International Consultant - Team Leader for Inclusive Education

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, saving their lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to building a better world for every child, every day, and is committed to never giving up on this mission.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will provide technical leadership and guidance to the national technical team for the introduction of a whole-school approach in the process of modeling school-based assistive technologies, devices, and equipment for inclusive education. This role is crucial in developing a full action plan based on a situational analysis of teaching and learning practices in model schools, delivering targeted capacity development activities, and guiding the process through a whole-school approach. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Pre-school and School Education and other stakeholders to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, receive the support they need in a safe and accessible learning environment. The assignment is expected to start by mid-May and end by mid-October 2025, focusing on the development of inclusive education practices in fifty schools across Uzbekistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of an action plan and capacity development program for introducing assistive technology, devices, equipment, and materials to support inclusive education in safe and accessible schools.
• Conduct meetings and workshops with key national stakeholders to develop the action plan.
• Prepare methodological guidelines, training materials, handouts, training evaluation forms, and training agendas for introducing a whole-school approach.
• Train the national technical team on delivering the capacity development program for schools and establishing a community of practice.
• Provide advisory support and ongoing consultation, guiding the monitoring and refinement of inclusive education models in the project schools.
• Train master teachers on the application of assistive technology and the whole-school approach.
• Submit a final consultancy report summarizing activities, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in education, psychology, or a related field is required. Candidates must have at least 15 years of professional experience in education, with a focus on inclusive education, school improvement, and teacher training systems. Additionally, at least 10 years of experience in transforming education systems for disability and vulnerability inclusion is necessary. Candidates should possess professional experience and expert knowledge in designing curricula and teaching materials, emphasizing student-centered pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Excellent analytical and writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in education, psychology, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of inclusive education and the development of effective teaching strategies and materials.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the education sector, particularly in school education. Candidates should have substantial experience in inclusive education practices and systems, as well as a proven track record in teacher training and school improvement initiatives. Experience in transforming education systems to include children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups is also essential, with at least 10 years dedicated to this area.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken skills required for effective communication and reporting. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last from mid-May 2025 to mid-October 2025, with a total of 100 working days. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Education Specialist and in consultation with national partners and government officials. Payment will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards. The consultant is responsible for their tax liabilities and ensuring 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.