Consultant for Career Guidance Framework 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 attractive compensation and benefits package, reinforcing its commitment to children's welfare and rights.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical support to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in developing a scientifically grounded, gender-responsive, and coherent framework for implementing career guidance in general secondary education. This involves conducting comprehensive desk research on international best practices in school-based career guidance, focusing on the elimination of gender-based stereotypes in career exploration. The consultant will also review and align Ukraine's current legislative and regulatory documents with these practices, ensuring coherence with global standards. The role is crucial in addressing systemic gaps in career guidance practices in schools, which have been exacerbated by years of disrupted learning and ongoing hostilities. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF's Education & Skills programme to support the Ministry in developing a national Career Guidance framework that aligns with European career management approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include developing and approving a research methodology, collecting and analyzing official Ukrainian data, conducting desk research on international practices of career guidance, and preparing a comprehensive report. The consultant will conduct expert interviews with representatives of local authorities and educational institutions, transcribe and synthesize the findings, and prepare an integrated analytical report with conclusions and recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will present key findings and recommendations to UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Science, and partners, and provide expert conclusions on the national classification of professions and professional standards for career education counsellors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in Public Policy, Education, Social Sciences, Economics, International Development, or related fields. They should have at least 10 years of proven international experience in education policy analysis and development, designing or evaluating national frameworks, conducting desk research, and advising governments on reforms in education and career guidance. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and excellent communication skills are essential. Familiarity with UNICEF's mandate and child-rights-based approaches is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Education, Social Sciences, Economics, or International Development is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education policy and career guidance frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of proven international experience in relevant areas, including education policy analysis, development of national frameworks, and advising on reforms in education and career guidance. Experience working with EU education approaches and frameworks is also necessary, along with previous collaboration with ministries or national institutions on policy alignment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at a native or near-native level (C2) is mandatory. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the context of Ukraine and its educational system.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted in a full-time capacity, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined in the job description. The consultant will be compensated based on the submission of agreed deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and must adhere to UNICEF's policies and procedures. The position may require the consultant to ensure valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract, and compliance with COVID-19 vaccination mandates may apply unless working remotely.