International Consultant - Development of Assistive Technology Roadmap for the Education System, Albania, 4 months (remote) #595029

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters career growth with diverse professional and personal development opportunities.

Job Purpose

The consultant will provide expert guidance to the Ministry of Education in Albania to establish a comprehensive roadmap for integrating Assistive Technology (AT) into the national education system. This initiative aims to create practical and scalable solutions for inclusive learning environments. The role involves a thorough review of Albania's current education policies and legal frameworks, alongside an analysis of relevant international, EU, and regional best practices. The consultant will engage in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, educational quality assurance agencies, other relevant ministries, schools, educators, students, parents, local education authorities, NGOs, and other pertinent organizations. The ultimate goal is to develop a detailed roadmap outlining concrete steps and institutional arrangements for embedding AT within the education system, proposing practical models for AT labs, and creating a costing framework to support future planning, budgeting, and scaling efforts.

Responsibilities

Review the Albanian education policy and legal framework, and relevant international, EU, and regional practices concerning assistive technology (AT) and inclusive education. Conduct consultations with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, the Agency of Assurance of Quality in Pre-University Education, other relevant ministries, schools, teachers, students, parents, local education offices, NGOs, and other stakeholders to gather insights and requirements. Develop a comprehensive roadmap with specific, actionable steps and proposed institutional arrangements for the effective integration of AT into the education system. Propose practical and scalable models for establishing Assistive Technology Labs within educational institutions. Prepare a detailed costing framework to support the planning, budgeting, and future scale-up of AT initiatives. Ensure the roadmap aligns with UNICEF's mandate and promotes the rights of children with disabilities. Facilitate workshops or meetings as needed to present findings and gather feedback. Prepare a final report summarizing the roadmap, proposed models, and costing framework, along with recommendations for implementation. Ensure all activities are conducted in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner, respecting the diversity of stakeholders.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of expertise in disability and assistive technology in education, ICT and AT innovation, related services, and AT research. Minimum of 5 years of experience in projects focused on the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in education.

Skills

Expertise in disability and assistive technology in education, Experience in ICT and AT innovation, Experience in projects for inclusion of children with disabilities, Knowledge of international, EU, and regional practices in AT, Consultation and stakeholder engagement, Roadmap development, Costing framework development, Project management, Report writing, Ability to work in multicultural settings, Good communication and facilitation skills, Advanced knowledge of English

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