National Consultant for the Development of Digital Education Strategy

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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:

The consultant will provide a detailed inception report and initial literature review findings, along with a refined work plan, key milestones, and a stakeholder engagement list. The consultant will also review Serbian digital education policies and conduct a situation analysis comparing Serbia with EU policies using available data analytics. The consultant will be responsible for developing the strategy framework (in cooperation with an international consultant), drafting a strategic document that encapsulates the policy and investment frameworks, outlines priority areas, estimates costs, identifies potential funding sources, and maps out an implementation timeline. In addition, a preliminary Monitoring & Evaluation Framework will be completed with key performance indicators, data collection methods, and reporting timelines, that will be developed by the consultant to ensure accountability for tracking the strategy’s implementation and impact.

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

Task description:

Task 1: Developing Inception Report

• Development of detailed inception report outlining the assignment’s objectives, methodology, timeline, and initial findings from the literature review (produced by international consultant).
• Presentation of the analysis to MoE Sector for Digital Education and Working Group representatives.

Deliverables:

• Inception Report with assignment’s objectives, methodology, timeline, and initial findings from the literature review refined work plan, key milestones, and a list of stakeholders for engagement
• Presentation of the Report to Working Group (ppt)

Timeline: May 5, 2025

Task 2: Developing the Situation Analysis of digital education in Serbia

• Development of situation analysis of the existing digital education ecosystem in Serbia, assessing strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, identifying implications, recommendations, and suggestions for the digital education strategy, through data analysis and stakeholder consultations.
• Presentation of the analysis to MoE Working group

Deliverables:

• Report on Situation Analysis with recommendations for priority areas for investment.
• Presentation of the analysis (ppt)

Timeline: May 5-15, 2025

Task 3: Developing Digital Education Strategy document

• Develop framework of the Strategy (in cooperation with international consultant)
• Develop a draft strategic document that includes a policy framework investment framework, priority areas, estimated costs/investment case, potential funding sources, and an implementation timeline (done in consultations with relevant stakeholders at national and local level).
• A final draft of strategic document after consultations and endorsement by WG and MoE Steering Committee

Deliverables:

• Framework of the Strategy
• Final strategic document

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 5 years of experience in digital education policy and practice.
• Experience in research, analysis and monitoring of education policies.
• Excellent knowledge of the policy digital framework in education, particularly in Serbian context.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, ability to synthesise complex information.
• Statistical knowledge.
• A high degree of accuracy is important.
• Excellent knowledge of oral and written Serbian and 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 RSD 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.