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International Consultant - Development of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Framework and Capacity

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : [[EDUCATION]]

Duty Station: Multiple

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 12-02-2025

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background

UNESCO is leading efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems in Uzbekistan, Togo, and Benin, with a focus on developing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) frameworks to validate skills and competencies gained through non-formal and informal learning.

In Uzbekistan, the European Union-funded project, Skills Development for Employability in Rural Areas, supports the modernization of the country’s TVET system, aligning it with labor market demands. This includes the integration of RPL into the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) to ensure inclusivity and lifelong learning opportunities.

In Togo and Benin, UNESCO is advancing the operationalization and experimentation of RPL frameworks based on prior feasibility studies and prototypes. These efforts aim to build sustainable systems that improve access to certifications, particularly for marginalized populations.

UNESCO is therefore seeking an experienced international professional to support the development and implementation of RPL frameworks and build capacity among key stakeholders in all three countries.

The consultancy is expected to span approximately 100 working days over a period of 10 months across three countries: Uzbekistan, Togo, and Benin. It will involve up to eight missions, with three in Uzbekistan, four in Togo, and one in Benin, and each mission lasting approximately five days.

Long Description

Purpose

The consultant will:

  1. Develop RPL frameworks aligned with each country’s national qualifications systems and labor market needs.
  2. Build the capacity of national institutions and stakeholders to operationalize RPL systems.
  3. Provide recommendations for piloting and scaling RPL initiatives.

Long Description

Scope of work

  1. Framework Development:
  • Uzbekistan: Draft a comprehensive RPL framework that aligns with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and integrates with the existing Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). Develop sector-specific guidelines, focusing on agriculture and irrigation, to address key labor market needs.
  • Togo: Develop an RPL framework based on feasibility studies and UNESCO guidelines, incorporating technical standards and conditionalities specific to the national context. Provide tools for structuring certifications into modular competencies.
  • Benin: Refine and finalize the existing prototype RPL framework, ensuring its alignment with professional certifications already structured into blocks of competencies. Include mechanisms for quality assurance and evaluation.

 

  1. Capacity Building:
  • Uzbekistan: Train government officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the Institute for NQF Development on RPL principles, tools, and methodologies.
  • Togo: Conduct comprehensive training for public and private sector stakeholders on implementing RPL systems, focusing on eligibility criteria, procedures, and monitoring mechanisms.
  • Benin: Build capacity among national stakeholders to implement and evaluate the experimental phase of RPL, emphasizing the validation process and adjustments to the system.

  1. Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Uzbekistan: Organize consultations with Sector Skills Councils, TVET institutions, and employers to ensure the RPL framework meets labor market needs and has broad stakeholder buy-in.
  • Togo: Facilitate workshops with decision-makers and practitioners to validate the proposed RPL processes and ensure shared ownership of the framework.
  • Benin: Engage stakeholders in evaluating and refining the prototype RPL framework, ensuring readiness for a pilot implementation phase.

 

  1.  Recommendations for Rollout:
  • Uzbekistan: Develop a phased roadmap for scaling RPL nationally, including piloting in key sectors and identifying resources required for sustainability.
  • Togo: Propose an experimentation protocol for RPL, including step-by-step implementation guidance and roles for key actors.
  • Benin: Deliver actionable recommendations based on the evaluation of the experimental phase, addressing scalability and sustainability considerations for national deployment.

Long Description

Deliverables

  1. Inception Report: Detailing methodology, work plan, and initial findings.
  2. Draft RPL Framework: Including proposed standards and implementation guidelines.
  3. Capacity-Building Tools: Training materials and methodologies.
  4. Final RPL Framework: Revised based on stakeholder feedback, ready for piloting.
  5. Final Report and Roadmap: Summary of activities, outcomes, and recommendations for national implementation.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Education:

    • Advanced degree in education, public policy, human resource development, or a related field.

  • Experience:

    • At least 15 years of proven experience in TVET systems, qualifications frameworks, or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
    • Demonstrated expertise in developing RPL frameworks, tools, and capacity-building programs.
    • Experience in aligning RPL with national qualifications systems and labor market demands.
    • Familiarity with quality assurance mechanisms in education and training systems.

  • Skills:

    • Strong analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality frameworks and recommendations.
    • Excellent facilitation skills for conducting training and stakeholder consultations.

  • Languages:

    • Fluency in English is required.
    • Working proficiency in French is essential for work in Togo and Benin.

  • Availability:

    • Willingness to travel for up to 8 missions across Uzbekistan, Togo, and Benin, as required by the project timeline.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Regional Knowledge:

    • Prior experience working in Central Asia (Uzbekistan) and West Africa (Togo and Benin) or similar contexts.

  • UNESCO or International Organization Experience:

    • Familiarity with UNESCO’s approaches to education governance, RPL, and capacity building.
    • Previous experience working with UN oprojects is an advantage.

  • Technical Expertise:

    • Knowledge of modular or competency-based certification systems.
    • Experience in piloting and scaling national education or training programs.

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BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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