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, Education!

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
Support Preschool Education Project Management in implementation and monitoring of the ISDB funded project aimed at raising the quality of Preschool Education in Uzbekistan (in particular, capacity development component).

Early Childhood Development and Education is one of the priority areas of the UNICEF Uzbekistan Country Programme. UNICEF has been providing technical assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to improve access to quality Early Childhood Education services.

UNICEF supports the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan in improving the quality of preschool education at the national level through curriculum reforms based on Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) and competency-based approach, through raising capacity of preschool teachers, enhancing methodological support through development of teaching and learning materials and resources, teacher guidebooks, on-line resources and materials.

In the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) funded project Enhancing Access to Quality Early Childhood Education Project in the Republic of Uzbekistan UNICEF is the implementing partner within the Component 2: Enhancing the Systems and Capacity for Improving Quality of Preschool education and in charge of the implementation Sub-Component 2.2. Reforming in-service & pre-service training for capacity building of teachers and managers. Development Objective of the Project is to enhance access to quality early childhood education facilities and improve the quality of early learning environments in Uzbekistan. Sub-component 2.2 has two priority areas of focus: (i) development / revision of in-service training for preschool teachers and managers, and (ii) reforming the pre-service training of preschool teachers with outlined series of activities to achieve the set goals and objectives.

Several achievements have been completed since the launch of the project, including the completion of assessment of knowledge and skills of the ISTTI pedagogues and launch of revision of the curriculum for In-service Preschool Teacher Training System. As a result of national reform in the Teacher Professional Development system the curricula for preschool teachers and methodologists were revised from 144 hours to 100 hours off-line and 72 hours on-line, and a new curriculum was developed for preschool directors for a total of 144 hours. In the Pre-service preschool teachers training system the curriculum was also revised and 10 new syllabi were developed for Pedagogical University and Pedagogical College. The National Teacher Training Curriculum Framework was developed and is under the approval by MOPSE. The Regional Preschool Teachers’ Training Centers were established in 4 out of 11 planned regions.

Following completion of first phase of project implementation, UNICEF requires expertise to coordinate the implementation of capacity building of pedagogues in the In- and Pre-service teacher training systems for preschool teachers, including the establishment of additional six Regional Teacher Training Centers and one Multimedia Center being established at the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Directors and Specialists of Preschool Education.

UNICEF’s Education section requires a National Consultant to coordinate and ensure quality project implementation, monitoring and reporting with timely risk mitigation. The Consultant will provide technical support in the coordination of the work of reforming in-service and pre-service training for capacity building of teachers and managers, including monitoring of establishing and equipping of remaining Regional Teacher Training Centers.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Education Section and the direct supervision of the ECD Officer the Individual Consultant will coordinate the activities related to the reforming the teachers’ professional development system for preschool education as per the developed and agreed Project Appraisal Document (PAD), Component 2.2. Additionally, the Consultant will contribute to the provision and installation of the equipment in remaining 6 out of 11 regional teacher training centers and coordinate the work between UNICEF Operations section and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MOPSE). The Consultant will provide technical/operational support throughout all the stages of the project implementation and monitoring to facilitate the management and delivery of results and to strengthen process that ensure efficiency, quality assurance and value for money.

The Consultant will support achievement of concrete and sustainable program/project results according to plans, budget allocation, result based-management approaches, methodology and UNICEF’s strategic plans, standards of performance and accountability framework. The Consultant will support in evaluation of bidding/tender documents, including supporting in the identification and recruitment of the required contractors for the project specific activities and liaison with the Government at different levels. The consultant is also expected to support in monitoring and reporting.

The duration of the IsDB Project is 2023-2026. The duration of the current assignment is May 2025 - June 2026 with possible extension depending on project needs.

Scope of Work:

1. Support and facilitate the work in the revision of curricula and development of syllabi at the In- and Pre-service Preschool Teacher Training systems (ISTTI, Pedagogical University (TSPU) and Pedagogical Technicum (PT);
2. Support in capacity building of ISTTI and TSPU/PT teachers on revised curricula and syllabi, including TOT and cascade trainings in all regional teacher training centers (for ISTTI);
3. Support in the improvement of the blended continuous professional learning programme, including development of online materials for in-service training programme and certification, including multimedia materials;
4. Support establishing, launch and monitoring the activities in 11 regional preschool teachers training centers;
5. Support in establishing mentorship model and piloting.

Work Assignments Overview - Deliverables/Outputs - Timeline

1. Supervise, support and facilitate the work on revision of In-service training programme for preschool teachers, methodologists and managers based on new curriculum for In-Service Teacher Training Institute (ISTTI) - May - September (50 days)

• In collaboration with the International Expert provide technical support in organizing the work of the working group of the National Experts (NWG) from ISTTI in revision of the syllabi and relevant modules/courses for preschool teachers, methodologists and directors, and provide technical inputs - Monthly meeting with NWG minutes and at least 10 syllabi/courses developed).
• Provide support in the development of the online/digital courses for 72 hours for preschool teachers and methodologists, including developing multimedia materials using Jalinga multimedia center - NWG developed good quality on-line materials; certification is included into the system; LP integrated into the ISTTI platform
• Support in conducting the practical sessions in 10 selected experimental preschools to compliment theoretical part of the curriculum (including trips to regional preschools) - Monthly reports

2. Support and facilitate capacity building of professors/teachers of ISTTI at national and regional levels - May -October (45 days)

• In collaboration with the International Consultant provide technical support in the development of the training course/package for ISTTI professors/teachers training on child-centered teaching methodology, lectures’ interactivity, and assessment tools -Training package and assessment tools developed.
• Provide support in organizing and conducting TOTs and capacity building activities at the central level at ISTTI and in the regions (trips to the regions to conduct regional/subregional trainings. Total 11 regions) - The list of Master Trainers agreed with MOPSE, qualified Master trainers at national and regional level pre-selected and trained.
• Liaison with MOPSE, ISTTI and regions on all organizational issues related to the capacity building component - Monthly reports.

3. Support in establishing Regional Cluster/Training Centers for In-service training of Preschool Teachers (RTC) and multimedia center at central ISTTI - May - December (35 days)

• Provide support and monitor equipping the ISTTI with Multimedia equipment and capacity building of teacher of ISTTI on how to use the equipment and develop content - Monthly reports; Trip reports.
• Provide technical assistance in completion and reviewing the procurement list for equipping the rest 6 regional cluster teacher training centers in collaboration with MOPSE and follow up with UNICEF OPS team on procurement details, deadlines and delivery - Signed procurement list, review of produced/purchased materials, furniture, equipment.
• Jointly with the Steering Committee (MOPSE/ISTTI and IsDB PMU) conduct monitoring visits to 11 regional training centers to assess condition, preselect rooms, monitor the repair and provision of supplies and their usage - Trip reports.
• Facilitate and support organization of the official Launch of regional centers - Visits organized, PR and other communication and visibility materials developed.

4. Support reforming Pre-service training for preschool teachers through the work with Tashkent State Pedagogical University and Pedagogical Technicum (TSPU/PT) - May = July (30 days)

• In collaboration with the International Expert provide technical support and guidance in organizing the work of the working group of the National Experts (NWG) from TSPU and PT - Monthly meetings conducted/minutes, at least 10 syllabi developed.
• Support development and review of five exemplary course packs for pre-service preschool teachers training program: on research methods, practicum, teaching methods in ECD/E, assessment for learning, and introduction to the National Preschool Curriculum - Review and feedback provided.
• Support conducting needs assessment among professors/teachers of Tashkent State Pedagogical University and Pedagogical Technicum - Data analysis.
• Facilitate and organize a roundtable meeting and discussion with MOPSE/MOHESI on the needs assessment report and further capacity building activities - Agenda, minutes, ministerial Order on the capacity building activities

5. Support and facilitate capacity building of professors/teachers of TSPU and PT at national level (including representatives from the other pedagogical Institutes) - 25 days

• Support developing, translating/adapting and printing relevant training programme materials for the TOT - Monthly reports
• In collaboration with the International Expert and MOPSE and MOHESI provide technical support and guidance in organizing the TOT for 20-25 teachers from TSPU/PT and representatives from other pedagogical institutes - Preselected Master trainers, training programme agreed, report and further recommendations.

6. Support in developing mentorship model to be developed under a new IsDB GPE funded SmartEd project in line with TPD work conducted within the project - 30 days

• Provide technical support in initiating the mentorship programme through development of the TOR for international expert, NWG and facilitate the work and liaison with MOPSE - Work on mentorship programme initiated by the end of 2025
• Provide support in the piloting of the module in preselected preschools - Monthly reports

7. Regular reporting and briefing on the project related issues, including quarterly and annual reports for ISDB funded project (as per PAD) - 25 days

• Provide technical information and updates to the Supervisor on the ongoing and completed activities - Monthly reports and briefs
• Quarterly progress and annual reports prepared and shared with the supervisor for submitting to ISDB - Four Quarterly and One Annual reports

8. Perform technical coordination and programmatic and participate in meetings and activities to ensure liaison with PMU and National Authorities - 10 days

Timely coordination with minutes of meetings

Total: 250 days

Travel International: Participate in the Study Tour in one of the countries to be selected with the Supervisor and the MOPSE if decided.

Travel Local: At least two visits to each project site - at least 3 travels x 2 days each monthly. 

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: education, or any other social sciences.
• More than 10 years of professional and relevant experience in education, preferably in ECD/E in curriculum development, teacher training/capacity development.
• Excellent written and spoken skills in English and Russian, with preferable working Uzbek.

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. 

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 (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.