Consultant for Special Education Programme Development

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 started its operations in Cambodia in 1952 and opened its first country office in Phnom Penh in 197

• The organization is known for its dedication to children's welfare and has a strong presence in the education sector, particularly in inclusive and special education.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to assess local capacity needs and map available resources for the development and implementation of a bachelor’s degree Programme in Special Education in Cambodia. The consultant will be responsible for providing recommendations on strategies, options, and indicative course content that align with global trends and the local context. This role is crucial in identifying potential partnerships and resources necessary to address local capacity gaps in special education, ensuring that children with disabilities have access to quality education tailored to their needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of local capacity needs in special education.
• Map available local and international resources, including human and financial resources, necessary for the development of the bachelor’s degree Programme in Special Education.
• Provide concrete recommendations on strategies and options for the programme's development and implementation.
• Suggest indicative course content that aligns with current global trends and the Cambodian context.
• Identify potential partnerships and resources required to fill local capacity gaps in special education.
• Prepare high-quality technical and analytical reports based on research and assessment findings.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in the education sector, including government agencies and higher education institutions, to ensure the programme's relevance and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced University Degree (master’s or higher) in Education, preferably in Inclusive or Special Education, Curriculum Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in Education, particularly in inclusive education or special needs education.
• Proven experience in disability inclusion and social inclusion policies and programmes, focusing on supports for children with special learning needs.
• Solid experience working with higher education institutions, including curriculum development and instructional materials design.
• Familiarity with Cambodia’s education sector, including MoEYS policies and qualification frameworks, is considered an asset.
• Strong research, assessment, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports.
• Excellent writing skills in English and proficiency in computer literacy and digital tools.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced University Degree (master’s or higher) in Education, with a preference for degrees in Inclusive or Special Education, Curriculum Studies, or related fields. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in special education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in the field of Education, with a strong emphasis on inclusive education or special needs education. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in disability inclusion and social inclusion policies and programmes, particularly those that support children with disabilities in accessing education. Experience in higher education institutions, especially in curriculum development and instructional design, is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, particularly in writing, as the consultant will be required to produce high-quality reports and documentation. Knowledge of Khmer or other local languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted in a full-time capacity, with specific deliverables and timelines to be agreed upon with UNICEF. The position may involve collaboration with various stakeholders in the education sector, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to UNICEF's core values and principles throughout the engagement. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the selection process, and UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates.