International Consultant for Life Skills and Career Guidance

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, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it emphasizes the importance of its work in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a pivotal role in the project 'Building Skills, Shaping Futures – on the path to EU integration,' which is an 18-month initiative funded by the European Union. The consultant's primary responsibility will be to conceptualize and design a comprehensive Life Skills Model tailored to the Albanian education system, aligning with EU standards and national education priorities. This involves defining key competencies, integrating life skills into curricula, and ensuring the model is informed by international best practices. The consultant will also lead the Training of Trainers (ToT) component of the program, which aims to enhance the integration of life skills into upper secondary education curricula and career guidance. The ultimate goal is to strengthen students' competencies for lifelong learning and improve their transition from school to work, thereby contributing to the overall educational reform in Albania.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of a robust Life Skills Model for the Albanian education system, ensuring alignment with EU standards and national priorities.
• Define key competencies and curriculum integration pathways for life skills education.
• Develop pedagogical approaches and implementation modalities for effective integration of life skills into the education system.
• Create sustainability mechanisms to support the ongoing integration of life skills in education.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to ensure coherence between the Life Skills Model and Career Guidance initiatives.
• Conduct qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders.
• Produce analytical reports, policy briefs, and learning materials to support the implementation of the Life Skills Model.
• Facilitate capacity-building programs, including training of trainers, to enhance the skills of educators in delivering life skills education.
• Engage with government institutions, educators, and development partners to promote the model and ensure its successful implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Education, Life Skills Development, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in life skills development and education systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing life skills frameworks and competency-based approaches within education systems.
• Proven experience in working with government institutions, particularly Ministries of Education, and in conducting qualitative research.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities, with a track record of producing high-quality technical reports and policy briefs.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree is required, preferably in fields related to education, psychology, human development, or sociology. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in life skills development and competency-based education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in life skills development, education systems strengthening, and competency-based education. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing life skills models and frameworks at a national or system level, as well as experience in integrating 21st-century skills into educational curricula.

Languages:
Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 10 months, with a remote working arrangement that includes one field mission to Tirana, Albania. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization adheres to strict policies regarding child protection and safeguarding, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.