Education Specialist; Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Republic of Tajikistan

Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education Project

Consulting services

Contract No MOES/LEARN/S/2024-15

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST (C1)

Issuance date: 05/04/2024

Closing date/time: 23/04/2024

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan has received grant funding in the amount of US$50.0 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the "Learning Environment – Foundation of Quality Education Project” (the Project, LEARN) during 2023-2029. The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES), and in close coordination with the Agency for Supervision in the Sphere of Education and Science (ASSES).

The Project Development Objective is to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments in selected general secondary schools.

“Teaching and Learning environment” in this project refers to the complete physical, social, and pedagogical context in which learning is intended to occur. The teaching and learning environment in this project is defined as consisting of the skills and competencies of teachers and physical learning spaces where learning occurs[1]. It is school settings (not just classrooms) and contexts in which students learn and teachers teach within the school premises.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Education Specialist of Component 1, jointly with an international expert, as well under the guidance of the Chief Education Specialist, participates in the development of the new national framework for the teaching and learning environment, works closely with the Component 1 working groups, with ANON and MOES to develop practices and capacities for monitoring and evaluation of the teaching and learning environment. Directly, as an Education Specialist, he/she conducts trainings for teaching staff, school management and stakeholders within the developed new framework for teaching and learning environment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF EDUCATION SPECIALIST OF COMPONENT 1:

The scope of work would be expected to include but not be limited to the following.

In close collaboration with the International Consultant and the Chief Education Specialist, assist in the analysis of existing policies and practices that define the teaching and learning environment, as well as the methodologies and tools used for accreditation, licensing and monitoring of schools;
Collects all data (documents, materials) for analysis regarding the teaching and learning environment, as well as methodologies and tools used for accreditation, licensing and monitoring of schools;
Develops a schedule of meetings of working groups members (especially for group on educational issues and methodology, but not limited in this), also develops a schedule of meetings with an international expert, and other necessary meetings within development and discussion of the National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment;
Together with the international and local experts, provide consultations for working groups regarding the development, also with the help of working groups, prepare a draft version of a new National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment (especially in relation to the educational environment, but not limited to this);
Conduct round tables, seminars, and conferences with the participation of two working groups, representatives of the MOES, ANON and other substructures of the MoES, also with the participation of donors on the issue of the new National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment (draft and approved version);
Prepare a pilot schedule, and, together with a training specialist, prepare a schedule of seminars for inspectors and methodologists of education directorates and departments, school managers (head teachers and principals) on the content and application of the draft National Framework for the Teaching and Learning Environment to build capacity in using the revised processes for inspectors, school managers and stakeholders in the quality assurance process;
With the support of an international consultant, local experts and project management, provide methodological and technical support to MOES RT and ANON on the piloting, approval process and implementation of the National Framework for Teaching and Learning Environment;
Performing other responsibilities assigned by the Project Director.

Other duties:

Work closely with international and local experts, working groups, relevant departments/institutions of MOES to ensure the quality of the results;

b) Participate in all meetings and events related to the LEARN project;

c) Make necessary and timely proposals to improve work within the component and project;

e) Providing a monthly report on work performed to the chief specialist for component 1 and, if necessary, daily updates on the progress of tasks;

f) Maintain close communication with all key stakeholders, coordinators of other project components and development partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

It is expected that the selected candidate will conform to the following qualifications and experience profile:

Master's degree in Education or related field;
At least 5 years of experience working on donor-funded projects;
Experience in working on reform in the field of education, conducting trainings for adult audiences, and experience as a leader in educational institutions is an advantage;
Good knowledge and experience of working in the education system of Tajikistan and adult education;
Experience in developing educational programs and other educational materials in the field of education;
Knowledge of Russian and Tajik languages is required; English will be an advantage;
Experience with PC and office applications.

ASSIGNMENT DURATION, LOCATION AND REPORTING:

The assignment is scheduled to start in April 2024. The Specialist shall be contracted for 12 months, with an initial three-month probationary period. The Contract can be renewed for additional 12-month periods with mutual agreement of both parties, keeping in mind the performance of the expert.

CLIENT’S INPUT

The MOES shall provide an office space and necessary equipment during his/her tenure of service in the MOES of Tajikistan. The Specialist is expected to work full time (office hours). The Education Specialist will be based in the Project LEARN office in Dushanbe. The MOES will provide the Education Specialist with the necessary documentation for the project and a workplace with access to a computer, printer furniture and other office equipment to perform the work.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION:

Qualified applicants are requested to send the CV and cover letter in Russian and English via e-mail: procurement.learn@maorif.tj c/c director.learn@maorif.tj

Please, include the position title in the subject of the email.

The deadline for submitting documents is 23 April 2024, before 17:00 (Dushanbe time).

Mr. Dilshod Safarzoda

Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Republic of Tajikistan

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Nissormuhammad Ave. 13A

Tel/Fax: (+992 37) 2274502

[1] Schools that are designed based on principles of improving teaching and learning environment efficiency – both in terms of fostering of learning outcomes and efficiency of construction – lead to better collaboration and experimentation by children and allow use of modern pedagogical techniques.