National consultant for Gender review of teacher education in Uzbekistan

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Tashkent

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 16-OCT-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE CONSULTANCY WORKS

UNESCO recognizes gender-responsive education as critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality). The Gender in Education Network in Asia (GENIA) Toolkit stresses the importance of integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of education, including teacher training. This integration is essential for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Teachers, especially at the primary level, play a key role in breaking gender stereotypes and promoting equality. This approach impacts not only career choices but also helps reduce gender-based violence, promotes mental health, and fosters societal respect and equality, contributing to broader social change and sustainable development.

To address these issues, UNESCO plans to conduct a comprehensive analysis of gender integration in Uzbekistan's teacher education programs. This consultancy will evaluate gender sensitivity in teacher training, identify best practices, and offer recommendations for enhancement. The goal is to inform evidence-based decision-making for the Ministry of School and Pre-School Education (MoPSE) and its partners, supporting efforts to close the gender gap and create a more equitable educational environment.

Objectives

Objectives

The main objectives of this consultancy are to:

1. Assess the extent to which gender issues, themes, methodologies, and messages are integrated into teacher education programs in Uzbekistan.
2. Assess the biases and capacity of teacher educators (knowledge, skills, and ability) to integrate and deliver gender-sensitive approaches into their teaching practices.)
3. Identify best practices and areas for improvement in gender integration within these programs.
4. Analyze the alignment of gender content in teacher education with national education policies and international standards, including UNESCO's guidelines.
5. Propose evidence-based recommendations for enhancing gender integration in teacher education programs.

Long Description

Scope of Work

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive analysis of gender integration in Uzbekistan's teacher education programs, based on the UNESCO Gender in Education Toolkit. 

Specific tasks include:

1. Comprehensive desk review of:

• National education policies and teacher education curricula in Uzbekistan
• International standards and best practices in gender-responsive teacher education
• Existing research on gender issues in education in Uzbekistan and Central Asia

2. Online survey of teacher educators and student teachers (50-80 respondents) assessing:

• Knowledge and attitudes towards gender issues in education
• Current practices in integrating gender into teaching
• Perceived challenges and opportunities

3. In-depth interviews with 8-10 key informants, including:

• Education ministry officials
• Heads of teacher training institutions
• Gender experts in education
• Representatives from relevant education organizations

4. A comprehensive report including:

• In-depth analysis and tailored recommendations
• Concise executive summary for high-level stakeholders
• PowerPoint presentation summarizing findings and recommendations
• Policy brief for decision-makers

Long Description

Methodology

The consultant should employ a mixed-methods approach, incorporating:

• Quantitative methods: Online surveys, statistical analysis of curriculum content
• Qualitative methods: Document analysis, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, classroom observations
• Participatory approaches: Involving stakeholders in the research process and validation of findings

The methodology should be guided by the UNESCO GENIA Toolkit, particularly its framework for gender analysis in education, incl. tools for reviewing curricula, assessing policies for gender bias, and building capacity for gender-responsive teaching practices.

Deliverables

1. Draft final report: Including full analysis and preliminary recommendations. (Due: 30 December 2024)
2. Policy brief for education stakeholders (3-5 pages). (Due: 30 December 2024)
3. Final comprehensive report (20 pages) with executive summary (3 pages), and with all raw data and analysis files (Due: 15 February 2025)
4. PowerPoint presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations. (Due: 15 February 2025)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• An advanced degree in education, gender studies, or a related field.
• At least ten years of experience in education policy analysis and development.
• Proven expertise and experience in gender analysis and gender mainstreaming in education policies and programs.,
• Familiarity with the UNESCO Gender in Education Toolkit and GENIA framework and practical experience using these tools for research
• experience in producing concise policy briefs and comprehensive reports for government and international stakeholders
• Experience working in Central Asia, preferably in Uzbekistan, knowledge of the local education system, cultural dynamics, and gender issues in the region
• Excellent analytical and writing skills in English; knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek is an advantage.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Footer