International Expert in Curriculum Development

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 presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates through various field offices, including one in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, focusing on improving education quality and efficiency in the region. UNESCO is committed to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education for all, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities, and promoting sustainable development through education.

Job Overview:
The position of International Expert in Curriculum Development is pivotal within the framework of a UNESCO project aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of education services in Uzbekistan. The expert will work closely with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE) to implement interventions that improve the learning environment and strengthen the education system in line with Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles. This role involves piloting initiatives at the Uzbekistan National Pedagogical University (UZNPU) and collaborating with the National Institute of Pedagogical Mastery to align in-service teacher professional development with CBE principles. The expert will be responsible for reviewing curriculum development approaches, assessing their alignment with CBE principles, and proposing a comprehensive framework and roadmap for strengthening CBE integration across both pre-service and in-service teacher education pathways. The position requires a strategic mindset to facilitate the transition to CBE-based curriculum design and delivery, ensuring that the educational reforms are sustainable and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Expert will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting a thorough desk review of national teacher education standards, curriculum frameworks, and institutional guidelines; engaging in consultations with curriculum developers, faculty members, and institutional leadership at UZNPU and Avloniy Institute; examining the current approaches to curriculum design, structure, delivery, and assessment at both institutions; reviewing selected programs to evaluate their alignment with CBE principles; identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current systems; designing and delivering a short training workshop on CBE methodology for working group members; preparing a detailed framework document and roadmap for CBE-aligned curriculum design; providing recommendations for linking pre-service practicum with in-service mentoring systems; developing a concise policy note summarizing recommendations for the Ministry and other institutions; and presenting findings to national stakeholders while integrating their feedback into final deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Education, Curriculum Development, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in teacher education reform, curriculum design, and the implementation of CBE approaches. Proven experience in curriculum review, instructional design, and teacher professional development within higher education contexts is essential. A demonstrated understanding of practicum models and mentoring systems is also required. Experience in post-Soviet or transition education systems is desirable, along with excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English. Knowledge of Russian or Uzbek is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, which typically means a Master's degree or higher, in fields related to Education, Curriculum Development, or similar disciplines. This educational background is crucial as it provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the expert to effectively contribute to curriculum development and educational reform initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, particularly in teacher education reform and curriculum design. This level of experience is critical as it ensures that the expert has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in educational systems, particularly in the context of transitioning to Competency-Based Education. The candidate should also have a proven track record of successful projects and initiatives that demonstrate their capability to lead and influence educational reforms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNESCO and for the documentation involved in the project. Knowledge of Russian or Uzbek is highly desirable, as it would facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the expert's engagement in the educational context of Uzbekistan.

Additional Notes:
This position is a non-staff contract with a duration ranging from 1 to 6 months, allowing for flexibility based on project needs and expert availability. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the application process requires candidates to submit their applications online through the UNESCO careers website. It is important to note that UNESCO adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving diversity in its workforce. Candidates from under-represented Member States are particularly encouraged to apply, and all applications will be treated confidentially. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.