TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) in Lao PDR, with support from development partners (DPs), is implementing a range of initiatives to strengthen teacher professional development through Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Whilst various Management Information Systems (MIS) in the education sector, including the Education Management Information System (EMIS), Personnel Management Information System (PMIS), along with specific DP-supported data collection and record platforms, are currently used to collect and manage relevant education data, various teacher CPD related data is not yet systematically captured nor fully integrated in the MoES’ MIS systems.
Aiming to lead to overall capacity strengthening for MoES to institutionalize CPD in the long run, and more specifically to support systems alignment and ensure that CPD data is efficiently and systematically managed, MoES plans to develop a clear Road Map that will guide the establish a model for primary teacher CPD management information system (CPD MIS). Supported by the ongoing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant (SCG) project managed by MoES and UNICEF, the Road Map will define the concept of a primary teacher CPD MIS, including its purpose and scope, along with multi-year key actions and steps, estimated (rough) costs, roles and responsibilities and timelines. The Road Map will make a base for the subsequent stage of its implementation funded by the GPE SCG.
The Road Map will be developed based on desk reviews, robust consultations and data/evidence, engaging line departments in MoES, relevant DPs and other key stakeholders, both national and sub-national levels. It will entail a situation analysis and mapping exercise of the current primary teacher CPD activities and its M&E work taking place by MoES with support from various DPs, and their related data management mechanisms. This situation analysis, which will inform the Road Map, will help identify overlaps, gaps and opportunities, and recommend effective approach for integrating primary teacher CPD information within the broader MIS architecture in MoES.
The CPD MIS strengthening will make most possible use of existing good practices, including systems trialing using existing CPD model; use of existing monitoring and evaluation tools and dashboards where appropriate; and alignment with existing MoES decrees and other related regulations and guidelines. It will also aim to explore measures to ensure that different modalities and combinations can be delivered from CPD, including school-level CPD beyond specific training courses only. It will also explore possibilities for establishing and/or updating accreditation standards and mechanism.
Scope of Work
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide dedicated technical assistance to MoES to develop a clear Road Map that will guide the establishment of a primary teacher CPD MIS.
Key responsibilities include:
• Situational Analysis, that will include:
o Desk review of government policies, regulations, guidelines and other technical documents already available with line departments and DPs relevant to MoES CPD implementation
o Rapid situation analysis and mapping of existing primary teacher CPD programmes in operation, including its mechanisms, modalities, themes/contents, and related M&E work taking place by MoES and various DPs, and study potential for accreditations – the situation analysis/mapping will be done through consultations with key stakeholders along with reviews of key reference materials
o Overview of what and how the associated MIS platforms, dashboards, data base and data management mechanisms are in place and functioning, and exploring effective approach for integrating primary teacher CPD information within the broader MIS architecture in MoES.
o Based on the above set of analysis, key recommendations for the concept and designing a primary teacher CPD MIS
▪ A Clear Road Map that will guide the establishment of a primary teacher CPD MIS, and its integration into MoES’ MIS. The Road Map be developed based on the above situation analysis and stemming recommendations, along with consultation with line departments of MOES, relevant development partners and other key stakeholders. The Road Map will make a base for the subsequent stage of its implementation funded by the GPE SCG. This will entail:
o Defined concept of primary teacher CPD MIS - including its purpose and scope
o Clear implementation steps, including multi-year key actions with estimated (rough) costs
o Roles and responsibilities, governance and timelines.
Education
Advanced degree in education / teacher education, education data management, or other relevant field. In lieu of a specific academic degree, relevant experience may be considered to meet this requirement
Work Experience
At least 8 years of professional work experience in any relevant field including teacher education, education M&E and education data management
Experience in the education sector in Laos/Southeast Asia is a strong asset.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is a requirement. Knowledge of Lao language or Thai language is a strong asset.
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
Knowledge of the Lao PDR’s education sector landscape and Lao PDR’s policies, strategies, guidelines related to teacher education and education data management system as a strong asset
Desirables
Prior work experience with UNICEF or other UN and/or international organization is an asset
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.