Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 23 Mar 2017
Background:
Capacity Development for Education 2030 (CapED) is a global UNESCO initiative established to support countries most at risk of not meeting Sustainable Development Goal 4’s (SDG4) targets for quality education for all by 2030. Through this programme, UNESCO has, since 2010, worked with the Government to develop practical tools to strengthen capacities for the delivery of quality, relevant TVET, with a strategic focus on support for strengthening capacities for effective TVET planning and monitoring and evaluation.
UNESCO’s TVET partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was initiated with the collaborative development of a key planning tool, the Afghanistan National Strategy for TVET (NTVETS). The NTVETS focuses on four key objectives, identified by the Government of Afghanistan as essential to the creation of “a competent, motivated, adaptable and innovative workforce in Afghanistan to contribute to poverty reduction and social and economic development” (NTVETS: 22). These objectives are strengthened governance, expanded TVET access, improved quality, and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for TVET.
The focus of this current assignment is the Strategy’s third objective, improved quality. Following the completion of the Strategy, UNESCO has supported the Deputy Ministry of TVET (within the Ministry of Education and the lead government entity for formal TVET provision) to operationalize a TVET management information system, ‘TVET MIS’, with systems for data collection and analysis from its schools, and the recent publication of a first National Statistical Report for Formal TVET. Concurrently, UNESCO has worked with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MOLSAMD, the lead governmental entity for the provision of non-formal TVET) to initiate a process of quality improvement within its Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), inclusive of an expansive Quality Assessment Framework (QAF), a comprehensive Quality Review and Minimum Quality Standards for the VTCs, and concrete recommendations for quality improvement.
Duties and responsibilities:
This consultancy will contribute to the development of the next phase of UNESCO’s technical support for the two lead ministries for TVET provision, building on previous work with both ministries, and with a focus on continuing support in TVET planning and monitoring/evaluation. Specifically, the consultant will:
Provide a comprehensive concept note and work plan including activities with both MOSLAMD and DMTVET which will enhance planning and monitoring/evaluation capacities within both ministries and are informed by UNESCO's previous technical support.
This concept note will include a) objectives, outputs, outcomes, and benefit statements of UNESCO's support for both ministries and b) a timeline of the key activities, including the delivery of trainings and workshops/consultations required. This includes the possibility of synchronized trainings with both ministries where applicable.
These key activities are expected to focus on planning/M&E with both ministries, and will include:
The strengthening and further development of DMTVET's TVET-MIS system, including an inception workshop to identify key indicators for the 2016/2017 Statistical Report(s), data collection cycles, a training program (local language) on data analysis and report preparation;
Preparation for a Special Report on Quality of TVET schools and institutes of DMTVET. This may include the development of a quality assessment framework specific to the needs of DMTVET's schools and institutes, introduction to the quality assessment and improvement cycle to DMTVET staff and the TVET schools/institutes, data collection including TVET school visits in Kabul and other selected provinces, supported analysis (in workshop format), leading to the report production.
The strengthening and further development of the quality improvement cycle within MOLSAMD's VTCs, following the development of the QAF, and the completion of the Quality Review and Minimum Quality Standards for the VTCs. This will involve the development of a pilot school improvement program, inclusive of the development and application of technical tools for localised labour market analysis, the preparation of school improvement plans by the selected VTCs involved in the pilot, and associated workshop preparation and facilitation;
An assessment of the existing MIS systems of MOLSAMD/NSDP and proposal for the development of an MIS system to properly respond to the data collection and analysis needs of the non-formal sub sector.
This is a one month assignment, with the consultant based in Kabul, Afghanistan, throughout. It is likely that the consultancy may be extended with a further assignment dedicated to implementation based on the deliverable for this current assignment.
The consultant will be required to conduct travel within the Kabul region, subject to UN security clearances, in UN vehicles only. The UNESCO Office in Kabul will supply the vehicle when required and other logistical support (e.g. radios).
Proposed dates:
Flexible, but May 1-June 1 2017 is suggested. An earlier start is possible and can be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Deliverables:
- A proposal and workplan based on the duties and responsibilities specified.
Qualifications:
Advanced university degree in education, TVET, international development, economics or a related discipline
At least 10 years of relevant work experience in TVET or educational evaluation or planning, with a component of this experience preferably acquired at the international level.
Excellent understanding of TVET systems, policies, planning and capacity development
Excellent analytical and report writing skills
Advanced cross-cultural communication skills
High-level drafting and communication capacity in English
Experience working in Afghanistan is an asset
How to apply:
Candidates are requested to send their application, including a CV (one in free format and one in the UNESCO format, available at https://en.unesco.org/careers/media/3705 ) and cover letter (in English) briefly outlining the methodology and activity plan proposed for completing the defined deliverable within the designated time period to the UNESCO Kabul email ki.consultant@unesco.org before midnight (Afghanistan time), 23 March 2017
All applications must be submitted by email, including the position title in the email subject line.