Recrutement de 01 National Individual Consultancy for the development of the educational ICT standards

Recrutement de 01 National Individual Consultancy for the development of the educational ICT standards


Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Chisinau
Level: Consultancy
Location: Republic of Moldova
Categories: Education
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, education

The Republic of Moldova embraces an education policy that is consistent with the European and international education policy, that responds to the current issues and needs of the education system and its beneficiaries. The documents underpinning the strategic development of the education system are proof of the high regard of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to shifting focuses on education in favour of quality and sustainability.

The Education Sector Analysis was performed in 2019 and informed the preparation of the education strategy, including a detailed problem analysis and efficiency of the sector. To ensure the continuous and sustained access to education for all children and in line with Moldovan authorities' efforts to achieve the objectives of SDG4, the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in cooperation with UNICEF, as Grant Agent and Coordinating Agency for Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant (ESPIG) under the partnership with Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has developed a new long-term Development Strategy “Education 2030“(DS). The DS explores the education sector within the international, regional, and national context and sets out the education policy of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the strategic directions of actions required for solving the identified issues.

One of the objectives of the new education strategy is to facilitate the digital transformation of the education sector. To achieve this important goal, UNICEF supported MER to secure funding through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiplier Fund for 2022-2025.

How can you make a difference?

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop the educational ICT standards in alignment with the Development Strategy “Education 2030” and other relevant documents. The final document related to the educational ICT standards will function as guidance for effectively implementing digital transformation of the education sector, future ICT procurement processes, ethernet setup in educational institutions and other related processes.

2. Objectives of the consultancy

The objective of the consultancy is to provide qualified technical assistance to MER and UNICEF in development of the educational ICT standards.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

The document on educational ICT standards (equipment, connectivity and network system) will be an updated version of the Ministry of Education and Research Order no. 489/2019 and will comply with the Development Strategy “Education 2030”.

The educational ICT standards will include, but not be limited to:

ICT standards for equipment:
Development of essential/minimum hardware specifications for educational ICT equipment. The consultant will develop a comprehensive document that outlines the minimum requirements necessary for various types of equipment commonly used in educational settings. This will define minimum aspects such as the required processing power, memory capacity, storage capabilities, and display quality. By defining these specifications, the document will provide educational institutions with a clear understanding of the baseline hardware requirements needed to effectively facilitate teaching and learning activities. Moreover, the consultant is encouraged to introduce innovative examples of class equipment that extend beyond conventional choices.

Connectivity and network system standards:
Development of the comprehensive connectivity and network system standards recommended for educational institutions. The document will encompass various critical aspects of network infrastructure. It will define specifications for local area network (LAN) design, addressing optimal equipment placement and configuration. Additionally, standards for internet connectivity will be set to guarantee high-speed and dependable access, catering to the demands of modern learning environments.

Given the increasing importance of wireless networks, the consultant will also provide clear guidelines and recommendations for creating secure and extensive wireless coverage.

Note: The generated information will serve as a foundation for strategizing and equipping educational institutions and diverse facilities like Tech Lab, STEAM lab, Multimedia lab, etc.

It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and the educational ICT standards for the education sector in Moldova may include additional areas of focus based on the specific needs and priorities of the country's education system.

The educational ICT standards will also be based on the analysis of the current trends and thoughtful hypotheses for overcoming financial, technical, and administrative constraints to effective elaboration and implementation.

The educational ICT standards document will be based on national and international best practices and information drawn from: (a) best endowment experiences at national level, (b) detailed discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders and c) international best practices.

In-depth discussions will be held with various stakeholders, relevant MER departments, UNICEF, Center of ICT in Education (CICTE) and other relevant actors.

The incumbent will also ensure integration of gender equality and PSEA considerations, including safe and ethical protocols, into the development of the educational CT standards.

The consultant will work closely with MER and UNICEF, consulting MER at all stages, seeking inputs through discussions and document writing activities. Also, the UNICEF will provide technical assistance.

4. Deliverables and delivery dates

NO.

Tasks

Deliverable

Timeline*

1.

Conduct desk review of documentation on digitalization of the education sector in Moldova, including international best practices and policies applied, available national studies, evaluations and reports, and data from relevant ministries and agencies.

Conduct focus group discussions with MER departments, UNICEF, and other relevant actors.

Desk review report containing main findings and recommendations for development of the document on national educational ICT standards

3 working days

2.

Develop a comprehensive document on national educational ICT standards (ICT standards for equipment and connectivity and network system standards) and submit to MER/UNICEF and stakeholders for review and comments





- Draft document on educational ICT standards with all comments from UNICEF, MER and other stakeholders addressed

- PPT on the draft developed documents, including the vision, key strategic directions, objectives, financial, human, and other resources considerations etc.

- Consultation conducted

14 working days



3.

Final document on educational ICT standards (in Romanian)

ICT standards developed

3 working days





Total:

20 working days

5. Definition of supervisory arrangements

The specialist will work under the oversight of Project Officer of UNICEF Moldova. Payments will be rendered upon successful completion of each task, as per the schedule outlined above.

6. Work location and official travel involved

The work will require local travel to conduct in-person visits and interviews with the different government authorities, as per their availability. The consultant is expected to cover costs, arrange, and schedule such visits, including transportation. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

University degree in ICT, digital education, business and administration, economy, or other relevant studies
Minimum 3 years of working experience in the relevant field
Proven experience in collecting and analyzing data, development of the technical specifications
Experience in conducting desk reviews and research, including qualitative studies and baseline assessments, evaluations will be an asset
Demonstrated work experience in the education sector with national/international institutions/organizations is a strong asset
Ability to review documents, collect and analyze information and ensure quality of final deliverables in Romanian and/or English
Previous work with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an asset
For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

 To view our competency framework, please visit  here.

 For more details on deliverables and minimum requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

Download File 2023_TOR_Nat Indiv Consultant_Edu_ICT_Standards_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical Offer and Financial Offer (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.

Download File Technical Offer.docx

Download File Financial Offer.xlsx

Applications for this assignment must be received no later than: 21 September 2023

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Advertised: 11 Sep 2023 GTB Daylight Time
Deadline: 21 Sep 2023 GTB Daylight Time