National Consultant – National Expert for Curriculum Development

Result of ServiceA Report that compiles the following elements: 1. Comprehensive Training Curriculum Package, by 30.06.2024: A complete set of training modules, including detailed curricula, lesson plans, presentations, case studies, and assessment tools tailored to the construction and housing sector's specific needs. This package should be competency-based, reflecting the input from focus group discussions and stakeholder consultations, and designed for flexible learning paces. 2. Stakeholder Engagement recommendations and Material Validation Documentation, by 30.09.2024: A detailed approach documenting the process and outcomes of stakeholder engagement activities, including focus group discussions and expert consultations. It should highlight key insights that informed the curriculum development and provide a list of identified key stakeholders. Additionally, documentation of partnership development efforts and validation of the training materials by implementing partners and content experts should be included, ensuring the training content's credibility and relevance. 3. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with Tool, by 30.06.2024: A comprehensive framework and set of tools for monitoring and evaluating the training program's effectiveness. This should include pre- and post-assessment tools, feedback forms, and specific criteria for measuring competency acquisition among participants. The framework should outline methodologies for collecting and analyzing data to inform future training improvements and report on the training program's impact on professionals in the construction and housing sector. 4. Partner Identification Report, by 30.05.2024: A comprehensive report detailing the search and assessment process for potential implementing partners in Ninewa. This report will include criteria used for evaluation, such as organizational capacity, experience in similar projects, alignment with program goals, and ability to reach and engage the target audience. A shortlist of potential partners, including an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for the most suitable partner(s) based on the program's specific needs and objectives. Work LocationHome-Based in Iraq, with possibility of travel within the Republic of Iraq and KRI Expected duration01.05.2024 – 30.09.2024 (40 workdays) Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, focusing in particular on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies. ITC is 100% \"Aid for Trade\", supporting trade that delivers inclusive and sustainable development results. ITC’s mandate covers all developing countries and transition economies with special emphasis on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDs) Fragile States and Sub-Saharan Africa. To support a more inclusive distribution of development gains, ITC works with women, youth, and marginalized groups in developing countries to empower them through entrepreneurship and skills that provide gateways to jobs and enterprise creation. The Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) project in Iraq, implemented by UN-Habitat, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), aims to foster decent work and affordable housing. This multi-faceted initiative encompasses integrating employment-intensive investment and local resource-based approaches into Iraq's National Public Works Programme, enhancing capacity for sustainable and affordable housing, promoting trade-led private sector engagement in climate-smart construction, and empowering social partners for better labour market outcomes. Through these components, BEIT focuses on gender and sustainable financing, developing sustainable financial tools and legislative frameworks, forming SME cluster alliances, and fostering social dialogue and capacity building among social partners, all to address housing challenges, create jobs, and support SMEs while mitigating climate change impacts in the housing sector. Output 3.3 of the project is designed to enhance the capabilities of local businesses, particularly focusing on young entrepreneurs, to incorporate green and innovative practices into their operations. This includes a comprehensive approach to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through the development of sustainable and innovative capabilities, especially in sectors like climate-smart solutions and innovative construction technology. The project plans to: 1. Reinforce Business Development Services: Strengthening the portfolio of service providers to offer training, coaching, and mentoring in areas critical for sustainable and innovative business practices. 2. Leverage Peer Learning: Facilitating learning from institutional and company-level peers to help entrepreneurs effectively understand and implement sustainable practices. 3. Enhance TVET Alignment: Aligning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs with the needs of businesses to ensure practical and industry-relevant training. 4. Cultivate Partnerships: Establishing collaborations with multinational corporations, training institutions, and other industry stakeholders for knowledge transfer and skill development. 5. Implement Targeted Activities: - 3.3.1: Designing and implementing modular training for professionals on sustainable construction, repairs, resource efficiency, and financial literacy. - 3.3.2: Developing partnerships with construction material suppliers, universities, and innovators to mainstream climate-smart solutions. - 3.3.3: Establishing pilot training sites and model houses showcasing affordable green techniques in collaboration with UN-Habitat. - 3.3.4: Strengthening the capacities of organizations supporting MSMEs, with a focus on services in entrepreneurship and financial literacy. - 3.3.5: Creating a certified trainee system, a resource repository, regular networking events, and associated marketing efforts in collaboration with local alliances. This strategic focus on building capacities, fostering partnerships, and aligning educational programs with market needs aims to empower young entrepreneurs and small businesses to contribute to economic empowerment and job creation through sustainable and innovative practices. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The work will entail desk reviews of existing subjects and curriculum in the areas of new affordable house construction, repairs, resource efficiency and financial literacy. This will facilitate the formulation of recommendations from relevant stakeholders, development of new curriculum, development of resource materials where relevant. Piloting is also expected with sample students and teachers. Under the direct supervision of the Youth economic empowerment expert and in close coordination with the ITC HQ based and Iraq based teams, the selected candidate will be responsible for the following tasks: Identify key stakeholders in the construction, repair, and maintenance industries, including experts in energy efficiency and financial management, to inform the curriculum development process. 1. Assess existing Courses and Curriculum: • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing courses, curriculum, content and other relevant existing materials in Iraq in the above mentioned fields to facilitate the potential design of new courses and curriculum; • Offer recommendations regarding course design, learning content, teaching aids, technology use; • Propose instructional methods such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises and role-playing; • Facilitate key meetings as needed with various stakeholders from the private and public sector, government, students, and actors from the civil society; • Report on areas of strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum and propose changes; • Introduce exercises, illustrations, tutorials, teacher aids, and other methods of learning to enhance education; • Propose introductory learning and observations for young students in order to inform of potential career, skills, and trade opportunities that surround them; • Introduce learning principles and instructional designs to enable learners to rapidly absorb the technical content. 2. Design new Courses and Curriculum: • Design teaching curriculum with course outlines, lesson plans, classroom activities and multiple learning styles and modalities of instruction; • Implement instructional methods such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises; • Collaborate with stakeholders and entities in the national/international community (teachers, engineers, technicians, farmers, services, government, IOs etc.) to develop effective learning content in multiple delivery styles (includes online classroom, field, virtual instructor-led training and blended learning content). • Develop a course implementation plan and pilot the instruction / teaching to students with new developed materials; 3. Partnership Development for Material Validation: • Engaging with Implementing Partners: Although not directly involved in implementation, the advisor may need to work with potential implementing partners (e.g., training institutions, professional associations) to validate the training design and ensure it meets industry standards and expectations); • Building Relationships with Content Experts: Develop relationships with industry and subject matter experts to review and endorse the training content, adding credibility and relevance to the training modules. 4. Identifying Implementing Partner in Ninewa: • Conducting Partner Identification and Assessment: Undertake a thorough search and assessment process to identify a potential implementing partner based in Ninewa, with a strong track record in delivering high-quality training programs. This includes evaluating prospective partners on their capacity, reach, alignment with the training program's goals, and their ability to effectively engage and impact the target professional audience in Ninewa. • Establishing Partnership Framework: Develop a framework for collaboration with the identified implementing partner, outlining roles, responsibilities, expectations, and mechanisms for communication and feedback throughout the training program's implementation phase. This framework should ensure that the partner is fully equipped and aligned to deliver the training modules effectively, incorporating the developed curricula, materials, and evaluation tools. • Facilitating Knowledge Transfer and Support: Provide ongoing support and knowledge transfer to the identified implementing partner to ensure they have all the necessary information, materials, and understanding to successfully implement the training program. This includes facilitating workshops or sessions on the training design, curriculum, and evaluation framework, as well as offering continuous advisory support during the initial stages of the training implementation. 5. Documentation and Reporting: • Comprehensive Documentation: Prepare detailed documentation of the training design process, including the curriculum, stakeholder inputs, material development, and proposed evaluation methods. • Reporting: Compile reports outlining the training design, expected outcomes, and recommendations for implementation and evaluation. These reports will be crucial for the implementing partners and stakeholders to understand and carry forward the project. In this role, the advisor would need to possess strong curriculum design skills, expertise in sustainable construction practices, financial literacy, and adult education principles. Effective communication and collaboration skills are also vital for engaging with stakeholders and ensuring the training design is aligned with industry needs and standards. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skillsA degree in Education, Curriculum Development, Construction Management, Engineering, Sustainability, Adult Education, or a related field. Certifications or specialized training in curriculum design, adult learning principles, sustainable construction practices, or financial literacy would be highly desirable. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 5-7 years of experience in curriculum development, training program design, and implementation, preferably within the construction, housing, or related sectors. Experience in sustainable construction practices, resource efficiency, and financial management in the context of construction would be highly beneficial. Demonstrated experience in conducting focus group discussions, stakeholder mapping, and engagement, particularly with industry professionals, educators, and subject matter experts. Experience working in or with organizations based in Ninewa or a similar context would be an advantage. Experience in identifying, assessing, and establishing partnerships with implementing partners such as training institutions and professional associations. A track record of successful collaboration with partners for program validation and implementation. Proven experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for training programs, including the development of evaluation tools and methodologies. Strong skills in developing competency-based curricula tailored to adult learners, with the ability to design modular and flexible training content. Ability to adapt materials and training approaches to different cultural contexts, particularly in regions like Ninewa, with sensitivity to local needs and practices. Proficient in conducting research, stakeholder analysis, and needs assessments to inform curriculum development and training program design. Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders and partners. Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently. LanguagesFluency in English and Arabic is essential. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.