Academic Coordinating Consultant - Foundational Learning
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, the consultant will provide crucial technical and implementation support to enhance the quality of teaching and learning within participating schools. This role involves direct engagement with teachers, school leaders, local governments, and implementing partners to refine classroom practices and ensure the effective deployment of the integrated curriculum, multilingual pedagogies, child-friendly teaching methods, and appropriate educational technology (EdTech). The primary focus will be on improving foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning outcomes through consistent classroom support, coaching, capacity building, and facilitating training sessions as needed. This assignment directly supports UNICEF's commitment to the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) and national objectives for foundational learning.
Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake key responsibilities including providing regular classroom observation, coaching, mentoring, and follow-up support to teachers to enhance their pedagogical skills. They will assist teachers in effectively implementing the integrated curriculum using multilingual strategies and demonstrate child-friendly, learner-centered, and inclusive practices. Support will be given to improve lesson planning, classroom management, student engagement, and formative assessment. The consultant will also help teachers integrate age-appropriate digital learning resources and EdTech tools, and select/use curriculum-aligned digital content. Building teachers' confidence in using digital tools and contributing to strengthening local academic support systems are also key. Furthermore, the consultant will establish and facilitate virtual Communities of Practice (CoPs) for teachers and school leaders, organizing peer-learning sessions and promoting collaborative problem-solving. They will curate and disseminate digital learning resources and track participation in CoP activities. Technical guidance on digital learning resources like Akelius and support for using digital learning labs will be provided, along with promoting technology-enabled formative assessment and documenting effective practices.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in education, with a focus on foundational learning, teacher training, and pedagogical support. Experience in integrating educational technology (EdTech) and facilitating professional learning communities is highly desirable.
Skills
Classroom observation and coaching, Curriculum implementation, Multilingual pedagogies, Child-friendly teaching methods, Educational technology (EdTech) integration, Professional learning community facilitation, Digital learning resources, Teacher professional development, Formative assessment, Lesson planning, Classroom management, Data analysis