UNICEF Consultancy for Tuvalu Education Expenditure Review

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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 and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, ensuring that every child has the right to hope, care, education, and knowledge.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to support the design, development, testing, and refinement of a Structured Pedagogy-Informed Early Childhood Education (ECED) Package and a Grade 1 Transition Package aligned with Nepal's Integrated Curriculum and Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS). The consultant will work closely with UNICEF and relevant stakeholders to enhance the quality of ECED services, improve children's developmental and learning outcomes, and facilitate a smoother transition from ECED to Grade

• The assignment includes developing structured daily activity plans, formative assessment tools, coaching guidance, and resources for parent and caregiver engagement, all aimed at strengthening children's readiness for primary education. The consultancy will also involve testing and refining materials based on stakeholder feedback, ensuring that the packages are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, scalable, and adaptable to various contexts across Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a Structured Pedagogy-Informed ECED Package and a Grade 1 Transition Package, including resources for implementation, monitoring, and teacher support.
• Create structured daily activity plans for ECED and Grade 1 teachers focusing on transition.
• Design formative assessment tools and coaching guidance for teachers.
• Develop school readiness and transition resources, as well as materials for parent and caregiver engagement.
• Collaborate with UNICEF and stakeholders to ensure the packages meet the needs of children and align with national standards.
• Test and refine materials and implementation approaches based on emerging evidence and feedback.
• Ensure that the packages are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and scalable within government systems.
• Deliver a technically validated ECED Package and Grade 1 Transition Package that contributes to improved school readiness and foundational learning outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Teacher Education, or a related field.
• Minimum 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 and curriculum resources for ECED and early primary education.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing programs focused on school readiness and early grade learning.
• Experience conducting technical consultations and facilitating collaboration with government and education stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or Teacher Education. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the ECED and Grade 1 Transition Packages.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education and related fields. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of early learning environments and for effectively designing and implementing educational programs that meet the needs of young children and their educators.

Languages:
Excellent command of both Nepali and English is mandatory, particularly the ability to write proficiently in Nepali. This language proficiency is essential for developing educational materials and engaging with local stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote with travel requirements. UNICEF promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its mission. All candidates must submit an up-to-date profile, CV, cover letter, financial proposal, and a detailed technical proposal demonstrating relevant expertise.