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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, learning

The Republic of Moldova is committed to aligning its education policies with European and international standards, prioritizing quality and sustainability across the sector. Strategic policy documents reflect the Government’s recognition of the critical role education plays in national development, and emphasize a shift toward modern, inclusive, and future ready learning systems. Over recent years, Moldova has made notable progress in reforming its education system through the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the promotion of digital learning tools. This transformation is part of a broader effort to ensure that students are equipped with essential 21st century skills, including digital literacy, problem solving, and critical thinking. Central to this effort is the strengthening of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, seen as a key driver for innovation, technological advancement, and economic growth.

However, several challenges continue to hinder the full realization of these goals. A major barrier is the limited availability of digitized STEM textbooks and interactive educational content that align with the national curriculum. This gap disproportionately affects vulnerable students and teachers in rural areas, where access to up to date and relevant learning resources is often limited. Addressing this digital divide is vital to ensuring equitable, high-quality education for all learners.

The development of a National Platform of Open Educational Resources (OER) in Moldova is necessary in order to ensure equitable access to quality education and support the country’s digital transformation agenda as outlined in the Development Strategy “Education 2030”. Despite ongoing efforts to integrate ICT into education, access to high quality, curriculum aligned digital learning materials remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. The absence of a centralized platform has led to fragmented initiatives, limited resource sharing, and inconsistent alignment with national standards. A National Platform of OER will address these challenges by providing an inclusive, standardized, and sustainable digital repository for open access educational resources, including digitized STEM textbooks. It will enhance teaching and learning by offering interactive and up to date content, support teacher development through accessible training resources, and ensure educational continuity in times of disruption. Moreover, by adhering to international e-learning standards such as SCORM, the platform will enable interoperability and scalability, laying a strong foundation for a modern, resilient, and inclusive education system in Moldova.

As part of the strategic direction, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) is supporting the digitization of selected STEM textbooks. This initiative aims to improve access to quality, digital learning materials and support teachers in the effective delivery of STEM education. To maximize the impact and sustainability of these efforts, the digitized content will be integrated into the National Platform of OER.

To support the effective implementation of these initiatives, UNICEF is seeking the services of an individual consultant to provide technical expertise in the design of technical specifications for the National Platform of OER, as well as to oversee and monitor its development alongside the digitalization process of STEM textbooks. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the platform is technically sound, user friendly, scalable, and interoperable, with digital content that adheres to national curriculum requirements and aligns with international e-learning standards, including SCORM. This role is critical to ensuring the quality, sustainability, and impact of Moldova’s digital education transformation.

 How can you make a difference? 

1. Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise and leadership in overseeing the development of the National Platform of OER including the concept note and the technical specifications, while ensuring quality assurance and alignment with national and international requirements. It also includes monitoring the platform's development and the digitalization of STEM textbooks.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a concept note, and comprehensive technical specifications for the development of a National OER Platform. The platform will be built to align with international standards, ensuring full interoperability and accessibility, including SCORM compliance, to facilitate seamless integration and use across diverse educational systems and user needs. The consultant will lead stakeholder consultations, provide strategic guidance, develop a roadmap for all stages of development and launching, and ensure coordination between the platform developers and main stakeholders.

As part of the initiative, technical support will be provided for the digitalization of selected STEM textbooks. This process will be closely monitored to guarantee consistency with the national curriculum and adherence to established technical standards. Furthermore, ongoing technical support will be extended to the MER and UNICEF, in monitoring and overseeing the works performed by the institutional company/companies, ensuring a coordinated and standards driven approach throughout the development and deployment phases.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered    

The consultancy work shall be delivered in a structured and results oriented manner, ensuring alignment with national priorities, international standards, and the outlined specific deliverables. The consultant is expected to provide high quality technical support, oversight, and quality assurance throughout the development of the National Platform of Open Educational Resources (OER) and the digitalization of STEM textbooks.           

• The work will be organized into five key phases for each of the two main components (OER Platform and STEM textbook digitalization), with clearly defined deliverables and timelines:  Planning & Setup, Design, Development, Testing, Training Documentation & Launch;
• The consultant will develop the concept note and technical specifications for the development of the National Platform of OER;
• The consultant will provide technical expertise to support UNICEF’s procurement processes, including bid evaluations and vendor selection, for contracting service providers tasked with developing the National Platform of OER and digitalizing STEM textbooks;
• The consultant will engage with key stakeholders (MER, UNICEF, institutional contractors, and technical experts) to gather input and ensure alignment. He/she will facilitate consultations and feedback loops during each phase to validate deliverables and adjust plans as needed;
• The consultant will ensure that all platform and content development activities meet international standards (e.g., SCORM, WCAG 2.2, Universal Design for Learning). He/ she will monitor contract provisions and ensure compliance with technical specifications, and all planned deliverables;
• Monitoring of the development and endorsement of user guides and technical documentation will be ensured. Support the organization of training sessions for MER and other user groups;
• Deliverables must be submitted in English and include detailed documentation of processes, decisions, and outcomes. Reports should include observations, recommendations, and endorsements of deliverables;
• Ensure that all documentation developed under the National Platform of OER, including those related to the digitalization of STEM textbooks, is complete, compliant with the contractual requirements, securely stored, and submitted to UNICEF with the final deliverables.

A final comprehensive report will provide a summary of all project phases, tasks completed, key achievements, and recommendations to ensure sustainability.

4. Deliverables and delivery dates

For deliverables and delivery dates, please consult the ToR below.

5. Reporting requirements

The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNICEF Education Officer. The consultant will report to the UNICEF Education Officer, who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance on his/her performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to consultant’s performance and quality of work.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to deliver each component of deliverables electronically (in Word format) in English. At each stage, the deliverable shall be sent to the Education Officer by email.

6. Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR.
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables.
• Quality of work.
• Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterparts.

7. Payment schedule

The payment will be linked to the satisfactory completion of deliverables and acceptance by UNICEF (for exact timelines please consult the ToR below).

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered for failure to meet deadlines

8.Definition of supervisory arrangements

The consultant will work under the oversight of the Education Officer of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

9. Work location and official travel involved

The consultancy will be performed remotely. The work will not require local travels.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• University degree in Information Technology, Communication and Information Engineering, Data Science, Business and Administration/Law, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years of working experience ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in consultancy services for ICT and/or digitalization, including data analysis and analytical work.
• Proven experience in development of Technical Requirements for information systems, eLearning platforms, etc.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the international institution/organization in the digital sector is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience of work with the Government and/or e-Governance Agency of the Republic of Moldova including but not limited to work in the education sector, is an asset.
• Excellent analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills both at technical level and policy level, is an asset.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge in English is required. 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR):

 TOR_individual_National Platform of Open Educational Resources_Digital Books_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below):

 Technical Offer_Digital Books.docx

 Financial Offer_Digital Books.xlsx

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.