National Consultant-Integrating Climate and Environment into Teacher Training(CSESI)

Organizational Context

The Climate Change, Sustainable Education and Inclusion (CSESI) initiative, launched in 2023 by the Global Partnership for Education, aims to strengthen national capacities in 35 countries. It focuses on mainstreaming climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability into education sector plans, policies, and budgets. The initiative also enhances education ministry capacity for cross-sectoral coordination on climate and environment-related policies. UNESCO champions a holistic Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach, addressing climate change from environmental, social, and economic perspectives to foster knowledge, values, and competencies for mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development.

Job Purpose

The primary objective of this consultancy is to integrate climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into teacher training programs in the Maldives. This involves reviewing existing pre-service and in-service teacher training resources, identifying priority climate and environmental topics aligned with national frameworks and UNESCO guidance, and assessing the readiness of teachers and school leaders to teach these subjects. The consultant will also update teacher training materials and develop supplementary teaching aids that promote learner-centered, inclusive, and action-oriented pedagogies. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, teacher training institutions, and TRCs, supported by UNESCO and CSESI partners, is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

The consultant will support the integration of climate and environment into teaching by conducting a comprehensive assessment and mapping of existing teacher training resources from primary to secondary levels. This includes identifying gaps, opportunities, and priority topics/learning outcomes aligned with the Greening Curriculum Guidance and the National Curriculum Framework. A key responsibility is assessing the readiness of teachers and school leaders to teach climate/environment/DRR through an online survey, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Based on these findings, the consultant will update pre-service and in-service teacher training materials and develop supplementary teaching aids that promote interactive, inclusive, and gender-responsive pedagogies. This includes creating lesson exemplars and formative assessment tools. Finally, the consultant will support UNESCO, MoE, and NIE in organizing consultation and validation workshops, incorporating feedback, and finalizing deliverables, including recommendations for institutionalization within national teacher education systems.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in the education sector is required, with demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, teacher training, teaching and learning materials (TLMs), pedagogy, and institutional capacity development. Strong knowledge of global standards in curriculum design and teacher education, including climate change and environmental sustainability integration, is essential. Proven experience in designing, reviewing, and revising curricula and teacher training resources, ideally in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or similar contexts, is highly desirable.

Skills

Demonstrated experience in climate change education, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), or DRR integration in education systems is crucial. Experience working in the Maldives, familiarity with its Ministry of Education and National Institute of Education, and experience in conducting capacity assessments are highly valued. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required, with proficiency in Dhivehi being an asset. The ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations and work collaboratively with government counterparts and development partners is also essential.

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