deadline: 20 Jan 2025 West Asia Standard Time

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