National Individual Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to its mission. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its work in various sectors, including education, where it focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Job Overview:
The National Individual Specialist will play a crucial role in conducting a structured review of teacher education curricula in Lao PDR, focusing on integrating gender-responsive pedagogy (GRP), assessment for learning (AfL), and differentiated instruction (DI) into existing teacher education institutions (TEIs). This position is vital for enhancing the quality of teacher education and ensuring that future educators are equipped with the necessary competencies to provide inclusive and effective teaching. The specialist will work closely with UNESCO Bangkok and the Department of Teacher Education (DTE) to assess and revise curricula, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's guidelines and frameworks. The assignment will involve reviewing course syllabi, instructional materials, and assessment approaches to identify opportunities for integrating these critical content areas. The specialist will also be responsible for drafting reports and methodologies that document findings and recommendations for curriculum improvements, thereby contributing to the overall goal of strengthening teacher education in Lao PDR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Individual Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of 45 compulsory and elective courses selected by DTE and UNESCO Bangkok from TEIs for primary and secondary teacher education.
• Examine existing TEI curriculum development reports and competency frameworks as part of a secondary literature review.
• Draft a methodology for the curriculum review and submit it for feedback by 9 March 202
• Critically assess each selected course and its accompanying materials to identify potential entry points for integrating GRP, AfL, and DI content.
• Map the alignment between existing TEI courses and the revised GRP training manual, noting gaps and areas for improvement.
• Draft a narrative analytical report documenting findings and recommendations for curriculum integration, with a focus on GRP, AfL, and DI.
• Submit the draft report by 3 April 2026 for review and incorporate feedback from UNESCO and DTE.
• Finalize the report by 30 April 2026, ensuring it reflects all feedback received.
• Maintain regular communication with UNESCO Bangkok and participate in virtual meetings to ensure alignment with program priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as general education, teacher education, gender-transformative education, gender equality, sexuality education, inclusive education, or social sciences. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of extensive professional expertise and practical field experience in gender and inclusive education, with experience in related technical domains being an asset. Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills are essential for engaging both specialist and generalist audiences. Candidates should also have experience in participatory workshop design and facilitation for adult learning, as well as proficiency in relevant IT infrastructure and software for remote communication.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as education, gender studies, social sciences, or related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of teacher education and the integration of gender-responsive and inclusive teaching practices.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience in gender and inclusive education is required. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and educational assessment. Experience working in the Lao PDR context and familiarity with UNESCO’s educational frameworks will be advantageous. Previous experience with UN agencies or similar organizations is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Lao and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders in the educational sector.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, allowing the specialist to work remotely from any location. The contract duration is from 2 March 2026 to 30 April 2026, with a total of 55 consultancy days anticipated. The specialist may be required to travel to Vientiane capital for a one-day hybrid debriefing meeting to present findings and recommendations. A Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be provided for travel outside the specialist's usual place of residence. The position is open to external candidates, and applications must be submitted through the UNESCO Careers website.