Consultant for Community of Practice (CoP) Model Development

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Community of Practice (CoP) Model Development
Location: Freetown
Country: Sierra Leone
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children, providing them with essential services and support to fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a mission to save lives, defend rights, and help children thrive, ensuring that every child has access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. With a workforce of thousands of employees globally, UNICEF collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that address the needs of children and families in various contexts, including emergencies and development settings.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for designing a continuous, cluster-based Community of Practice (CoP) that provides ongoing technical support to teachers at the school level. This role involves coordinating primary data collection activities, producing a CoP model that facilitates mentorship, coaching, and peer learning among teachers, and developing tools for monitoring the implementation of the CoP. The consultant will work closely with government partners and community actors to ensure that the CoP effectively addresses the foundational learning needs of students. The position requires a hybrid work approach, with 70% of the work conducted in-country and 30% remotely, allowing for flexibility while ensuring direct engagement with local stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and conduct primary data collection activities, including classroom observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys with stakeholders.
• Develop a comprehensive CoP model that delivers continuous support to teachers through mentorship and peer learning.
• Pilot the CoP model in selected districts and adjust based on feedback and data collected.
• Create an implementation plan for rolling out the CoP model across all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
• Conduct a desk review of existing knowledge on CoPs for teacher professional development.
• Facilitate key informant interviews and focus groups to gather insights on teacher needs and expected outcomes.
• Develop a first draft of the CoP model and implementation plan, incorporating stakeholder feedback.
• Carry out stakeholder consultations to refine the CoP model before final delivery.
• Deliver the final CoP model and implementation plan, ensuring it meets the needs of teachers and aligns with national education goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education, Social Science, Public Policy, International Development, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in developing and implementing teacher capacity development programs, particularly in West Africa or sub-Saharan Africa, is required. Experience in leading technical work related to teacher professional development, conducting educational research, and engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential. Familiarity with geospatial data and GIS tools, as well as experience in planning and conducting workshops, is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's core values and the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Education, Social Science, Public Policy, or International Development is required. Candidates with degrees in related fields may also be considered, provided they have the necessary experience and skills relevant to the position.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required, particularly in developing and implementing teacher capacity development programs or community of practice initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading technical work related to teacher professional development and engaging with various stakeholders in the education sector. Experience in conducting research in education or related social sciences is also essential, along with familiarity with the challenges faced in developing countries, particularly in emergency contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be hybrid, with 70% of the work conducted in Sierra Leone and 30% remotely. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as medical insurance or leave entitlements. The consultant is responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.