Job Description
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, communication, and information. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity. UNESCO operates various programs and initiatives worldwide, focusing on education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant is crucial in addressing the educational challenges faced in Iraq, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultant will be responsible for enhancing the existing E-rahenan online teacher training platform and developing a new National Teacher Professional Development Hub for the Federal Ministry of Education. This role requires a deep understanding of educational technology and the ability to integrate digital tools into teaching and learning effectively. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq's Ministry of Education, to ensure that the platforms meet the needs of educators across the country. The consultant will also be tasked with delivering training and documentation to enable the ministries to manage and maintain their respective platforms independently after the contract ends. This position is expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of teaching and learning in Iraq, aligning with the country's commitments under the Transforming Education Summit Track 4: Learning and Digital Transformation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key assignments, including:
  • Conducting a comprehensive review of the E-rahenan source code and current architecture to identify areas requiring enhancement.
  • Delivering an upgraded version of the E-rahenan platform that maintains all existing content and interfaces for Kurdish Sorani and Badini.
  • Building a National Teacher Professional Development Hub for the Federal Ministry of Education, guided by E-rahenan’s pedagogical framework, and ensuring content is delivered in Arabic with English and Kurdish informational materials.
  • Uploading and structuring five content packages in the Federal platform, ensuring accessibility and correct organization prior to launch.
  • Delivering training, documentation, and a formal handover to both the Federal MoE and KRI MoE, enabling each ministry to manage and maintain its platform independently after the contract ends.
  • Preparing a Technical Audit Report for E-rahenan, an Inception Report for the Federal platform, and various testing and verification reports to ensure the platforms meet functional and security requirements.
  • Monitoring the deployment and go-live processes for both platforms, ensuring all pilot refinements are implemented and providing post-deployment support.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and system design capabilities. They should have the ability to translate functional and pedagogical requirements into technical solutions effectively. Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills are essential, as well as a proven ability to deliver training and capacity-building to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A high level of accountability, professionalism, and the ability to work independently are also required. The consultant should demonstrate a commitment to the values of UNESCO, including integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in education, information technology, computer science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in educational technology or instructional design would be advantageous. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of both pedagogical principles and technical skills necessary for developing and enhancing educational platforms.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in educational technology, particularly in the development and enhancement of online learning platforms. A minimum of five years of relevant experience is preferred, with a proven track record of successfully managing similar projects. Experience working with governmental or educational institutions in Iraq or similar contexts would be highly beneficial. Familiarity with the educational landscape in Iraq, including the challenges and opportunities in teacher professional development, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. A working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as the Federal platform will deliver content in Arabic. Knowledge of Kurdish is considered an asset, particularly for understanding the needs of educators in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 11 months, and the position is open to external candidates. The consultant will be expected to work remotely, with the possibility of travel to Iraq as needed. The remuneration for this consultancy will be proportionate to the qualifications and experience of the consultant and will align with UNESCO's consultancy rates. UNESCO covers Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and travel expenses in accordance with relevant rules and regulations, so these should not be included in the financial proposal. The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process.
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