Consultants for Sustainability of Change (2 positions)

Under the strategic guidance of the Education Specialist, two consultants will conduct an assessment of Learning Clubs’ experiences, followed with the development of the capacity building program for school directors, ensuring documenting and sustainability of the results to become integral part of the education system.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

The education system in Serbia is at a crossroads, with significant efforts needed to address existing disparities and improve the quality of education. While there are promising developments, such as curriculum reforms, enhancement of the mechanisms for inclusive education and increased focus on digitalization, challenges related to funding, equity, and teachers and school management capacities to sustain the change. Since the 2009 legal reforms, Serbia has made notable progress in inclusive education (IE), with initiatives such as non-conditional enrolment for children with disabilities, the establishment of Inclusive Education Teams, and the introduction of Assistive Technologies. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, particularly for children with disabilities, Roma children, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with a notable portion of vulnerable students missing out on education due to the abrupt shift to online learning. A new educational approach is needed—one that is adaptable, flexible, and inclusive. This approach should emphasize 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, communication, emotional management, and empathy, all integrated in the inclusive setting. Ensuring that all children, particularly those from vulnerable groups, benefit from these changes is essential for a fair and inclusive digital revolution.

The purpose of this assignment is to contribute to UNICEF’s efforts on unified approaches at the school level starting from already developed mechanisms (Learning Clubs, Digital Technology Libraries and STEM), best practices, providing recommendations for Ministry of Education (MoE) related to sustainability of the results achieved, leveraging the impact for the most vulnerable children in Serbia.

Work Assignment Overview:

Under the strategic guidance of the Education Specialist, the two consultants will conduct an assessment followed by the development of a capacity building program for school directors, ensuring documenting and sustainability of the results to become integral part of the education system.

Duration of the assignment: November 2024 – February 2027 (2 consultants, part-time, remote)

Task description:

Task 1: Assessment and documentation of Learning clubs’ experiences, lessons learnt and best practices in Serbia through consultations with schools

Deliverable 1.1. Assessment methodology tool developed and approved by UNICEF

Deliverable 1.2. Final Report on conducted assessment in selected 5-8 schools

Timeline: November 2024 – February 2025 (up to 9 days)

Task 2: Recommendations for further development of the Learning Clubs (LCs)

Deliverable 2.1. Draft recommendations for further development of the Learning Clubs

Deliverable 2.2. How to establish a Learning Club in your school – guide for schools

Deliverable 2.3. Final document (including international literature review, report on conducted assessment in schools, final recommendations agreed with interested parties and power point presentation of the document)

Timeline: January – March 2025 (up to 22 days)

Task 3: Capacity building of school management to improve leadership skills based on business concepts, modernization of practices, change management, increasing motivation of employees, partnering with businesses and local community, communication and management

Deliverable 3.1. Concept, methodology and monitoring framework of capacity building program for school directors document developed in partnership with donor representatives and approved by UNICEF and the MoE

Deliverable 3.2. Capacity building program document (scenario, handouts, etc.) developed in cooperation with the donor, UNICEF and MoE

Deliverable 3.3. Capacity building program facilitation (adjustments during implementation and facilitation of sessions, etc.)

Deliverable 3.4. Community of practice between the donor and school principals facilitation

Deliverable 3.5. Recommendation paper for the sustainability of the results

Timeline: November 2024 – February 2027 (up to 63 days)

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Advanced university degree in Education, Psychology, Pedagogy or other fields of Social Studied and Humanities
• Expertise in national and international assessments in education
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative learning programs
• Excellent knowledge of the Serbian education system
• Expertise in professional development of education professionals
• Experience in writing and reporting
• Excellent analytical, communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent knowledge of Serbian and English
• Work experience with UNICEF and/or other international organizations would be considered as an advantage.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

• Daily rate in RSD (all costs included).

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark “n/a” or “00” under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.