Consultant for Early Childhood Development and Education Curriculum

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories, focusing on saving lives, defending rights, and helping children fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to building a better world for everyone and never gives up on its mission to advocate for every child, ensuring they have a safe environment to grow and thrive.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the development and review of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum in Namibia. This position involves providing technical and expert advice to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) to enhance the existing curriculum frameworks for children aged 0-2 and 3-4 years. The consultant will be responsible for aligning the ECD curricula with the basic education system, building the capacity of educators through structured training, and ensuring inclusive collaboration across sectors. The overarching goal is to create a high-quality early learning environment that supports children's holistic development and prepares them for lifelong learning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including reviewing and updating the current curriculum frameworks for children aged 0-2 and 3-4 years, conducting workshops for educators, developing assessment guidelines, and providing ongoing monitoring and guidance on pedagogical processes. Specific responsibilities include:

• Reviewing existing curriculum frameworks and providing technical input to develop a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum.
• Ensuring the curriculum incorporates various developmental domains such as cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical, and creative development.
• Aligning content with national frameworks and incorporating play-based learning approaches.
• Facilitating the development of assessment tools and guidelines for educators.
• Conducting training and support for various stakeholders involved in early childhood education.
• Collaborating with training institutions to develop and deliver relevant tertiary programs.
• Preparing reports and presentations to support policy dialogue and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in Childhood Development, Pedagogy, Education Curriculum Development, or Early Childhood Education. Alternatively, a first university degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of professional experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in childhood development and education is required, with developing country work experience considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate strong skills in curriculum development, facilitation, report writing, and communication of innovative learning approaches.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s) in a relevant field such as Childhood Development, Pedagogy, Education Curriculum Development, or Early Childhood Education. A first university degree in a relevant field, combined with additional professional experience, may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of early childhood education and curriculum development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in childhood development, pedagogy, education curriculum development, or early childhood education. Experience working in developing countries is considered an asset, as it provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities present in such contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of facilitating learning processes with diverse groups and a strong understanding of Namibia’s national educational systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the communities served by UNICEF. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve travel on a quarterly basis for one-week periods, and the consultant should include travel costs in their financial proposal. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter, CV, P11 form, and both technical and financial proposals. Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered. The position emphasizes UNICEF's commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to the assignment.