Lead Expert for HP FUTURES Initiative

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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO works to foster collaboration among nations and promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices. The organization is committed to the principles of respect for diversity, integrity, and professionalism, and it operates numerous programs and initiatives worldwide to enhance educational quality and access.

Job Overview:
The Lead Expert for the HP FUTURES initiative will play a crucial role in guiding the operationalization and institutionalization of Competency-Based Education (CBE) and 21st Century Skills (21CS) across various educational frameworks in Himachal Pradesh, India. This position requires an experienced international consultant who will work closely with local partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of educational reforms aligned with India's National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 202

• The consultant will be responsible for developing technical documentation, training materials, and evaluation frameworks that support teachers and educational institutions in adopting competency-based approaches. The role involves significant collaboration with local educational authorities and requires a deep understanding of the educational landscape in India, particularly in the context of curriculum reform and teacher professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Developing consolidated technical documentation to ensure alignment between NEP 2020, NCF-SE 2023, and other relevant frameworks.
• Creating guidance materials that translate policy into classroom practices, including pedagogical strategies and assessment approaches.
• Designing pilot programs and training workshops for teachers and institutional stakeholders, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities for operationalizing CBE.
• Conducting structured classroom observations and mentoring cycles to analyze instructional practices and provide feedback for improvement.
• Establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and teacher progression.
• Documenting all processes and findings to inform future iterations of the pilot and ensure scalability of successful practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Education, Curriculum Studies, Assessment, Educational Policy, Teacher Training, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in curriculum reform, competency-based education, and teacher professional development is required. Demonstrated expertise in developing policy guidance, training modules, and practical implementation tools on competency-based education is essential. Proven facilitation skills and experience in conducting training workshops are also necessary. Desirable qualifications include experience working with international organizations or the UN, particularly in education development projects, and familiarity with the educational context in India, especially in Himachal Pradesh.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a PhD or equivalent, in fields related to education, such as Curriculum Studies, Assessment, Educational Policy, Teacher Training, or social sciences. This educational background is critical to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the educational reforms being implemented through the HP FUTURES initiative.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in curriculum reform and competency-based education. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and for effectively guiding the implementation of innovative teaching and assessment practices. Experience in mentoring and training educators, as well as a track record of successful project management in educational contexts, will be highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, documentation of processes, and the development of training materials. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in India, may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is set for 7 months, starting from June 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The consultant will be expected to engage in fieldwork in Himachal Pradesh for pilot implementation and mentoring, which will involve two visits to the region. The consultant is responsible for managing their logistical arrangements, including office space, administrative support, and travel arrangements. All costs related to research travel must be included in the financial proposal. The consultant must adhere to UNESCO's standards for citation and documentation, ensuring that all sources are properly cited and that the outputs produced are gender-responsive and aligned with UNESCO's technical standards.