National Early Learning Consultants (ECED and Grade 1 Transition)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, ensuring that they have access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members worldwide and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. The organization offers various opportunities for professional and personal development, reinforcing a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The position of National Early Learning Consultant focuses on enhancing the quality of Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) in Nepal. The consultant will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and refining a Structured Pedagogy-Informed ECED Package and a Grade 1 Transition Package. This role is critical in addressing the challenges identified in national assessments regarding early learning experiences and children's readiness for primary education. The consultant will collaborate with UNICEF and relevant stakeholders to create an integrated package that supports children's learning and development, ensuring they are prepared for a smooth transition into Grade

• The assignment will involve developing structured daily activity plans, formative assessment tools, coaching guidance, and resources for parents and caregivers, all aimed at improving the quality of ECED services and children's developmental outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Collaborating with UNICEF and stakeholders to design and develop the Structured Pedagogy-Informed ECED Package and Grade 1 Transition Package.
• Creating structured daily activity plans for ECED and Grade 1 teachers, focusing on transition.
• Developing formative assessment tools and coaching guidance for teachers.
• Producing school readiness and transition resources, as well as materials for parent and caregiver engagement.
• Providing practical implementation guidance for teachers, schools, and local governments.
• Supporting the testing and refinement of materials and tools based on stakeholder feedback.
• Ensuring that the developed packages are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, scalable, and adaptable to various contexts across Nepal.
• Delivering a technically validated ECED Package and Grade 1 Transition Package, including resources for implementation and monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Teacher Education, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education, foundational learning, curriculum development, and teacher professional development. Demonstrated experience in developing or adapting teaching-learning materials, teacher guidebooks, and training packages for ECED and early primary education is essential. Proven experience in designing and implementing programs focused on school readiness, early grade learning, and structured pedagogy is also required. Candidates should have experience conducting technical consultations and facilitating collaboration with government and education stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in a relevant field such as Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or Teacher Education. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of early learning and development, as well as for effectively contributing to curriculum design and teacher support systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and related areas. Candidates should have a strong track record of developing and implementing educational programs, particularly those focused on early learning and transition to primary education. Experience in working with government entities, development partners, and education stakeholders is highly valued, as is familiarity with the Nepalese education system and ECED curriculum.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of both Nepali and English, with a proven ability to write effectively in Nepali. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in these two languages to ensure effective communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights of children and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles. The recruitment process does not involve any processing fees, and candidates are advised to submit their applications through the official UNICEF recruitment portal.