Consultant for Digital Education Strategy Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to promote the rights and well-being of every child, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, employing approximately 13,000 staff members. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, nutrition, and child protection, striving to ensure that all children have access to quality education and opportunities for growth. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply, and ensuring equitable working conditions for all employees.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Education in Serbia to develop a comprehensive Digital Education Strategy for the years 2027-203

• This position involves analyzing successful educational systems that share historical, political, and economic similarities with Serbia, and aligning digital education practices with globally recognized standards. The consultant will work closely with a national consultant to create a methodology and framework for the strategic directions and draft an Action Plan that adheres to the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia. The consultancy aims to foster a high-performing digital education ecosystem that enhances digital skills and competencies, promotes inclusion and accessibility, and addresses the ethical and safe use of technology in education. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing strategic documents that cover key enabling factors such as infrastructure, connectivity, and continuous professional development for teachers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a review of international practices in digital education policies and measures, particularly in education systems with similar backgrounds to Serbia.
• Present the analysis to the Ministry of Education's Sector for Digital Education and Working Group representatives.
• Deliver an International Review report with main conclusions and recommendations for strategy development, in consultation with the national consultant.
• Perform a gap analysis on digital education policy and measures, identifying gaps and providing recommendations for closing them.
• Support the national consultant in developing the methodology for Situation Analysis and the framework for the Digital Education Strategic directions 2027-203
• Review different iterations of the Strategic document and the investment case, providing inputs and suggestions for the Strategic Document and Action Plan.
• Ensure that all deliverables are completed on time and meet the required standards of quality and accuracy.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a university degree in human sciences, preferably in education, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, or other humanities. An advanced degree will be considered an asset. The candidate must have at least 10 years of international experience in digital education policy and practice, with a strong background in research, analysis, and monitoring of education policies. Excellent knowledge of the EU policy digital framework in education is essential, along with strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills. The ability to synthesize complex information and a high degree of accuracy in work are critical. Proficiency in oral and written English is mandatory, and experience working with UNICEF or other international organizations will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a university degree in human sciences, with a preference for fields such as education, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, or other related humanities. An advanced degree in these areas will be considered a significant advantage, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in educational policy and digital transformation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of international experience in the field of digital education policy and practice. This experience should include a strong focus on research, analysis, and monitoring of education policies, as well as familiarity with the EU digital education framework. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to contribute effectively to the development of educational strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess additional language skills, particularly in Serbian or other languages relevant to the region, will be considered favorably, as this can enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time and remote, with a duration from April to September 202

• Candidates are required to submit a financial proposal in USD as a separate document, detailing an all-inclusive fee for each task outlined in the job description. It is important for applicants to specify their name in the financial proposal file and to avoid indicating financials elsewhere in the application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified for the next stage of the selection process. UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.