International Consultant for CPD Framework Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on various areas including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, and it plays a crucial role in fostering global partnerships to address pressing issues such as education for all, cultural preservation, and scientific collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for CPD Framework Development is a critical role within the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia. The consultant will provide technical and advisory expertise to UNESCO, the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD), and national counterparts in Sri Lanka. The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a National Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Framework for Teachers and Teacher Educators in Sri Lanka, along with its National Rollout (Implementation) Plan. This initiative is aligned with Sri Lanka's National Policy on Teacher Education and Development (2024-2030) and aims to establish a coherent, competency-based, and reflective CPD system that enhances teacher quality. The consultant will work remotely but will be required to make two field visits to Colombo, Sri Lanka, to engage with stakeholders and facilitate workshops. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of international CPD standards and practices, as well as the ability to provide strategic guidance and quality assurance throughout the framework's design and implementation phases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities throughout the consultancy period. In Phase 1, the consultant will analyze existing documentation related to national CPD policies and global frameworks, advise on the structure and competency areas of the National CPD Framework, and participate in national consultation workshops. This phase will require the consultant to provide technical input and facilitate discussions during stakeholder meetings. In Phase 2, the consultant will review and refine the draft CPD Framework and National Implementation Plan, facilitate technical reviews with key stakeholders, and assist in finalizing the framework to ensure alignment with UNESCO's guidelines. The consultant will also prepare various reports, including an Inception Report and a Final Technical Report, summarizing the methodology, recommendations, and key findings from the consultancy. Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will coordinate closely with the Chief of Education at UNESCO and other stakeholders, ensuring that deliverables meet UNESCO's quality standards.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess an advanced university degree (PhD or Master's) in Education, Teacher Education, Educational Policy, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of international experience in teacher education policy, professional development, or education reform. Demonstrated experience in developing or advising on national or regional CPD frameworks or teacher competency standards is essential. Candidates must also have a proven record of working with governmental institutions and international organizations, including UN agencies. Strong analytical, writing, and facilitation skills are required, along with a solid understanding of international CPD frameworks and teacher professionalization standards. Familiarity with South Asian education systems will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree, either a PhD or a Master's degree, in a relevant field such as Education, Teacher Education, Educational Policy, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of teacher development and educational policy, which are central to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 10 years of international experience in areas related to teacher education policy, professional development, or education reform. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to the development of the CPD Framework and provide valuable insights based on best practices and global standards.

Languages:
All work must be conducted in English, which is the mandatory language for this position. The consultant should be proficient in English to ensure effective communication and collaboration with UNESCO and SACTD. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the South Asian context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 40 working days between December 2025 and March 2026, with two in-country missions to Sri Lanka, each lasting 7 working days plus 1-2 travel days. The consultant will be reimbursed for economy class round-trip air-tickets and visa charges for travel to Sri Lanka. All administrative and logistical support for organizing meetings and workshops in Sri Lanka will be provided by SACTD. The position is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.