Technical Assistance -Carpentry and Joinery Curriculum Development

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : SHORT TERM CONTRACT

Level :  LEVEL 3

Hiring Unit : EDUCATION

Duty Station : APIA

Work location : APIA, SAMOA

Duration of contract : 5 MONTHS

Hiring open to : EXTERNAL CANDIDATES

Application deadline (Midnight 5 JUNE 2026 Time) : 11.59 P.M.

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) is leading the implementation of the System Transformation Grant Project (STG) – ‘A maua’a Fa’avae o ataata lelei na o ā Taeao: Quality Foundations to Prosperous Futures Project’, with UNESCO serving as the Grant Agent. The Project is a USD 2.5 million education reform initiative funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The Project prioritizes teacher development, gender equality, inclusion, and community participation, ensuring interventions are holistic, evidence-based, and responsive to the diverse and intersecting needs of all Samoan learners.

This is a four-year Project that focuses on three key domains: (i) early childhood education (ECE) and transitions to primary, (ii) foundational learning in primary schooling, and (iii) secondary-level technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathways.

The Project goals and outcomes align with education priorities identified in international, regional, and national development strategies, including: the United Nations 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goal 4); the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent; the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) 2018–2030; Samoa 2040; the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (2021–22 to 2025–26); and the Samoa Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2025– 2030. The Project involves broad collaboration across the education sector, including the National University of Samoa (NUS), the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA), national education institutions and training providers, and development partners. 

CONSULTANCY RATIONALE

The Project aims to build a cohesive, inclusive education system in Samoa, where quality learning pathways are accessible to all learners, founded on quality early childhood education through to vocational training and beyond. The third component of the Project focuses on strengthening secondary-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways to address persistent challenges within the sub-sector and enhance its contribution to national workforce development.

Secondary education in Samoa continues to face structural bottlenecks, including high dropout rates, particularly among boys and in Years 11–12, and limited pathways for learners in the later years of schooling or upon completion. Expanding access to high-quality, attractive, and relevant TVET programmes at the secondary level provides an opportunity to support continued learning through higher education or offer alternative pathways for young people seeking to enter the labour market. Strengthened TVET provision can reduce socioeconomic and geographic inequalities and equip learners with the skills needed to thrive in a changing labour market. The Project has made provisions to enhance targeted support to improve alignment, governance, and coordination within the TVET sub-sector and support the Ministry of Education with repackaging exercise to establish a flexible, coherent, and well-coordinated structure for TVET in secondary schools and strengthen pathways that enable students to transition into employment or continue further studies in TVET fields.

CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVE

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States and the direct supervision of the Education Programme Specialist, UNESCO will manage a consultancy to recruit a Technical Expert who will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Culture, through its Curriculum, Materials and Development Division (CDMD).

The Technical Expert will provide specialised support to develop or upgrade curricula and training programmes for selected trades, with a primary focus on Carpentry and Joinery. The assignment involves reviewing the existing vocational curriculum, identifying gaps, and designing an upgraded programme that aligns with national TVET policies, the Samoa Qualifications Framework, and MEC’s ongoing repackaging efforts.

- Provide evidence-based recommendations for policy advice and costed planning to enhance access, participation and quality service provision in all ECE Centers across Samoa.

This Consultancy Assignment is open for Individual Consultants or a Consultancy Firm. The selected applicant will be contracted under UNESCO as the Grant Agent of the Project. 

Working closely with CDMD and key industry stakeholders, the consultant will ensure the curriculum reflects labour-market needs and integrates digital and green skills to create clear, coordinated pathways for students progressing into employment or further TVET studies

Under the guidance and close consultation this Consultancy Assignment is expected to.

- Develop a high-quality, competency-based TVET curriculum and programme design for Carpentry and Joinery (Certificate Level 1).

- Strengthen alignment of secondary-level TVET offerings with the Samoa Qualifications Framework (SQF) and National Competency Standards (NCS).

- Support MEC and stakeholders to implement the new curriculum through training and capacity-building.

- Contribute to the broader reform of secondary-level TVET pathways under the STG Project. 

Long Description

Scope of Consultancy Assignment

The Technical Expertise under the guidance of the ACEO CDMC, will work closely with CDMD staff, TVET subject teachers, qualified tradespersons or registered TVET trainers, and will consult with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA), National University of Samoa (NUS), and relevant PSET providers.

In accordance with the National School TVET Policy (2018–2023), the assignment delivers the following tasks:

• Develop a draft TVET programme design and course descriptors for Carpentry and Joinery (Certificate Level 1).

o Areas to consider include:

▪ Pathways and strategies for reporting NCS-aligned credits against the Samoa Qualifications Framework.

▪ Relevant assessment standards and tools aligned with learning outcomes.

▪ Resource requirements for effective delivery and learning.

• Present draft programme design and course descriptors to the TVET Unit and CDMD, including a report on how feedback informed revisions.

• Contribute to the finalization of the TVET Certificate Level 1 curriculum in Carpentry and Joinery.

• Facilitate a training workshop for CDMD TVET staff and subject panel members on the application and implementation of the new curriculum. • Submit a final report summarizing the process, findings, recommendations, and all deliverables. 

Long Description

Consultancy Deliverables

All deliverables must be supported by documented evidence demonstrating that the Individual Consultant or the Consultancy Firm, has undertaken and achieved the work, that outputs are complete, and that they meet the required standards of quality.

The key outputs of the Consultancy Assignment and their expected deliveries are as follows:

• Comprehensive workplan with timeframes and outputs.

• Draft TVET Curriculum Design and Course Descriptor for Carpentry and Joinery (Cert 1).

• Summary report of consultation findings.

• Report on training workshop for Years 11–12 TVET programmes in prioritized fields.

• Final exit report addressing the full Terms of Reference. 

The Deliverables will be thoroughly reviewed by the MEC and UNESCO, with success measured against documented evidence of work. Upon meeting satisfactory completion and quality, the report will be approved for payment. 

Long Description

Consultancy Timeframe and Level of Effort

The assignment is expected to commence in July 2026 and will require up to 30 days over a three-month period (July–September 2026), with an optional extension of up to 10 days between November–December 2026. Total duration: up to 30 days over six months .

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Qualifications
•Minimum of Certificate III in Carpentry & Joinery;
•An SQA-accepted TVET trainer qualification;
•Minimum of 5 years relevant Carpentry & Joinery teaching experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in TVET curriculum and instructional design in the Pacific (preferably Pacific Island contexts).
• Relevant academic background or internationally recognized professional experience in Carpentry and Joinery.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and computing skills. 
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation. 
• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills 

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

LANGUAGES

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Long Description

Information Package

The following documents will be provided to the consultant:

• National School TVET Policy (2018–2023)

• National TVET Strategy and Policy Framework (2019–2024)

• National School Curriculum Framework 2020–2030 (draft)

• National Teaching and Learning Policy 2021–2026

• SQA Carpentry & Joinery Framework

APPLICATION

Application Interested Individuals  are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal byJune 5th May 2026.

The submission should address how the applicant(s) meets the desirable qualifications and experience. The applicant (s) will need to provide Curriculum Vitae and other necessary documents. 

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.