National Consultant - Teacher Education and Development Specialist
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Unit, UNESCO Phnom Penh Office
Duty Station: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Type of contract : Non-staff
Duration of contract : 11 months, tentatively May 2025 to March 2026
Recruitment open to : Cambodian nationals only
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 8 May 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Background
Following the success of the first phase of Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam), UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) is implementing STEPCam Phase II through $12.62 million System Transformation Grant (STG) financed by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
Building on the achievements of STEPCam Phase I, the programme retains a strong focus on enhancing the quality of education in Cambodia towards its ultimate objective of improving the learning outcomes of students. The programme aims to achieve its objectives through four components:
• Component 1: Teacher Education, which focuses on strengthening pre-service teacher education to cultivate teaching excellence
• Component 2: Teacher Professional Development, through strengthening continuous professional development (CPD)
• Component 3: Classroom Learning, which aims at building capacity for effective early grade teaching and learning
• Component 4: Digital Transformation in Education, focusing on building institutional readiness for the effective use of digital strategies in education delivery in Cambodia
The National Consultant will directly contribute to all the activities planned under STEPCam Components 1 and 2. Through STEPCam Component 1, the MoEYS is planning and implementing the national teacher education reform, including (1) strengthening institutional capacity for teacher education reform, as guided by the strategic plan for teacher education reform, to support the national rollout of the Bachelor’s level four-year initial teacher education system; (2) establishment of opportunities for teachers and teacher educators to upgrade their qualifications through a one-year programme for those holding a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education programme specializing in primary education; (3) simulation modelling and comprehensive teacher need projection until 2030 in response to the ongoing teacher education reform; (4) supporting Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to become accredited CPD providers and develop needs-based blended CPD offerings; (5) promoting action research at TEIs and practice schools and organization of a national teacher conference to link policy, research, theory, and practice as an interwoven raft of strategies to support the national teacher reform agenda.
Long Description
Under Component 2, STEPCam is supporting the MoEYS on: (1) enhancement and expansion of a robust CPD system, including Recognition of Prior Learning and system for self-directed CPD, that can be equitably deployed nationwide to match teacher professional development needs with quality learning opportunities; (2) further development and implementation of the MoEYS’ CPD Management Information System (CPDMIS) system and Teacher Career Pathway (TCP) as a model of an integrated human resource management system to engage educators in good quality, needs-based CPD; (3) support advancement of teacher professionalism through research and evidence-based policies that support professional growth and career progression.
II. Scope of the assignment
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia and the supervision of the Chief of Education Unit and the STEPCam Phase II Programme Manager and in close collaboration with the education unit as well as the relevant Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) technical departments, the Consultant will provide managerial and technical support for the following areas of work:
1. Provide management and technical support to the strategic and operational planning, management, implementation and monitoring of the activities and sub-activities under STEPCam’s Components 1 and 2 in line with the results framework, including:
a. Provide support for the oversight and monitoring of the delivery of activities by programme counterparts, consultants and experts, to ensure its alignment with project objectives and targets;
b. Support the monitoring and evaluation activities of Components 1 and 2, in coordination with the M&E Specialist, programme staff and other consultants, to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of timely resolutions as necessary to ensure that activity implementation under Components 1 and 2 are on track and in line with the STEPCam results framework
c. Contribute to the preparation of STEPCam progress reports, other programme reporting to the UNCT and sector coordination groups, presentations and communication materials
d. Provide technical support and oversight to the management of consultants and institutional partners contributing to Components 1 and 2, including technical review and quality assurance of all deliverables
e. Provide support to coordinate and facilitate monitoring missions, and/or undertake missions as necessary, for the oversight of activity implementation at the subnational level
2. Provide technical support to the MoEYS departments, and in close collaboration with relevant development partners, to further advance the planning and implementation of the teacher education reform. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Provide technical support and oversight to the development and finalisation of the 12+4, BA+1 and MEd programmes for primary education
b. Provide technical support and oversight to the implementation and monitoring of the MEd programme (primary) for teacher educators, in close collaboration with DGTED and PTEC
Long Description
c. Work closely with the institutional partner, MoEYS technical departments and TEIs to support the institutional capacity building of TEIs in their roles as CPD service providers and overseeing the development of new CPD offerings by the TEIs
d. Provide technical support and quality assurance to the implementation of the action research grants and studies
e. Support the MoEYS in the organisation, preparation and implementation of the 2025 Annual Teacher Development Conference, including setting the themes and discussion topics, ensuring the successful completion of the event and high-level strategic visibility for UNESCO, GPE and STEPCam
3. Provide technical support to the MoEYS departments for the institutionalization and expansion of the CPD system and CPD Management Information System (CPDMIS) nationwide. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Support the expansion of the CPD supply from accredited Teacher Education Institutions, Technical Departments (TDs), Development Partners (DPs), and other potential providers;
b. Support MoEYS with the accreditation of CPD providers and offerings;
c. Assist in the identification of future priorities for CPD and CPDMIS system development and rollout and support advocacy to promote high-level buy-in and support, including integration of trainings provided by TDs and DPs in the CPD system;
d. Support capacity building of the MoEYS TDs, particularly CPD Management Office of the Teacher Development Department in CPD system management and implementation;
e. Support any upcoming new task in the fields of CPD, Teacher Career Pathway (TCP), CPDMIS and Teacher Qualification Upgrade that might arise in the life span of the contract
4. Provide technical assistance and support for UNESCO’s role as a strategic partner in Cambodia’s education sector, including its engagement with education policy discussions and sector coordination mechanisms with government entities and development partners, including:
a. Coordinate and work with the Programme Manager and the team to support MoEYS in integrating the Management Information Systems, implementing the MoEYS’ model school standards relevant to UNESCO’s strategic roles, and contributing to education sector planning, especially for development and professionalization of the teaching force;
b. Contribute to the implementation of the Teacher Policy Action Plan (TPAP) 2024-2030 and the Strategic Plan for Teacher Education Reform 2024-2030, with a focus on the areas of the plan relevant to UNESCO’s work;
c. Work with International and National Specialists and TDs of the MoEYS to develop teacher-focused policies and establish an enabling environment such as teaching-research nexus and national teacher conferences to enhance teacher professionalism and social recognition;
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5. Support the Chief of Education and Programme Manager in the management and strategic engagement of GPE-related work and processes in the Education Unit, including:
a. Contribute to the development of ToRs and procurement of international and national consultants, experts and service providers;
b. Work closely with counterparts in relevant MoEYS TDs (primarily Teacher Education Department, Teacher Development Department, Human Resource Department, Department of Policy, Department of Planning, Department of Digital Transformation, and Teacher Education Institutions) and development partners, including liaising between departments as necessary and facilitating communication between international experts and national counterparts;
c. Support the timely coordination and release of all reports as required by the team
d. Advise the Programme Manager of any potential challenges and work with the team to address the challenges to achieve the programme’s implementation milestones as planned;
e. Ensure that implementation tasks and responsibilities are carried out on time, within budget, and in accordance with the basic principles of good governance;
f. Participate and support preparation for programme-related meetings and activities arranged both by government counterparts, NGOs and other partners as required;
6. Carry out other work and responsibilities as assigned by the UNESCO Country Representative, Chief of Education and STEPCam Programme Manager
III. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to submit a monthly progress report at the end of each calendar month after the contract start date on the tasks undertaken and accomplished in line with the above-mentioned responsibilities.
IV. Contract duration, location and other conditions
The duration of the contract will be for a period of 11 months, from May 2025 to March 2026, during which the Consultant is expected to provide technical assistance for 195 working days.
The Consultant will be responsible for their necessary tools, equipment (laptop, printer, etc.) and software to complete the assignment. For in-person work sessions, MoEYS will provide a working space and access to the internet, printer and LCD projector.
V. Required qualifications
Education
Advanced University Degree (PhD or equivalent) in the field of education, social science or fields related to teaching and learning
Language
Professional proficiency in written and spoken Khmer and English
Professional experience
At least 10 years of professional experience in providing technical assistance and project management, programme design, monitoring and implementation in the education sector in Cambodia;
Skills and competencies:
a. Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
b. Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organization
c. Proven conceptual and analytical skills, including the demonstrated ability to provide advice and technical support on education, teacher education and professional development, ICT in education, SDG4-Education 2030
d. Good Knowledge and understanding of government functioning
e. Solid understanding of the Education and teacher development context in Cambodia, its key challenges and viable solutions
f. Ability to take initiative, establish priorities and capacity to work efficiently under pressure
g. Comfortable with working in a multicultural workplace, ability to work in a team and manage other people to achieve shared objectives.
Desirable qualifications
• Work Experience: 15 years of professional experience in providing technical assistance and project management, programme design, monitoring and implementation in the education sector in Cambodia, with a strong focus on teacher education and development;
• Skills and competencies:
a. Experience in research and up-to-date teaching and learning practices
b. Work on curriculum design and implementation
c. Experience working with the UN, and knowledge of UN regulations and guidelines
d. Good understanding of UNESCO’s mandate, procedures and policies
Long Description
VI. How to apply
Interested candidates are kindly requested to click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History Form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, the candidate must insert extra pages with the following required information in English:
(Please note UNESCO cannot consider an incomplete proposal that does not include the following information requested.)
1. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
2. Technical proposal (3 pages maximum) explaining the methodology for undertaking the assignment
3. Financial proposal, indicating a daily rate (in US$), to undertake the terms of reference above.
4. The contact details of three referees
If you are unable to attach requirements in the system, please inform us at phnompenh@unesco.org
VII. 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.