Senior National Expert in Technical Education Curriculum Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's initiatives focus on education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, with a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The Senior National Expert in Technical Education Curriculum Development will play a pivotal role in leading the development of competency-based curricula for secondary technical certificates and vocational training in Sudan. This position is part of the SUD-INCA project, which aims to enhance the quality and relevance of technical education in Sudan, particularly for youth, girls, and disadvantaged groups. The expert will be responsible for guiding the curriculum development process, ensuring that it aligns with the National Technical Education Qualifications Framework (NTQF) and meets the needs of the local labor market. The role involves extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, educational institutions, and local communities, to ensure that the curricula developed are practical, relevant, and capable of equipping students with the necessary skills for employment. The expert will also oversee the training of teachers and trainers to ensure effective delivery of the new curricula, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of technical education in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior National Expert will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development of five new competency-based curricula for secondary technical certificates and vocational training courses in various fields such as greenhouse farming, plastic waste management, and fisheries.
• Conducting consultations with local stakeholders to gather input and insights for curriculum development, ensuring that the courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of the labor market.
• Overseeing the formation of curriculum development committees, providing technical support and capacity building to ensure effective collaboration and output.
• Developing comprehensive materials for each course, including course curricula, syllabi, teacher guides, student manuals, and assessment guides.
• Organizing validation workshops to review and refine the developed materials, ensuring they meet UNESCO standards and the expectations of local educational authorities.
• Reporting on the progress of curriculum development activities and providing recommendations for improvements based on feedback from stakeholders.
• Ensuring that the developed courses are linked to clear pathways for further education and employment opportunities for students.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in Technical Education, Curriculum Development, Educational Planning, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical education, vocational training, and curriculum development is required. At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in competency-based curriculum development, particularly for technical education, is essential. Candidates should have proven experience in developing or reviewing curricula, syllabi, teacher/trainer guides, and assessment materials. Familiarity with the National Technical Education Qualifications Framework (NTQF) and experience in conducting labor market needs assessments are also necessary qualifications.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, such as a Master's or PhD, in fields related to Technical Education, Curriculum Development, or Educational Planning. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of curriculum design and the educational needs of the target population in Sudan.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 5 years specifically focused on competency-based curriculum development for technical education. Experience in the Sudanese technical education system and familiarity with local educational institutions and stakeholders is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a track record of successfully leading curriculum development projects and facilitating consultations with diverse groups.

Languages:
A strong command of Arabic, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have a good working knowledge of English, particularly in the context of technical documentation and report writing. Knowledge of local languages such as Badaweit or Tigre/Tigri would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse communities in the targeted regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultant role with a contract duration of 4 months, specifically until December 31, 202

• The position is open to external candidates who are entitled to work in Sudan. The role requires on-site work in Port Sudan, Red Sea State, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local educational institutions. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently under tight deadlines. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process.