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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to hope 

Please access UNICEF Sierra Leone information here and here

How can you make a difference? 

The key objectives of the consultancy include:

1.   Assist the MBSSE/TSC and GPE team to select, initiate and train a national technical team of P3 literacy writers to develop P3 literacy TLMs.

2.   Lead and support the writing of P3 literacy TLMs comprising the Teachers Guide, Pupils Textbook and Pupils Workbook through a strictly controlled and timed TLMs development process.

3.   Provide continuous guidance and support to the national technical team to develop and prepare the Teacher’s Guide, Pupils Textbook, Pupils Workbook, and other materials for P3.

Scope of Work

1.   Review the existing materials for P3 literacy in Sierra Leone and the previous work done on the instructional core for P1 and P2 literacy, led by the TSC

2.   Support selection and formation of a team of national writers and train them in writing literacy TLMs for P3

3.   Provide guidance to the national writers to prepare chapters for the TLMs, commensurate with international standards, review chapters/provide feedback to the writers and finalize the content.

4.   Support the piloting exercise for the developed P3 TLMs, including analysis of the data collected and proposal of recommendations for finalization of the TLMs.

5.   Provide guidance and support to the national team in revising the model chapters, given the feedback/observation data, and support the writers to finalize the chapters.

6.   Work with the graphic design firm to oversee the design of the final TLMs, including the development and placement of context-appropriate illustrations, appropriate cover designs, editing and adjusting the TLMs according to the agreed specifications.

7.   Train master trainers on the TLMs.

8.   Support and guide the validation of the P3 literacy TLMs with the Ministry/TSC and relevant stakeholders.

9.   Develop facilitation and trainees guides for the nationwide teacher training of P3 literacy teachers.

10. Produce a final report on the P3 literacy materials development process.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  VA TOR - Development of Literacy Materials Consultant.pdf

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

Education: An advanced degree in Education, preferably with specialization in early grade literacy, modern pedagogy or curriculum development and teacher capacity building. Doctorate degree with a focus on early grade literacy is desirable.

Work Experience: At least 12 years of relevant demonstrated work experience in

• Leading technical work to develop early grade literacy teaching and learning materials of high quality.
• Developing and implementing teacher capacity development activities, preferably in West Africa or sub-Saharan Africa.

Skills:

• Strong data analysis skills, preferably in relation to monitoring and evaluating programs and activities targeting early grade literacy strengthening.
• Effectively engaging with writers, illustrators, and diverse stakeholders, including government officials, education partners, teachers and local stakeholders.
• Strong writing and communication skills in English.
• Commitment to UNICEF’s core values of care, respect, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment.
• Ability to deliver assignments in a timely manner while operating under tight deadlines and managing multiple tasks.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirable:

• Experience with the UN or other international development organizations is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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. 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.

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.