OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a national assessment of the benefits and implications of the ratification of the Tokyo Convention and/or the Global Convention. This assessment will inform the Maldivian government about the context of the Tokyo Convention and the Global Convention, analyze the potential impacts on higher education institutions, students, and the labor market, and explain the obligations arising from ratification.

SCOPE OF WORK

The aim of the assignment is to support Maldives’ progress towards joining the international community that cooperates to strengthen processes on recognition of qualifications for academic and professional purposes in line with international norms. The consultant will be responsible for:

Conduct a national benefits analysis for the Maldives to ratify the Tokyo Convention and Global Convention on Higher Education and join the AsiaPacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNI.

Facilitate a oneday inperson consultation involving the Maldives Qualifications Authority, higher education sector stakeholders, industry stakeholders, and government officials by preparing a concept note and programme for the oneday consultation, facilitating all the necessary sessions and producing a report of the consultation proceedings. The logistics of hosting the consultation will be handled by MoHE.

SCOPE OF WORK

Conduct stakeholder interviews involving the MQA, MoHE, universities, private sector representatives, industry associations or councils, other relevant ministries to gather insights on their perspectives regarding ratification.

Analyze the impact the potential economic, social, and educational impacts of ratification on the Maldives, including:

• Benefits for students and graduates in terms of mobility and employability.
• Implications for higher education institutions regarding accreditation and quality assurance.
• Effects on the labor market and workforce development.

Provide evidencebased recommendations on whether the Maldives should ratify the convention, including strategies for implementation if ratification proceeds.

The contractor must ensure that sources are properly cited by using the Harvard referencing style, following international academic standards and making sure that no copyrights are violated. Please refer to the UNESCO Style Manual for citation style, terminology and spelling, abbreviations, references, etc.

The consultant will be working remotely. UNESCO will provide feedback throughout the process, in particular there will be feedback and revisions that are expected to be incorporated for all deliverables. The contractor and UNESCO will hold regular meetings to discuss progress and next steps. In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

The technical assets produced will be the property of UNESCO.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Manageria

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master’s degree and abovin the specialized field of higher education, law, public policy, or related fields.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in higher education, or related fields.
• Proven experience in the area of higher education recognition conventions.
• Strong understanding of the AsiaPacific higher education landscape and the implications of qualification recognition.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• The applicant must have excellent oral communication and writing skills in English.