Consultant International

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant International is integral to the implementation of priority reforms within the Ministry of Education (MEN) in Mali, particularly focusing on the Bac+3 reform. The consultant will be responsible for developing a competency framework for normal education teachers, which will define the knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected at institutional, pedagogical, disciplinary, and professional levels. This framework must be relevant, coherent, and adapted to current challenges, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to perform their roles effectively. The consultant will work under the authority of the UNESCO Representative in Mali and will closely collaborate with the national technical team of MEN to execute various tasks and activities aimed at achieving these objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1) Analyze existing documentation and conduct benchmarking of competency frameworks used in the sub-region and beyond (including Africa and Europe) to identify best practices. 2) Develop a technical note that outlines the methodological framework and action plan. 3) Collaborate with the MEN technical committee to prepare and facilitate a remote preparatory workshop aimed at identifying the competencies required for initial and ongoing teacher training. 4) Support a technical workshop with a designated national team to co-create the competency framework for normal education teachers over a period of 7 days, engaging key stakeholders in the process. 5) In collaboration with MEN, prepare and facilitate a validation workshop (lasting 3 days) to adopt and finalize the produced competency framework. 6) Produce and submit the final version of the competency framework, incorporating results from various phases and workshops. 7) Participate in design and finalization/validation workshops, dedicating 7 days to this mission (4 days for design and 3 days for finalization).

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications: 1) Expertise in curriculum engineering and the development of competency frameworks, with a Doctorate and at least 20 years of relevant experience. 2) Proven experience in conducting participatory workshops focused on education, skills development, and teacher training. 3) Strong understanding of the Malian and Sahelian educational systems. 4) Excellent writing and synthesis skills. 5) Proficiency in French, both oral and written, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a Doctorate in a relevant field, with a strong emphasis on curriculum development and educational frameworks. Advanced studies in education, pedagogy, or related disciplines are highly desirable, reflecting a deep understanding of educational systems and teacher training methodologies.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 20 years of experience in the field of education, specifically in curriculum development and competency framework design. Experience in leading participatory workshops and a solid understanding of the educational landscape in Mali and the Sahel region are essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, both in oral and written communication. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region or international educational contexts would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position is between 1 to 3 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. This is a full-time consultancy role, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their nationality, as UNESCO is committed to international recruitment. The organization offers a competitive compensation package, which will be discussed during the selection process. All applications will be treated confidentially, and UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, ensuring a safe and equitable work environment.