Consultant for MLE Teaching and Learning Materials

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusion and growth.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to enhance the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of Multilingual Education (MLE) teaching and learning through the review and revision of the MLE curriculum and instructional materials. The consultant will ensure that these materials align with the updated national curriculum, the Early Grade Learning (EGL) approach, and the learning needs of Indigenous children. The consultant will review and adapt syllabi for Vernacular Language, Social Studies, and Science for the first three grades of primary school, ensuring alignment with EGL methodologies. Additionally, the MLE learning materials will be revised to incorporate indigenous knowledge, cultural contexts, gender-responsive education, disability inclusion, and 21st-century skills. Finally, the Teacher Guides for MLE Kreung teachers will also be reviewed and revised for the same subjects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and adapt the syllabi for Vernacular Language (L1), Social Studies, and Science for the first three grades of primary school to align with EGL methodologies.
• Revise MLE learning materials for the same subjects to ensure alignment with indigenous knowledge and cultural contexts, incorporating gender-responsive education and disability inclusion.
• Review and revise Teacher Guides for MLE Kreung teachers in the first three grades for the subjects mentioned.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and other stakeholders to ensure the materials meet national standards.
• Provide technical support and guidance throughout the review and revision process.
• Engage with communities, particularly Indigenous ethnic minority communities, to gather insights and feedback on the materials.
• Prepare and submit reports on the progress and outcomes of the consultancy work.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Education, Language Development, Applied Linguistics, Curriculum Studies, Pedagogy, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the education sector, particularly with national and subnational education authorities.
• Proven experience working with MoEYS and schools, providing technical support in EGL and/or MLE initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, reviewing, and implementing curricula and learning materials.
• Experience with UN agencies, international development organizations, NGOs, or other development partners is advantageous.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is a strong asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or equivalent in fields related to education, language development, applied linguistics, curriculum studies, or pedagogy is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the review and revision of MLE teaching and learning materials.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the education sector, specifically at national and/or subnational education authorities and school levels. The candidate should have proven experience working with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and schools, particularly in Early Grade Learning initiatives and Multilingual Education Programmes. Experience in curriculum development and working with Indigenous communities is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Khmer and English is mandatory. Knowledge of Indigenous languages spoken in Cambodia is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local communities and understand their educational needs.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be a full-time position, with a focus on collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, schools, and communities. 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 the protection of children's rights and safeguarding, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo thorough background checks.