Myanmar: International Consultant – Teacher Education Curriculum Development

Work Assignment:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, the direct supervision of Head of Project Office in Myanmar, the day-to-day guidance of the Senior Education Project Officer and in close collaboration with the STEM project team, the consultant will provide critical input to the curriculum development process for the new four-year pre-service teacher education programme through performing the following tasks:

· Provide technical comments and critical advice to stakeholders on the first, second, third and final drafts of Year 2 student teacher textbooks and teacher educator guides, including but not limited to the proposed learning activities and assessment methods, ensuring vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment and quality, as well as integration of inclusive education content and approaches across the subjects;

· Update draft Year 2 subject syllabi reflecting any changes in the first, second, third and final drafts of Year 2 student teacher textbooks and teacher educator guides and, if applicable, any changes in the basic education subject syllabi;

· Ensure the first, second, third and final drafts of Year 2 student teacher textbooks and teacher educator guides are of good quality, relevant to the Myanmar context and in line with international standards in close collaboration with a team of international and national experts and CCT through the organization of workshops and subject group meetings;

· Provide technical guidance on and monitor the implementation of the piloting of Year 2 curriculum in selected ECs, together with the project team and other international and national experts;

· Contribute to the design, development and delivery of necessary professional development modules tailored to prepare teacher educators to teach the new competency-based curriculum, with due consideration to teacher educators’ professional development needs identified through implementation of the Year 1 curriculum and consultations with stakeholders;

· Participate in relevant sub-sector working group meetings and/or other coordination mechanisms relating to curriculum development reforms with the Ministry of Education and other development partners and provide input to ensure alignment of teacher education curriculum and basic education curriculum; and

· Provide timely advice to the project team and the Ministry of Education on ensuring the curriculum planning, development and implementation process is as effective, efficient and inclusive as possible.

Deliverables and Timeline:

1. Monthly progress reports on the achievements and challenges encountered in delivering the outputs related to the work assignment by the end of each month between February and May 2020.

2. A final report summarizing the activities carried out, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt over the contract period to be completed by the end of June 2020.

3. A mission report, indicating the purpose of the mission, main activities including what was done during the mission, persons met and main points discussed, outcomes of the mission and follow up action points, is required to be submitted within two weeks after the end of each mission.

Location and travel:

The consultant will be based in UNESCO Myanmar Project Office in Yangon, with travel to Nay Pyi Taw and other field sites as required.

Fees:

· A senior level consultant is expected. The lump sum is established on the basis of a daily rate based on UNESCO rules and regulations and depending on qualifications.

· Travel costs for missions undertaken within the context of the assignment will be reimbursed as per UNESCO rules and regulations.

Required Qualifications for Specialized Knowledge/Experience:

Education and experience:

· At least Master’s degree with specialization in education, international development or a related field;

· At least ten years of experience in the field of education development, preferably relating to curriculum development, inclusive education, assessment, teaching and/or educational research. Previous experience in teacher education reforms, preferably at the international level, would be desirable; and

· Good knowledge of the Myanmar country context would be desirable.

Skills and competencies:

Proven research and analytical skills; excellent organizational skills; proficiency in using common office ICT productivity tools; ability to work independently on delegated tasks and collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment; excellent communication skills; and excellent writing and speaking skills in English.

Interested applicants are invited to submit in writing to the UNESCO Project Office in Myanmar:

a) A cover letter (in English) and clearly referencing “International Consultant – Teacher Education Curriculum Development”, indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment, the methodologies and approaches to be adopted to carry out the assignment and the expected fee;

b) An up-to-date CV, with contact details including Skype ID, telephone number and email address;

c) A writing sample in English; and

d) Contact details of three referees.

Your application should be submitted by e-mail to yangon@unesco.org no later than 17:00 Hours (Yangon time) on 22 January 2020 (Wednesday).