Consultant for Structured Pedagogy Coaching/Mentoring Programme

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 emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical support to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) in South Sudan by developing a structured pedagogy coaching and mentoring programme for pre-primary and lower-primary teachers. This initiative is part of the GPE-TESS programme, which seeks to address the significant challenges faced by South Sudan's education system, including high rates of children out of school and poor learning outcomes. The consultant will work closely with MoGEI and UNICEF colleagues to create a comprehensive structured pedagogy package that includes teaching and learning materials focused on literacy and numeracy, as well as play-based learning. The consultant will also be responsible for training master trainers to implement this programme effectively, ensuring continuous professional development for teachers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a situational analysis and stakeholder engagement, including a desk review of existing teacher professional development systems and structured pedagogy pilots.
• Develop a structured pedagogy coaching/mentoring package, including student materials, teacher guides, and coaching tools.
• Create an implementation plan and roadmap for the structured pedagogy programme, ensuring sustainability within MoGEI and TTIs.
• Pilot-test and validate the structured pedagogy materials through workshops and stakeholder feedback.
• Conduct a five-day training course for master trainers from the University of Juba, equipping them with skills for coaching and mentoring.
• Provide recommendations for institutional ownership and financing to sustain the programme.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Education, Teacher Education, Curriculum Studies, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in teacher professional development, structured pedagogy, or foundational learning. Strong technical expertise in pre-primary and lower-primary learning is essential, along with experience in developing structured pedagogy materials and in-service teacher training manuals. Relevant experience in the education sector in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in South Sudan, is required, along with strong writing, editing, and communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Education, Teacher Education, Curriculum Studies, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of teacher training and curriculum development necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in areas such as teacher professional development, structured pedagogy, or foundational learning. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in the education sector, particularly in fragile contexts like South Sudan, and should demonstrate strong technical expertise in pre-primary and lower-primary education.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will involve a detailed technical and financial proposal submission. The position may require travel within South Sudan and engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials and educational partners. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.