Consultant for National Platform of Open Educational Resources (OER)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established to work in some of the world’s toughest places, aims to reach the most disadvantaged children globally. With operations in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to building a better world for everyone and never gives up on its mission for every child, everywhere, every day.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical expertise and leadership in the development of the National Platform of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Moldova. This initiative is crucial for ensuring equitable access to quality education and supporting the country's digital transformation agenda. The consultant will oversee the development of a concept note and comprehensive technical specifications for the OER platform, ensuring alignment with national and international standards. The role involves stakeholder consultations, strategic guidance, and monitoring the digitalization of STEM textbooks, ensuring that all content meets the national curriculum requirements and adheres to international e-learning standards such as SCORM. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) and UNICEF to ensure the platform's technical soundness, user-friendliness, scalability, and interoperability, ultimately contributing to the quality and sustainability of Moldova's digital education transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a concept note and technical specifications for the National OER Platform, ensuring alignment with international standards.
• Lead stakeholder consultations and provide strategic guidance throughout the development process.
• Develop a roadmap for all stages of development and launching the platform.
• Monitor the digitalization of selected STEM textbooks to ensure consistency with the national curriculum.
• Provide ongoing technical support to MER and UNICEF, ensuring a coordinated and standards-driven approach.
• Organize training sessions for MER and other user groups, ensuring that all documentation is complete and compliant with contractual requirements.
• Submit deliverables in English, including detailed documentation of processes, decisions, and outcomes.
• Prepare a final comprehensive report summarizing all project phases, tasks completed, key achievements, and recommendations for sustainability.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Data Science, Business and Administration/Law, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years of working experience in ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in consultancy services for ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Experience in developing Technical Requirements for information systems, eLearning platforms, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with international institutions/organizations in the digital sector is a strong asset.
• Experience working with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova, particularly in the education sector, is an asset.
• Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills at both technical and policy levels.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Data Science, Business and Administration/Law is required. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of the consultancy and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work. Proven experience in consultancy services for ICT and/or digitalization is essential, as well as experience in developing technical requirements for information systems and eLearning platforms. Experience working with international organizations and the Government of Moldova is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian is required, along with a working knowledge of English. These language skills are necessary for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of deliverables in English.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be performed remotely, and no local travel is required. The payment will be linked to the satisfactory completion of deliverables and acceptance by UNICEF. The consultant will work under the oversight of the Education Officer of UNICEF Moldova, and payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates to apply. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.