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For every child, the right to education...

The Republic of Moldova embraces an education policy that is consistent with the European and international education standards that responds to the current issues and needs of the education system and its beneficiaries. Aligned with the objectives of the Development Strategy “Education 2030” (DS), the education system still faces challenges related to the quality of education and poor learning outcomes. Improving the quality of education is part of Moldova's integration efforts, as education is a cornerstone for economic development, social cohesion, and overall progress.

The creation of an effective, innovative, and inspiring learning and development environment summarizes the vision of all policy strategic documents. In a rapidly changing world, children need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and competences needed to thrive in the 21st century. The projected trajectory of the planned curriculum reform initiated by the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) is influenced by both international trends, such as globalization, international student assessments, and the need for defining the knowledge and abilities that are seen to be most valuable in a society and necessary to prepare the children for the future.

Against this background, Moldovan students score consistently less than the average Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries across all PISA scores. The average score for science for 15-year-olds is 411 points compared to the average 476 in OECD countries, with a considerable gender discrepancy of 30 points – girls scoring better than boys. Similar differences are noted across the other two subjects assessed: reading literacy – 419 points for Moldova compared to 476 for OECD, and in mathematics, with 414 compared to 472 ^[1]. At the same time, there is a significant difference in student performance based on the socio-economic status: advantaged students outscore less advantaged students across all measured competencies.

UNICEF as grant agent and coordinating agency of a GPE System Capacity Grant, supports the MER in the curriculum reform.  The overarching objective of the proposed project is to develop and institutionalize a comprehensive curriculum evaluation and development process within the general education system. This initiative aims to address the deficiencies highlighted in the existing curriculum framework, particularly considering the poor performance of Moldovan students in international assessments.

Based on the above, UNICEF Moldova is seeking the technical assistance of a national consultant to support the MER in the review and development of the new National Curriculum documents.

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the MER in the review and development of the new National Curriculum documents for the selected sections. The consultant will also offer methodological support to curriculum evaluators during the process of development of the new curriculum.

Objectives of the consultancy

 The national consultant will be responsible for achieving the following objectives:

1. Contribute to the finalization of the initial version of the Methodology for Curriculum Evaluation, sections related to competences, learning outcomes, and STEAM approaches
2. Conduct workshops for analyzing the reports and results of curriculum evaluation
3. Contribute to the finalization of the initial version of the Methodology for Curriculum Development, sections related to competences, learning outcomes, and STEAM approaches
4. Participate in public consultations on the Methodology for Curriculum Development
5. Conduct trainings on curriculum development
6. Provide methodological assistance in developing initial versions of subject curricula

Details of how the work should be delivered

During the assignment, the consultant will be guided by the Concept of School Curriculum Development^[1] developed by the MER. He/she will take into consideration the Government’s priorities related to the education sector priorities, including the Development Strategy Education 2030, the SDG targets, as well as the National Development Strategy "European Moldova 2030".

The consultant will be part of a team of experts and will work under the guidance of a lead expert selected by UNICEF. He/she will work in close collaboration with MER) including the General Department of Policies in the Field of General Education, National Agency for Curriculum and Evaluation (NACE) and UNICEF.

[1] https://mec.gov.md/sites/default/files/concept-26-aprilie-compressed_6630a85a97a2e.pdf

The consultant will work under the oversight of the Education Officer of UNICEF Moldova, in close coordination with the Education Specialist. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined in the ToR.

Work location and official travel involved 

The work mainly performed remotely and will only require participation in meetings at MER, or other locations within Chisinau. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

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

• Advanced academic degree in education science/policy, social studies and/or another relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the development of curricula for general education
• Proven experience in conducting broad national public policy consultations in the education sector.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government institutions.
• Strong networking and stakeholders’ engagement skills.
• Relevant experience in working with UN Agencies will be an asset.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English. 

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

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

 Technical Offer_New Curriculum.docx

 Financial Offer_New Curriculum.xlsx

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. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

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 candidates from targeted underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

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.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.