National Consultant: Integrating Climate and Environment into Teacher Training

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization operates numerous programs and initiatives worldwide, focusing on sustainable development, cultural preservation, and educational equity. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions with member states and partners.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to support the integration of climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into teacher training programs in the Maldives. The consultant will review existing teacher training resources, identify priority climate and environmental topics, assess the readiness of teachers and school leaders to teach these topics, and update training materials to promote learner-centered and action-oriented pedagogies. This role is crucial in enhancing the capacity of the education sector to address climate change and environmental issues, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively deliver climate education. The consultant will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE), National Institute of Education (NIE), and other stakeholders to align the training materials with national frameworks and UNESCO guidance, ultimately contributing to the resilience of learners and education systems in the Maldives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities, including:

• Assessment and Mapping of Teacher Training Resources: Conduct a structured review of existing teacher training resources to identify gaps and opportunities for integrating climate/environment/DRR topics. This involves mapping existing content and pedagogical approaches and defining priority topics in collaboration with NIE.
• Teacher Readiness Assessment: Conduct an online survey to assess teachers' and school leaders' readiness to teach climate/environment/DRR topics, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• Development and Updating of Teacher Training Materials: Update existing training resources and develop new supplementary teaching aids that incorporate priority topics and promote interactive, inclusive, and gender-responsive pedagogies.
• Consultation, Validation, and Finalization: Organize workshops to validate the updated materials and incorporate feedback, ensuring that the resources are officially endorsed by the MoE and integrated into the NIE's core curriculum.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, curriculum development, teacher education, pedagogy, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), environmental education, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with three years of relevant experience is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of progressive professional experience in the education sector, with expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, and institutional capacity development. Strong knowledge of global standards in curriculum design and demonstrated experience in climate change education and ESD are essential. Familiarity with the education systems in South Asia, particularly in the Maldives, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as education, curriculum development, or environmental education. A Bachelor's degree with substantial relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in pedagogy and curriculum design, particularly in the context of sustainable development and climate education.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of progressive professional experience in the education sector, specifically in curriculum development and teacher training. Experience in designing and revising curricula, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or similar contexts, is highly valued. Proven experience in climate change education and integrating ESD into educational systems is also required. Familiarity with the Maldives' education system and experience in conducting capacity assessments will be advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Dhivehi is desired, as it will facilitate collaboration with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultancy. Candidates should be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively in both languages, ensuring that all materials are accessible to the intended audience.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is a remote position with a contract duration of six months. It is open to external candidates and will require the consultant to manage their own logistics, including office space and administrative support. The consultant will be responsible for arranging their own travel and related costs, which should be included in the financial proposal. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter, CV, technical proposal, financial proposal, and samples of relevant work. The selection process may include interviews and assessments, and candidates are expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and does not charge any fees during the hiring process.