Non-Staff Consultant

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education

Duty Station: Suva Fiji

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff Contract

Duration of contract : 3 Months

Recruitment open to : External

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 17 November 2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Consultancy to Coordinate Pre-Workshop Planning and Support Integration of the PETALS Framework into curriculum and Teacher Training in the Pacific

Background

The Pacific region recognizes the importance of equipping learners with both technical and “all-life” skills such as resilience, problem-solving, collaboration, and cultural literacy. The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) provides a shared vision for inclusive, equitable, and quality learning aligned with the SDGs.

The Pacific Employability, Transferable, and All-Life Skills (PETALS) Framework was developed to strengthen learners’ personal development, community wellbeing, and sustainable futures. Anchored in PacREF, PETALS promotes culturally grounded competencies including adaptability, collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience.

UNESCO, in partnership with the PacREF Facilitating Unit (PFU), UNICEF, USP, and other stakeholders, will convene a regional workshop to support integration of PETALS into teacher training and pedagogy. To ensure alignment and coherence, a structured pre-workshop planning process is required to define objectives, clarify roles, identify country experiences, and map resources. This will ensure the workshop is strategically linked to regional priorities, teacher training systems, and PacREF implementation. Activities include a pre-workshop phase (Suva/remote) and a regional workshop.

Long Description

Purpose of the Assignment

The consultancy will coordinate and facilitate the pre-workshop planning and design process among PETALS partners and subsequently lead the PETALS Integration Workshop. Tasks include organizing consultations, mapping initiatives, drafting the workshop agenda, and consolidating partner inputs. The consultant will ensure alignment among agencies and integration of regional priorities, laying the foundation for an effective workshop.

The consultant will coordinate, facilitate, and technically support planning, delivery, and follow-up of the Regional PETALS Workshop, implemented jointly under PacREF and the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI). The goal is to develop actionable strategies for integrating PETALS into teacher education and pedagogical practices aligned with climate education, resilience, and sustainable development.

Long Description

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of UNESCO’s Education Programme Specialist and National Project Officer, the consultant will

A. Preparatory Phase

· Coordinate with UNESCO, PacREF partners, CSESI focal points, MoEs, USP, and TTIs (up to three reps per 15 PICs).

· Develop and refine the workshop framework, objectives, and agenda aligned with PETALS, CSESI, and the 6Cs competencies.

· Liaise with presenters and resource persons.

· Prepare/adapt background and session materials.

· Support logistical arrangements with UNESCO and USP.

B. Workshop Implementation

· Serve as lead facilitator and guide sessions on PETALS, pedagogy, and teacher training.

· Lead group work and country discussions to contextualize PETALS into pre-/in-service education.

· Promote collaboration and highlight linkages with CSESI on resilience and climate-responsive teaching.

· Facilitate drafting of national and regional strategies integrating PETALS and climate-smart principles.

C. Post-Workshop Reporting and Follow-Up

· Consolidate outcomes, recommendations, and country action plans.

· Prepare a final report (15–20 pages) summarizing proceedings, strategies, and synergies with CSESI.

· Submit electronic copies of all materials and support ongoing coordination as needed.

Long Description

Deliverables

Payment Schedule

Long Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

o Advanced university degree in Education, Teacher Training, Curriculum Development, or related field.

o Minimum ten (10) years of professional experience in teacher education, pedagogy, curriculum reform, or capacity development in the Pacific.

o Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating regional or national education workshops.

o Knowledge of Pacific education systems, culturally relevant pedagogies, and regional collaboration.

o Strong coordination, stakeholder engagement, and reporting skills.

o Excellent spoken and written English, knowledge one of the local languages is desirable.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

o Familiarity with PETALS, PacREF, and CSESI.

o Experience working with UNESCO or other UN agencies.

o Experience with Ministries of Education, Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs), and regional education stakeholders.

o Knowledge of pedagogy and teacher development in Pacific Island contexts.

o Excellent training, presentation, public speaking, and advocacy skills.

o Strong coordination and management skills.

o Very good communication skills.

o Ability to work under pressure and productively in multicultural teams.

o Additional regional language skills are an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submission of Proposals

UNESCO invites individual consultants to submit:

1. Technical Proposal – including workplan, methodology, and demonstration of experience.

2. Financial Proposal – indicating estimated costs for all tasks.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the consultant.

For more information - varunesh.rao@unesco.org

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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