I. Background:
UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE), is working to strengthen pre-service teacher education in Myanmar through the “Strengthening pre-service Teacher Education in Myanmar (STEM)” programme. The programme addresses four fundamentally important aspects of pre-service teacher education: to formulate a policy framework of pre-service teacher education and identify standards for quality assurance; to improve a system of pre-service teacher training institutions - Education Degree Colleges (EDCs) - by restructuring and redesigning the curriculum and building networks amongst them for knowledge and experience sharing; to develop institutional and human resource management capacities of ECs; and to mainstream inclusion and equity issues in teacher education.
The MoE upgraded Myanmar’s 25 EDCs starting in December 2019 from two-year diploma to four-year degree-awarding institutions in line with international standards of teacher education. In the recent expansion of the EDCs, efficient administration and management is imperative to run the institutions smoothly and effectively.
Among various programme activities, the STEM programme has been supporting the EDCs in strengthening institutional management and capacity for the administrative and finance section staff. Under the programme, managerial, administrative and finance staff at EDCs will be further improve their strategic planning, leadership and management skills. Upcoming work of the programme will include providing technical assistance to support resource planning on upgrading individual EDCs, systematically strengthening professional development opportunities for EDC staff through development and delivery of continuing professional development activities in planning, leadership and management such as budgeting and monitoring and evaluation. .
An international consultant is recruited to provide technical expertise and programme implementation support relating to teacher education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation of implementation of the STEM programme.
II. Work Assignments:
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 the Head of Office in Myanmar, and in close collaboration with the STEM programme team, the Individual Specialist will provide technical expertise and programme implementation support relating to Outcome 3 of the STEM programme, particularly on teacher education planning and management, as well as monitoring of implementation of the STEM programme activities through performing the following tasks:
· Provide advice on the overall strategies under Outcome 3 of the STEM programme and assist in planning and implementing the activities according to the work plan;
· Design and deliver capacity development activities to support managerial, administrative and finance staff at EDCs to strengthen their leadership, management and administration skills;
· Produce meeting minutes, concept notes, briefing notes and presentation files, as well as reviewing programme documents and technical reports relating to the STEM programme, with focus on Outcome 3 activities;
· Lead the monitoring and evaluation activities of the STEM programme activities, including but not limited to finalizing the Theory of Change as well as a monitoring and evaluation framework with input from the team and the stakeholders;
· Compile and analyze data and evidence of the implementation progress of programme activities, producing quarterly progress reports and drafting appropriate narratives and impact stories for inclusion in reporting;
· Develop a set of value for money indicators, targets and means that can be measured for the STEM programme in consultation with the donors and the Ministry of Education;
· Contribute to the development of advocacy and public information materials related to teacher education in Myanmar and STEM programme activities in general, and in particular to strengthening planning, financial and human resource management of EDCs;
· Prepare monitoring and progress reports for the STEM-Steering Committee Meeting and attend the quarterly meeting; and
· Ensure inclusion and equity are taken into account in planning and implementing the above activities.
III. Deliverables and Timeline:
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 2021;
A final report summarizing the activities carried out, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt over the contract period to be completed by end of June 2021; and
A mission report, indicating the purpose of each 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.
IV. Location and travel:
The Individual Specialist will be based in UNESCO Myanmar Project Office in Yangon.
The Individual Specialist will be provided with a round-trip economy class air ticket between his/her place of origin and the duty station Yangon, Myanmar, in addition to the terminal fares as per UNESCO rules and regulations.
During the contract period, the Individual Specialist's necessary visa and stay permit fees will be reimbursed by UNESCO.
The Individual Specialist is responsible for obtaining UNDSS security clearance prior to each approved mission.
V. Fees:
· Middle level international consultant;
· The lump sum is established on the basis of a daily or monthly rate based on UNESCO rules and regulations on Level of Assignment and Remuneration and depending on qualifications; and
· Travel-related costs for missions undertaken within the context of the assignment will be reimbursed as per UNESCO rules and regulations.
VI. Required Qualifications for Specialized Knowledge/Experience:
Education and experience:
· At least Master’s degree with specialization in education, economics, management studies, international development or a related field;
· At least five years of experience in the field of education development, preferably relating to education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience in teacher education or higher education reforms, preferably in the developing country contexts, 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.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit in writing to the UNESCO Myanmar Project Office:
a) A cover letter (in English) and clearly referencing “**International Consultant – STEM outcome 3**”, indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
b) The technical proposal (the methodology and approach(es) to be adopted to carry out the assignment);
c) The expected consultancy fee;
d) An up-to-date CV, with contact details including telephone numbers and email address; and
e) A writing sample.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation best value for money.
Your application should reach yangon@unesco.org by email (please mention “International Consultant: STEM Outcome 3” in email subject line) no later than 17:00 Hours Yangon time, GMT +6:30, on 16 December 2020.