International Consultant for Curriculum Reform and National Assessment System

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 globally, and it provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its staff.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Curriculum Reform and National Assessment System is crucial in supporting the Republic of Uzbekistan's educational reforms under the SmartED project. This project is a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, the Ministry of Pre-school and School Education (MOPSE), and various international partners. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a structural review of the current educational context, developing a roadmap for curriculum reform, and establishing quality criteria for assessing the reform processes. The consultant will work closely with government officials and educational experts to ensure that the reforms align with international best practices and meet the diverse needs of students. The role requires a deep understanding of competency-based education principles and the ability to apply these principles in the context of Uzbekistan's educational landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive structural review of the current curriculum and assessment systems, develop a roadmap for reform, and establish quality criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the reforms. Specific tasks include:

• Conducting a structural review of the current educational context and developing a roadmap for curriculum reform.
• Collaborating with government officials to create clear quality criteria for curriculum appraisal.
• Ensuring quality assurance of the curriculum reform process.
• Reviewing existing curricula and educational standards for all subjects.
• Providing technical support and oversight for the assessment reform process, including the development of guidelines for teachers on formative and summative assessments.
• Reporting on progress and outcomes of the reform activities to UNICEF and relevant stakeholders.
• Engaging in regular communication with UNICEF specialists and partners to ensure alignment and coherence in the reform efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a post-graduate degree in social sciences, preferably in education or a related field. They should have a strong understanding of curriculum development and assessment reform, with proven experience in quality assurance and oversight of educational reforms. Familiarity with international best practices in competency-based education and assessment systems is essential. Experience working with government ministries and international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in the context of Uzbekistan or Central Asia.

Educational Background:
A post-graduate degree in social sciences, education, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with a solid foundation in educational theories, curriculum development, and assessment methodologies, which are critical for the successful execution of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in curriculum development and assessment reform, with a preference for those who have worked in the Central Asian region or specifically in Uzbekistan. Proven experience in quality assurance processes and oversight of educational reforms is essential, as well as familiarity with international best practices in education.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in Uzbekistan or Central Asia, would be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from September 2025 to the end of December 2026, with a total of 150 working days allocated for the completion of all tasks and deliverables. The consultant will be required to make at least five trips to Tashkent as part of their duties. Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of the assignment, based on the best value for money principle. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.