National Consultant for Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP)

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 through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and the promotion of human rights.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP) is crucial in supporting the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in enhancing the quality of education through the development of a comprehensive Technical Assistance Project Proposal. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), and other stakeholders to ensure that the TAPP aligns with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Transformation Grant (STG) proposal. The consultant will be responsible for conducting consultations, developing the TAPP, and ensuring its approval by relevant government bodies. This role requires a deep understanding of the education sector in Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of teacher professionalization and quality improvement initiatives. The consultant will also need to integrate gender, inclusion, disability, and climate resilience perspectives into the TAPP, ensuring that the proposal is not only technically sound but also socially responsible and aligned with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Head of Education at UNESCO Dhaka Office. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and finalization of the TAPP through consultations with MoE, MoPME, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Providing technical inputs to ensure the TAPP is feasible and aligned with the GPE STG proposal and relevant sub-sector programs.
• Assisting in the government approval process by addressing feedback from government and partners.
• Conducting a desk review of relevant documents and submitting an inception report outlining the work plan.
• Facilitating consultations with stakeholders to inform implementation arrangements and costing.
• Developing the TAPP based on consultations and ensuring it meets government formats and procedures.
• Presenting the draft TAPP for feedback and facilitating its validation.
• Finalizing the TAPP for submission to relevant ministries and the Planning Commission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the education sector, particularly in planning, policy development, and teacher development. Proven experience in developing Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TAPP) or Development Project Proposals (DPP) is essential, along with familiarity with government approval processes and alignment with national policies. Candidates should also have a broad understanding of the rules and procedures of government agencies and development partners in Bangladesh, as well as experience in budgeting, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation systems.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in education, social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field is required. A PhD would be considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex educational issues.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in relevant fields such as education sector planning, policy development, and teacher development. Candidates should have a strong track record of developing project proposals and navigating government processes, demonstrating their capability to manage complex educational projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bangla is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners is crucial. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse groups.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for 40 days over a period of four months, starting in the first week of March 202

• The consultant will be based in Dhaka and will work closely with the UNESCO Education team. Travel and logistics will be arranged by UNESCO as needed, following applicable travel policies. The consultant will be compensated in installments upon the completion and approval of specific deliverables, with the payment schedule defined in the contractual agreement. This position is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.