OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background

UNESCO Pacific is one of five Implementing Agencies of the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF). The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) is an expression of the region’s commitment and shared priorities for improvement in education and training framed though a participatory process and formally endorsed by the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES). PacREF is supported by funds made available by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Government of New Zealand and is administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In line with the PacREF Rolling Implementation Plan, UNESCO Pacific provides technical support to 15 PacREF member countries to strengthen inclusive education in the Pacific so that learners at all levels of education achieve their full potential (long term goal of policy area 3 ‘Outcomes and Wellbeing’) and acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attributed to enable them to contribute to their families, communities and to nation building (impact).

The Individual Consultant will be responsible for providing expertise, guidance, and technical support in the development and implementation of UNESCO’s programmatic work on neurodiversity and multisensory approaches to support learners with learning differences, in line with PacREF’s inclusion in education agenda in the Pacific with focus on the research findings of the two countries in Micronesia (FSM & Kiribati).

Objectives

Overall Objective: To create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape that recognizes and addresses the unique needs of neurodivergent students, ultimately enhancing their learning experiences and outcomes.

Specific Objective: To produce teaching support materials providing concrete guidance and tools to teachers in two countries to ensure inclusive classroom practices.

Concretely, the Individual Expert will produce following outputs:

1. Review existing research findings related to neurodivergent learners for orientation,
2. Produce one desk-based report which reviews the current Teacher Training Curriculum of two Pacific countries (FSM & Kiribati) to identify coverage and gaps in strengthening Inclusive Education including neurodiversity. Each report is brief and includes an analytical part and a section on findings and recommendations.
3. Undertake in-country consultations with teacher trainers, teachers and policy makers to corroborate review findings and collect local ideas for teacher strategies, methods and resources to support neurodivergent learners. Reflect findings per country in a slide desk.
4. Based on country consultations, develop two country reports (FSM & Kiribati) which identify and develop concrete context-relevant strategies and resources for teachers to create more inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of special needs and neurodivergent learners. The format of the teacher support materials will be defined with the respective education authority and teacher training institute based on national needs and practicality.
5. Present and collect feedback on proposed IE strategies and resources for finalization.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required education:

• A Master’s degree in Educational Science or related discipline.

Required experience:

• At least one similar assignment conducted in collaboration with ministries of education and/ or Teacher Training Institutes demonstrating extensive knowledge of inclusive education in Asia Pacific.
• At least 5 years of experience in supporting inclusive education.

Required skills/competencies:

• Relevant experience working with national stakeholders on developing tools and support systems for neurodivergent learners.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English is required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Desirable professional experience:

• Teaching Certificate.
• Neurodiveristy Practitioner Certificate.
• Demonstrated understanding of socio-economic context of Pacific Island Countries, including limited human and institutional capacities in the field of inclusive education.

Relevant experience working with national stakeholders on developing tools and support systems for neurodivergent learners.