Consultant for Multilingual Education

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) is an organization dedicated to conflict prevention, particularly concerning national minority issues. Established to provide early warning and action, the HCNM assists participating States in shaping policies and legislation that respect minority rights. The organization has been active in promoting mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) initiatives in Central Asia since 2006, recognizing the importance of education in fostering the participation of national minorities in society. The HCNM operates in various countries, focusing on strengthening educational quality and integration through multilingual education.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to identify and pre-select a pool of highly qualified experts in mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE). Selected experts will be included in a roster and may be engaged under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) to provide specialized technical and advisory support for HCNM activities in Central Asia. The role requires experts to work from home but may involve travel for task performance. The position is crucial for enhancing education policies and practices in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, focusing on the development and application of multilingual education methodologies in various educational settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert(s) will be responsible for providing policy-oriented recommendations to improve education policies and practices in the specified Central Asian countries. They will offer expert advice on developing multilingual education methodologies in minority-language educational settings, including pre-school, primary, and secondary education. Additionally, the expert(s) will develop teaching and learning materials to support pilot interventions implementing mother tongue-based education programs. They will contribute to the design and delivery of HCNM activities, including roundtables, workshops, and conferences, focusing on multilingual education management, mother tongue and second language instruction, and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Furthermore, they will provide technical input for analytical and research activities supporting HCNM initiatives, including assessments of multilingual education development and the role of mother tongue in education systems. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, pedagogy, linguistics, or a related field. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of international norms relating to minority rights, particularly in language and education. Proven expertise in multilingual education (MLE) is essential, including experience in training and capacity-building. Candidates must have substantial progressively responsible experience in international cooperation and/or technical assistance in education, along with experience in providing policy-level advisory services. A strong understanding of minority education issues within OSCE participating States is required, and professional experience in Central Asia is considered an asset. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Russian and/or English are mandatory, while knowledge of Central Asian languages is advantageous. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and establish strong professional relationships, along with demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields such as education, pedagogy, linguistics, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of multilingual education and the rights of national minorities.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes substantial progressively responsible experience in international cooperation and/or technical assistance in the field of education. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing policy-level advisory services and a strong understanding of minority education issues, particularly within the context of OSCE participating States. Experience in Central Asia is highly valued and considered an asset for this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills in Russian and/or English, which are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Central Asian languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively within the region's diverse linguistic landscape.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is classified at the National Professional level (NP3). The number of posts available is ten, and the contract type is for consultancy. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and deliverables, adhering to current OSCE consultancy rates. Inclusion in the HCNM roster of experts on multilingual education does not guarantee contract awards, as engagements will be made on an as-needed basis. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization retains the discretion to re-advertise or modify the vacancy as necessary.