UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.
The education system in Serbia is at a crossroads, with significant efforts needed to address existing disparities and improve the quality of education. While there are promising developments, such as curriculum reforms, enhancement of the mechanisms for inclusive education and increased focus on digitalization, challenges related to funding, equity, and teachers and school management capacities to sustain the change. Since the 2009 legal reforms, Serbia has made notable progress in inclusive education (IE), with initiatives such as non-conditional enrolment for children with disabilities, the establishment of Inclusive Education Teams, and the introduction of Assistive Technologies. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, particularly for children with disabilities, Roma children, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with a notable portion of vulnerable students missing out on education due to the abrupt shift to online learning. A new educational approach is needed—one that is adaptable, flexible, and inclusive. This approach should emphasize 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, communication, emotional management, and empathy, all integrated in the inclusive setting. Ensuring that all children, particularly those from vulnerable groups, benefit from these changes is essential for a fair and inclusive digital revolution.
The purpose of this assignment is to contribute to UNICEF’s efforts on unified approaches at the school level starting from already developed mechanisms (Learning Clubs, Digital Technology Libraries and STEM), best practices, providing recommendations for Ministry of Education (MoE) related to sustainability of the results achieved, leveraging the impact for the most vulnerable children in Serbia.
Work Assignment Overview:
Under the strategic guidance of the Education Specialist, the two consultants will conduct an assessment followed by the development of a capacity building program for school directors, ensuring documenting and sustainability of the results to become integral part of the education system.
Duration of the assignment: November 2024 – February 2027 (2 consultants, part-time, remote)
Task description:
Task 1: Assessment and documentation of Learning clubs’ experiences, lessons learnt and best practices in Serbia through consultations with schools
Deliverable 1.1. Assessment methodology tool developed and approved by UNICEF
Deliverable 1.2. Final Report on conducted assessment in selected 5-8 schools
Timeline: November 2024 – February 2025 (up to 9 days)
Task 2: Recommendations for further development of the Learning Clubs (LCs)
Deliverable 2.1. Draft recommendations for further development of the Learning Clubs
Deliverable 2.2. How to establish a Learning Club in your school – guide for schools
Deliverable 2.3. Final document (including international literature review, report on conducted assessment in schools, final recommendations agreed with interested parties and power point presentation of the document)
Timeline: January – March 2025 (up to 22 days)
Task 3: Capacity building of school management to improve leadership skills based on business concepts, modernization of practices, change management, increasing motivation of employees, partnering with businesses and local community, communication and management
Deliverable 3.1. Concept, methodology and monitoring framework of capacity building program for school directors document developed in partnership with donor representatives and approved by UNICEF and the MoE
Deliverable 3.2. Capacity building program document (scenario, handouts, etc.) developed in cooperation with the donor, UNICEF and MoE
Deliverable 3.3. Capacity building program facilitation (adjustments during implementation and facilitation of sessions, etc.)
Deliverable 3.4. Community of practice between the donor and school principals facilitation
Deliverable 3.5. Recommendation paper for the sustainability of the results
Timeline: November 2024 – February 2027 (up to 63 days)
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
How to apply:
The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:
Important notes:
For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements