National Curriculum Expert

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. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace in the minds of men and women, fostering sustainable development, and promoting cultural diversity. Its initiatives span various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.

Job Overview:
The position of National Curriculum Expert is part of the Climate Smart Education System Initiative (CSESI), which aims to enhance climate change education across various countries, including Lao PDR. The expert will be responsible for reviewing and analyzing the current curriculum, learning materials, and teacher training programs to strengthen the integration of climate change education, disaster risk reduction, and education for sustainable development. The role involves coordinating stakeholder consultations, synthesizing findings, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the education system's response to climate risks. The expert will work closely with UNESCO and other partners to ensure that the recommendations align with national priorities and contribute to building resilience among learners and the education sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Curriculum Expert will undertake several key tasks, including conducting a desk review of existing curricular documents and teacher training materials to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in climate change education. The expert will also design and facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations to gather insights and validate findings from the desk review. This includes preparing agendas, consultation materials, and documenting proceedings. The expert will synthesize findings from the consultations and desk review to draft recommendations for developing operational guidance and learning materials. Additionally, the expert will engage with stakeholders to validate these recommendations and ensure national alignment and ownership. Finally, the expert will consolidate all findings into a comprehensive report that provides clear guidance for strengthening climate change education in Lao PDR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in education, social sciences, curriculum development, or related fields. They should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in education, curriculum review and development, and teacher training at either the national or international level. A strong understanding of education for sustainable development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction is essential, along with excellent knowledge of the education sector in Lao PDR, including curriculum structures and policy frameworks. Proficiency in IT skills, particularly in MS Office applications, is required, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to work under pressure, plan strategically, and contribute to a multicultural team environment is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in education, social sciences, curriculum development, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of curriculum design and implementation, particularly in the context of climate change education and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education, specifically in curriculum review and development, teaching, or teacher development. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of climate change education and sustainable development, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the education sector in Lao PDR and its specific challenges and opportunities is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Lao is mandatory for this position. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders, documentation, and reporting. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the completion of the tasks outlined in the job description. The position is open to external candidates and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The consultant will be expected to work full-time and may need to engage with various stakeholders across different sectors. Compensation details, including consultancy fees, will be discussed during the application process. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.