UNICEF Tajikistan is looking for an experienced, dynamic, results-oriented consultant who will provide overall coordination and operational support for the implementation of Phase II of the IsDB/ISFD-GPE-OFID project to support in development strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan (Phase-II), “Component 2: Improving the quality and efficiency of education services (TJK1043) , ensuring timely delivery of activities, compliance with donor requirements, and effective collaboration among UNICEF, MoES, affiliated agencies, and other stakeholders.
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For every child, the right to education
To improve education quality and relevance, Tajikistan launched a Competency-Based Education (CBE) reform in 2012 with GPE funding, implemented by MoES and supported by partners including WB, EU’s QESP, USAID, UNICEF, OSI, and AKF. New subject standards for primary and secondary education were developed, along with policy and training materials, and teachers trained through cascade models.
In 2021, Tajikistan adopted the National Strategy for Education Development 2030 (NSED 2030), setting long-term goals for an inclusive, effective education system and defining priorities: (i) equity and access; (ii) quality improvement; (iii) financial sustainability; and (iv) a national professional network for scientific and technical development. While the NSED Result Framework aligns with SDG indicators, monitoring mechanisms are lacking, and the Joint Sector Review has been inactive since 2018.
Current government priorities include revising curricula, strengthening teacher development, and reforming assessment systems. In 2020, MoES partnered with UNICEF under the “Support to NSED 2030” project with IsDB and GPE (Phase I) to advance CBE through: (1) stocktaking achievements; (2) improving teacher training via blended learning; (3) revising Math and Language curricula; (4) introducing new assessment strategies; and (5) enhancing classroom support. Stocktaking revealed weak institutional ownership—documents remain centralized and unembedded in MoES systems. The Local Education Group agreed that “business as usual” will not deliver results. Recent assessments (EGRA, IsDB/GPE baseline) show persistent low learning outcomes. The Partnership Compact also commits MoES and partners to focus on CBE implementation, requiring transformational changes in curriculum, teacher development, assessment, and education management. Phase I, which ended in October 2023, laid a foundation to further advance CBE reform through activities such as development of CBE-based Teaching and Learning Materials for math and Tajik (grade 5) embedding classroom assessment, introduction of Continuous Professional Development, CBE-based pre-service trainings, etc.
Based on the successful implementation of Phase I, Phase II of the IsDB/GPE project was designed to address structural barriers to institutionalizing CBE by reforming MoES systems and embedding CBE practices. It will focus on three aligned components:
(1) curriculum reform;
(2) teacher preparation and professional development; and
(3) student assessment integration—ensuring a coherent reform process from policy to classroom and back.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES of the ASSIGNMENT:
Phase II of the project introduces a significantly more complex implementation arrangement compared to Phase I, primarily due to changes in operating modalities and expanded coordination requirements. Under the cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), UNICEF functions as the implementation agency for the “soft” components of the project, working closely with affiliated institutions such as the Academy of Education (AoE), the Republican In-service Training Institute (RITTI), and the Republican Methodological Support Center (RTMC). These institutions simultaneously maintain their own cooperation agreements with MoES, creating a multi-layered operational structure that requires consistent alignment, technical support, and monitoring.
To oversee project execution, MoES has established a Project Implementation Group (PIG) responsible for supervising both the soft components implemented by UNICEF and the hard components implemented by other entities. UNICEF further supports implementation through an international consultancy firm and approximately ten national consultants providing technical assistance to affiliated agencies. As these agencies operate under a deliverable-based modality, UNICEF must ensure timely technical backstopping, quality assurance, and continuous coordination.
Simultaneously, reporting obligations have increased in both volume and complexity, with MoES/PIG, IsDB, and GPE each requiring distinct reporting formats, indicators, and timelines. This demands systematic data management, harmonized information flows, and strengthened internal coordination mechanisms.
Given this expanded scope, heightened reporting requirements, and the need for seamless collaboration across multiple institutions and consultancies, Phase II necessitates the recruitment of a dedicated National Consultant for Education Programme Coordination, Monitoring, and Reporting. The consultant will support the Section Chief by ensuring effective coordination, data-driven programme monitoring, high-quality reporting, and smooth implementation of project activities across all partners and workstreams. The consultancy will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen quality assurance, and contribute to the timely and results-driven delivery of the project’s objectives.
Consultancy duration- 1 March 2026-31st of August 2027(320 w/d) during 18 months.
How can you make a difference?
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, and in liaison with the Education and PME sections, the Project Coordinator will provide overall coordination and operational support for the implementation of Phase II of the IsDB/ISFD-GPE-OFID project for support to implementation of the national education development strategy of the republic of Tajikistan (Phase-II), “Component 2: Improving the quality and efficiency of education services (TJK1043) , ensuring timely delivery of activities, compliance with donor requirements, and effective collaboration among UNICEF, MoES, affiliated agencies, and other stakeholders. enthusiastic
The overall objective of this consultancy is to ensure quality and timely intervention of Phase II IsDB/GPE project, budget utilization and reporting. The consultant will ensure that no further delays are accumulated for any of the project outcome areas and will ensure the acceleration of interventions so as to ‘catch up’ to delays experienced thus far.
Overall accountability of the quality implementation of the project lies with the Chief of Education and the Education team.
Project Coordination and stakeholder engagement:
•Serve as the focal point for day-to-day coordination between UNICEF, MoES, affiliated agencies (AoE, RITTI, RTMC), universities, implementing partners, consultants (national/international), and the Project Implementation Group (PIG).
•Facilitate information flow and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders; resolve operational bottlenecks and escalate issues as needed.
•Support the organization of coordination meetings, track action points, and maintain stakeholder contact databases.
•Coordinate with the Communication team and update and maintain communication calendars, reminders, and internal briefing materials.
Program Planning, Monitoring, and Results Tracking:
•Support the updating of detailed workplans, implementation schedules, advocacy and communication plans.
•Monitor implementation progress through weekly tracking of workplans, identifying delays, risks, and mitigation measures.
•Participate in programme monitoring exercises, joint reviews, and field visits; prepare visit reports and flag bottlenecks for timely managerial action.
•Update project dashboards, KPIs, and digital monitoring systems.
Data Management, Analysis, and Performance Monitoring:
•Facilitate collection of quantitative and qualitative data from partners, consultants, and beneficiaries; ensure accuracy and completeness in project databases.
•Liaise with the M&E Officer and support the basic data analysis, identification of trends and gaps, and indicator tracking.
•Support the M&E Officer on the maintenance of the means-of-verification systems and digital/physical filing for monitoring documentation.
•Apply digital and AI tools (Power BI, SharePoint, SAP, automation tools) for data synthesis and operational efficiency.
•Ensure monthly/quarterly summaries and reports are provided timely and aligned to the requirements.
•Lead the weekly internal progress meeting on the Phase II ISDB/GPE project, facilitating and ensuring timely information inputs from relevant colleagues and in liaison with the M&E Officer.
Reporting, Documentation, and Knowledge Management:
•Coordinate inputs for project reporting with project teams.
•Compile annexes, data visualizations, charts, KPIs, and photographic evidence for reports.
•Support to prepare briefing notes, minutes, presentations, programme documentation, and advocacy materials.
•Maintain document repositories (SharePoint, digital archives), ensuring systematic storage of project files, communication materials, factsheets and templates.
•Support the Education section on the capturing of lessons learned, best practices, innovation insights, and contribute to knowledge-sharing products.
Financial, Grant, and Administrative Support:
•Support monitoring of project budgets and financial utilization. Assist in generating utilization reports and monitoring DCT liquidations.
•Facilitate FACE form review and ensure alignment with workplans before processing.
•Support procurement processes and maintain administrative records required for audit readiness.
Technical Support Coordination:
•Coordinate contributions of national/international consultants and ensure timely delivery of technical assistance outputs.
•Facilitate quality assurance processes for deliverables produced by affiliated agencies, universities, and consultants.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:
•Facilitate organization of capacity building activities, trainings, and knowledge-sharing sessions for partners and staff.
•Ensure event materials are available, coordinate logistics, and support facilitation.
Event, Workshop, and Logistics Coordination:
•Contribute to development of event agendas, run-of-show scripts, and logistical plans.
•Coordinate planning and delivery of project events (trainings, workshops, consultations, field missions).
•Support to the logistical arrangement of events, including venue booking, catering, transport, and technical equipment.
•Provide on-site support: registration, technical facilitation, photography, note-taking, participant feedback collection.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 
Final TOR for National Project Coordinator ISDB Phase II.docx
Detailed work assignments: Work assignments 2026 2027.docx
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Education: University degree in education, Public Administration, Project Management, or related field. Project management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2) is an asset.
Work Experience:
Minimum 5 years in project coordination and monitoring, preferably in education or development
Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination and donor-funded projects. Working with UN as an asset.
Expertise:
Strong knowledge of project management and results-based monitoring.
Financial oversight and compliance skills.
Proficiency in MS Office, SharePoint, and project management tools.
Skills:
Excellent analytical, reporting, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
Attention to details and be thorough.
Willingness to learn new things quickly, be proactive.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Tajik is required. Knowledge of Russian is an asset.
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
- CV and cover letter.
- Technical proposal describing approach/methodology to achieve the tasks of the TOR, workplan with concrete timeframes.
-
Financial proposal in TJS-all inclusive, indicting fee per day (Annex 3 to be completed) Annex 3.docx
- Contact of three references.
- Applications without technical and financial proposals will not be considered.
Applications must be received in the system by 19 Jan. 2026 on UNICEF website.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
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