International Consultant for Pre-Primary Education Curriculum 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 employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical leadership support to the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Fiji to develop an inclusive, developmentally appropriate pre-primary curriculum for 5-year-old children. This includes creating clear teacher pedagogical guidance and formative assessment tools, as well as a recommended list of aligned inclusive teaching materials. The consultant will also develop teacher training modules to support effective curriculum implementation. The consultancy will be delivered in five interconnected phases, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with national priorities and the Pacific Regional Education Framework, ultimately enhancing school readiness and the transition to primary education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an inclusive, developmentally appropriate pre-primary curriculum for 5-year-olds, including pedagogical guidance and assessment tools.
• Create a recommended list of inclusive teaching and learning materials with descriptions of their purpose and pedagogical use.
• Design teacher training modules to support curriculum implementation, focusing on inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with the MoE and stakeholders to ensure alignment with national education policies.
• Document implementation processes and conduct pilot evaluations to inform policy recommendations.
• Facilitate participatory workshops and training sessions for educators.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including ministries of education and development partners, to coordinate efforts and share best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Education, curriculum studies, or a related social sector field.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in curriculum review, design, and implementation for pre-primary and/or primary education.
• Proven ability to lead complex education reform processes and develop curriculum frameworks.
• Strong understanding of education systems in Fiji or the Pacific region, including familiarity with national curriculum frameworks and teacher education systems.
• Demonstrated capacity to engage with stakeholders in multi-stakeholder settings.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, with the ability to translate evidence into actionable recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD or Master’s degree in Education, curriculum studies, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of curriculum development and educational reform.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years of demonstrated experience in curriculum review, design, and implementation for pre-primary and/or primary education is required. This experience should include structured pedagogy and differentiated learning approaches, showcasing the candidate's ability to lead educational initiatives effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-level written documents. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted remotely, with flexibility in working hours to accommodate different time zones. Candidates are required to submit a separate financial offer detailing their fees and any additional costs related to travel, living allowances, and miscellaneous expenses. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet health and vaccination requirements prior to assignment.