International Consultant for the Development of Digital Education Strategy

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.

 Serbia adopted the new Strategy for the Development of Education by 2030, committing itself to education and training reforms with a view to joining the EU. Progress has been made in the areas of further developing digital skills, lifelong learning, and qualifications in line with labour market needs, improving school‐to‐work transition through work-based learning. This consultancy will support the Ministry of Education to develop a national Education Strategy, and a corresponding Action Plan aimed at fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and enhancing digital skills and competences for the digital transformation in education. This will include support in preparing strategic document on digital education covering key enabling factors, including infrastructure and connectivity, access to high-speed internet and digital tools, and the enhancement of teachers’ digital skills through continuous professional development. It will also promote inclusion and accessibility. Additionally, the new strategic document will address the ethical and safe use of technology. This strategic document will be based on principles of collaborative efforts and partnerships with technology providers, encouraging the sharing of best practices and resources. The goal is to create a cohesive and resilient digital education ecosystem that adapts to technological advancements and ensures high-quality education for all.

Work Assignment Overview:

Under the supervision of dedicated expert from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and guidance of the UNICEF Serbia Education Specialist, the consultant will provide direct support to the MoE in the development of Digital Education Strategy 2027-2031. The consultant will do the analysis of the practices of successful educational systems that have (historical, political, and economic) similarities to Serbia. Also, the consultant will align digital education practices with globally recognized standards. The consultant will work with a national consultant to develop the methodology/framework of the Digital Education Strategic directions 2027-2031 and a draft Action Plan as a background document in line with the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.

Duration of the assignment: April – September 2025 (part-time, remote)

Task description:

Task 1: Review of international practices

• Review of effective international practices of digital education policies and measures in education systems with similar backgrounds
• Presentation of the analysis to the MoE Sector for Digital Education and Working Group representatives

Deliverables:

• International Review (Report) with main conclusions and recommendations for strategy development (in consultations with national consultant)
• Presentation of the analysis (ppt)

Timeline: May 5, 2025

Task 2: Gap analysis on digital education policy and measures

• Digital Education Policy analysis (in consultation with national consultant)
• Presentation of the analysis

Deliverables:

• Report on analysis on digital education policy with clearly identified gaps and recommendations for closing the gap
• Presentation of the analysis (ppt)

Timeline: May 5, 2025

Task 3: Supporting national consultant in the process of strategy development

• Supporting development of methodology for Situation Analysis
• Supporting development of methodology/framework of the Digital Education Strategic directions 2027-2031 and draft Action Plan as a background document with the respect and in line with the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia
• Review of different iterations of the Strategic document and Review of the investment case

Deliverables:

• Inputs for methodology for Situation Analysis
• Inputs for methodology of Strategy directions and Action Plan
• Comments and suggestions for Strategic Document and Action Plan

Timeline: May – June 2025

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University degree in human sciences, preferably education, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, or other humanities. Advanced degree will be an asset.
• At least 10 years of international experience in digital education policy and practice.
• Experience in research, analysis and monitoring of education policies.
• Excellent knowledge of the EU policy digital framework in education.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, ability to synthesise complex information.
• Statistical knowledge.
• A high degree of accuracy is important.
• Excellent knowledge of oral and written English language.
• 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 USD as a separate document, providing a separate all-inclusive fee for each task:

1. Task 1,
2. Task 2,
3. Task 3.

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.