Terms of Reference
Project: Education Recovery Development in Somalia (extension)
UNESCO-UNICEF-DFID
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Post:
Textbook and Teacher Guide Development Specialist Consultancy
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Duration:
4 months
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Duty Station:
Nairobi with visits to Somalia
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Context and Background
The decades of war in Somalia have resulted in the devastation of social services throughout the country
generally and in Central Southern Part of the country in particular. During this period, Somalia suffers from a
‘knowledge vacuum’, due to the virtual break down of Education services as a result of the protracted civil
war. Despite all these, the Somali authorities Central Southern Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland are
committed to improve the access and the quality of its primary education system for school going aged
children to achieve universal primary completion, reduce drop out and repetition, and enhance learning
outcomes. A wide ranging set of measures is planned and supported by international community to achieve
these objectives, amongst which is the development of a coherent framework for textbook and materials
development, procurement and distribution.
In 2005, DFID, UNICEF and UNESCO PEER agreed to design and implement a strategic partnership (SP) to
address the needs of the Somalia Education sector with the specific aim of enhancing the rehabilitation of the
system. The SP (2008-2010) strives to improve system delivery of the education sector and to revive the
institutions. Under the Strategic Partnership for the Recovery and Development of Education in Somalia,
UNESCO PEER’s responsibility includes supporting the MOE capacity in the implementation of key activities
of textbook review; curriculum review; Primary Examinations databank, comprehensive review of teacher
training package and teacher development approaches at primary and secondary levels, and specific studies on
textbook printing, and Teacher Guide development aimed at support teachers in using the 2nd Edition
Textbooks reviewed. Currently there is no updated Teacher Guides, and as there 2nd Edition Textbook has
been reviewed, there is now an urgent need to review and develop 2nd Edition teachers’ Guides. The main
activity in this area is to support the capacity development of local authorities and textbook writers in
reviewing of Teachers Guides (grades 1-8) for the Second Edition primary school textbooks.
5. Main Responsibilities and Duties
Under the overall authority of the Head of PEER and the direct Supervision of Programme Specialist, the
incumbent will be responsible for planning, coordination and implementation of a number of components
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which fall within the framework of UNESCO PEER's support to the rehabilitation of the education system in
Somalia, including the implementation of the component related to the development Grades 7 and 8 English
language textbooks and teacher Guides. Within this scope the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
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Provide on job training for senior MOE staff in the basic concepts of textbook review and the process
of teachers guide/textbooks development.
Help conduct a survey of national resources and training needs for curriculum and textbook writing
teams (curriculum experts, subject-matter experts and experienced teachers).
Design, prepare, implement and monitor capacity building including conducting writers’ workshops
for the review and improvement of existing teacher guides and adaptation of English Language grade
7 and 8 textbooks.
Develop strategy and timetable for development of English Language textbooks and teacher.
Identify and contribute to the selection of technical national consultants required for the teacher guides
and English language textbooks activities.
Coordinate with administration/finance section on timely delivery as well as requesting disbursement
of funds and monitoring of funds utilization.
Facilitate the production of CDs and final dummies of the teacher guides ready for pre-press.
Liaise and work closely with teachers, teacher training and other educational institutions, parents’
representatives, provincial education offices, and NGOs supporting the education sector (especially in
curriculum areas), and other stakeholders including UNICEF and other UN agencies.
Undertake any other functions as required.
Deliverables
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Monthly Management reports produced by 28th of each month and shedding light on activities
planned/carried out; results, issues and challenges facing the project implementation, and
recommendations aimed at addressing them;
Monitor and report at the end of the 2nd month, evidence of skills transfer and competency building
among the MOE staff;
Final report shedding light on objectives of the activities, achievements, shortcomings, lessons learnt,
and any recommendations aimed at improving any further future process of the same nature.
Teacher Guides for Grades (1-8) reviewed and English Language Textbooks (grades 7 and 8) laid out
report and dummy signed by the Ministry of Education.
Communication and Reporting
Report directly to the UNESCO PEER Program Specialist and work closely with the Ministries of Education
and other key stakeholders on day to day basis. Prepare updates reports as required and submit them to the
Program Specialist and the Head of MOEs.
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Qualification Requirements
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Postgraduate degree in curriculum/textbooks development
At least 7 years relevant professional working experience in textbook development, including at least
5 years experience in developing countries; curriculum experience in the region and in a Muslim
country advantageous
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Knowledge of modern approaches, trends and methods in curriculum at primary and familiarity with
textbook design and production
Strong managerial skills and ability to teamwork and maintain effective working relationships with
colleagues and with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Familiarity with and ability to work in context of countries emerging from a war-torn situation
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and good communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven administrative and organizational skills in preparing and implementing workshops, seminars
and conferences at all levels.
Excellent knowledge of English is required. A good working knowledge of Arabic language would be
an asset.
Expression of Interest
Candidates or institutions interested in this consultancy are encouraged to submit their applications to the
Administrative Officer, UNESCO PEER, and email number: peer@unesco.org not later than 26th April 2011
at 18:00 hours. Any application should contain (a) a CV and (b) UN P11. UNESCO is a non smoking
organization.
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