International Consultant for Competency-Based Education

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. 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 is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity. UNESCO operates various programs and initiatives to enhance educational quality and accessibility worldwide, focusing on the integration of technology and innovative practices in education.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Competency-Based Education is designed to provide strategic and technical guidance to the HP FUTURES project, which aims to strengthen the integration of Competency-Based Education (CBE) for 21st-century skills in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India. The consultant will play a crucial role in assessing existing education policies, training programs, and curricular materials related to CBE, identifying gaps, and developing comprehensive reports with strategic recommendations. The consultant will also support the development of a roadmap for statewide teacher capacity building focused on practical implementation of 21st-century competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy. This role requires a deep understanding of educational reform, particularly in the context of competency-based education, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and curriculum developers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of policies, curriculum, teacher training programs, and assessment frameworks related to CBE for 21st-century skills in Himachal Pradesh. This includes evaluating the alignment of these elements with national policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 202

• The consultant will analyze existing in-service teacher training modules, identify gaps, and support the development of a roadmap for teacher training on 21st-century skills. Additionally, the consultant will document findings, prepare reports, and collaborate closely with the UNESCO project team and key education stakeholders to facilitate consultations and gather necessary data for the assessment. The consultant will also be responsible for arranging their own logistics and ensuring that all sources are properly cited according to the UNESCO Style Manual.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Education, Curriculum Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of international experience in education system reform is required, with a focus on competency-based education and 21st-century skills. Demonstrated expertise in designing teacher training programs and conducting educational needs assessments is essential. Familiarity with South Asian education systems is desirable, as is experience working with international non-profit organizations, particularly in education development projects in India or the South Asia region.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or its equivalent, in relevant fields such as Education, Curriculum Development, Public Policy, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational reform and competency-based education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of international experience in education system reform, particularly with a focus on competency-based education and 21st-century skills. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in designing teacher training programs and conducting educational needs assessments, as well as familiarity with the South Asian education context.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is expected to be from 1 July 2025 to 1 February 2026, spanning a total of 7 months. The consultant will be responsible for their own logistics, including office space, administrative support, and travel arrangements, with all related costs included in the lump sum proposal. The consultant must ensure compliance with UNESCO's gender mainstreaming strategy and integrate a gender perspective in all activities. The technical assets produced during this assignment will be the property of UNESCO, and regular feedback will be provided throughout the process to ensure alignment with organizational standards.