Consultant for Curriculum Development

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 is known for its passionate culture and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. The organization employs a significant number of staff dedicated to various initiatives aimed at improving child welfare and education.

Job Overview:
The consultant will support the modernization and professionalization of the Technical Institute for Social Service in Syria by developing updated, competency-based academic curricula and enhancing the capacity of its teaching staff. This role is crucial in ensuring that the education provided to social service professionals aligns with international standards and meets the evolving needs of Syria's child protection and social protection systems. The consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive curriculum package that includes course syllabi, teaching materials, practicum guidelines, and assessment tools, while also training educators to effectively deliver the revised curriculum. The assignment is expected to last for 12 months, with a combination of on-site and remote work, and aims to address the significant gaps in the current social service workforce in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct consultation meetings with key stakeholders, including MoSAL and the Technical Institute, to identify gaps and needs in the current curriculum.
• Review existing curriculum and conduct a desk review of national and international resources related to social work and child protection.
• Develop a comprehensive, competency-based curriculum for the two-year Social Work diploma, including course syllabi and assessment tools.
• Strengthen the capacity of educators by training selected academic staff to deliver the revised curriculum.
• Facilitate regular consultations and workshops with the Institute and UNICEF to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum.
• Produce a final report detailing the methodology, challenges, and recommendations for future curriculum development.
• Design a standardized training kit for assistant social workers aligned with the new curriculum.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to educators to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Child Development, Protection, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in teaching social work or related fields at the university or technical institute level.
• Proven experience in developing academic curricula and competency-based training programs in social work or child protection.
• Knowledge of international standards and best practices in child protection and social work education.
• Experience working in Middle East or conflict/post-conflict settings is an asset.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to conduct reviews and assessments of training programs.
• Excellent facilitation and capacity-building skills, with experience training faculty or social service professionals.

Educational Background:
A PhD in a relevant field such as Child Development, Sociology, Social Work, or related disciplines is required for this position. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and research skills to develop a comprehensive curriculum that meets international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in teaching social work or related fields at the university or technical institute level. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing academic curricula and competency-based training programs, particularly in the areas of social work and child protection. Experience in conflict or post-conflict settings, especially in the Middle East, is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for understanding the challenges faced in these environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic, both written and spoken, is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the development of curriculum materials that are accessible to the local population. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, with a total of 125 workdays, including 25 days on-site in Damascus and 100 days off-site. The consultant will be supervised by the UNICEF Child Protection Manager and will be required to submit regular reports on progress. The position is not a staff role, and consultants will not receive benefits typically associated with staff positions. Compensation will be based on a lump sum for professional fees, and candidates are encouraged to submit their financial quotes along with their applications. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.