UNESCO STEM National Consultant for Samoa

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, and culture. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is committed to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its work across various projects and initiatives worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Samoa is part of the 'Fostering STEM Education in Africa and SIDS' project, which aims to enhance the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in four countries, including Samoa. The consultant will play a crucial role in developing quality, relevant, and gender-transformative STEM curricula and programs that complement existing educational frameworks. The consultant's responsibilities will include conducting a STEM Skills Demand Assessment, leading technical working groups, and providing technical expertise to enhance Science and Mathematics curricula. The consultant will work closely with curriculum developers, teachers, and education leaders to ensure that the process is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs and priorities of educational institutions in Samoa. The consultant will also focus on strengthening STEM advocacy and communications efforts to promote the benefits of STEM education and foster equitable participation in STEM fields.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Leading the design and implementation of a STEM Skills Demand Assessment to identify gaps in foundational STEM competencies and their alignment with skills demand.
• Conducting a review of the STEM context, policies, curricula, and standards, and mapping STEM learning activities across primary, secondary, and post-school institutions.
• Leading data collection and analysis through stakeholder consultations, including structured focus group discussions and surveys, to identify skills in demand and foundational competencies.
• Organizing and facilitating national stakeholder consultations to validate findings from assessments.
• Drafting the STEM Skills Demand Assessment Report with technical recommendations for integrating foundational STEM competencies into curricula.
• Leading the STEM Curriculum Enhancement process by providing technical guidance for curriculum enhancement and establishing or strengthening STEM labs/hubs.
• Developing guidelines for STEM laboratories and hubs to support practical, learner-centered STEM education.
• Collaborating with the International Consultant to ensure alignment with international quality standards and best practices.
• Maintaining explicit linkage between the Skills Demand Assessment findings, curriculum enhancement guidance, and STEM labs/hubs guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced degree in Education, International Development, STEM, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in STEM education, curriculum development, teacher education, or project management, with a focus on STEM education.
• Proven experience in STEM curriculum enhancement, particularly in developing countries or small island developing states (SIDS), and specifically in Samoa.
• Expertise in gender-transformative approaches in STEM education and promoting gender equality in education.
• Demonstrated experience in designing or advising on STEM labs, makerspaces, or hands-on STEM learning environments.
• Experience providing technical guidance to governments or national expert teams.
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s education standards and international education frameworks.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Education, International Development, STEM, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the enhancement of STEM education in Samoa.

Experience:
The National Consultant is expected to have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in STEM education, curriculum development, teacher education, or project management. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems, particularly in the context of small island developing states like Samoa, and for effectively implementing the project objectives.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of UNESCO and the project. Knowledge of Samoan may also be beneficial for effective communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set for a duration of three months, from October to December 202

• The position is open to external candidates, and the consultant will be expected to work closely with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States based in Apia, Samoa. The consultant will report directly to the Education Programme Coordinator and will be required to submit various deliverables throughout the consultancy period, including a project activities work plan, skills demand assessment report, enriched STEM curricula, guidelines for STEM labs/hubs, and a final narrative report. Payment will be made upon UNESCO’s review and approval of all submitted deliverables, and the consultant agrees to revise deliverables as necessary based on feedback.