Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization is dedicated to reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with opportunities to thrive and fulfill their potential. UNICEF has been operational in Zimbabwe since 1982, focusing on various initiatives to support children's rights and development. The organization employs a team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfillment of children's rights, working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development and empower children and adolescents.

Job Overview:
The Subject Matter Expert (SME) position at UNICEF Zimbabwe is focused on the development and validation of an e-learning course on Climate Education targeted at infant, junior primary, and lower secondary education levels. The SME will play a crucial role in creating engaging e-learning visuals, infographics, and illustrations that simplify complex climate concepts, thereby enhancing teacher engagement and maximizing the usability of the Climate Change Education Teacher Training Modules. This role is vital in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Zimbabwe, where the education sector is particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by extreme weather events. The SME will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Curriculum Development and Technical Services (CDTS) under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) and institutional contractors, to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the e-learning content.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SME will be responsible for several key tasks, including: 1) Assisting in the review of storyboards created for the e-learning modules, providing feedback on visual and audio design; 2) Attending collaborative meetings with instructional designers and developers to align content; 3) Participating in the testing of the e-course during the pilot phase; 4) Approving final designs of storyboards and voiceovers for the e-learning course; 5) Reviewing and approving the final e-learning course for all three educational levels; 6) Supporting the development of feedback forms and certificates of completion for the course. The SME will ensure that the e-learning content is of high quality, incorporates existing climate education materials, and meets the educational needs of teachers and students.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Development Studies, Environment Studies, or any other relevant social science field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in climate change and resilience building specifically for infant, primary, and secondary education. Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential, along with familiarity with web design, typography, color theory, and layout. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Sociology, Development Studies, Environment Studies, or other social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and its impact on education, as well as for developing effective training modules for teachers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in climate change and resilience building, particularly within the context of education for infant, primary, and secondary levels. This experience should include practical involvement in developing educational materials and training programs that address climate change issues.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of local languages such as Shona and Ndebele is considered an advantage, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local educators and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to begin on October 1, 2025, and will conclude on January 31, 2026, with a total of 123 working days. The selected candidate will be expected to submit both a technical proposal and a financial proposal, detailing the costs associated with the consultancy, including daily rates, travel costs, and any other expenses. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must ensure compliance with health and visa requirements for the duration of their contract.