Consultant - Methodologist for update and complete the Manual for trainers (SSE)
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Ukraine
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : 15 April 2025 - 15 June 2025
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 28.03.2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background and Objective
As the lead coordinator of SDG 4, UNESCO supports Member States facing emergencies and protracted crises to strengthen the resilience of education systems, integrate humanitarian, development and peacebuilding responses, address the root causes of vulnerability and strengthen capacities for crisis response and recovery planning and management. UNESCO also supports laying the foundations for recovery and long-term development from the outset of emergency response through active engagement in addressing the impact of violence and conflict on education. With this in mind, UNESCO continues to fulfill its commitment to further support the national authorities in Ukraine in addressing the needs and priorities identified in the National Recovery Plan of Ukraine through the UNESCO Emergency Assistance Program for Ukraine.
The ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine is undermining the ability of education to provide stability and support for children.
In wartime, when children face new challenges and experience trauma and stress, teachers need additional support to be able to recognize symptoms of trauma in children and respond and support them appropriately.
According to research conducted by the Ministry of Education and Science and Ukraine's partners, more than 60 % of teachers working in the frontline areas have not received special training in crisis response or first aid.
More than 80 % of teachers in the frontline areas report high levels of stress and anxiety due to the constant danger and emotional stress. only 15 % of teachers in the frontline areas have received training on stress resilience and crisis management. According to a survey of teachers conducted in October 2024 by the NGO Responsible Citizens, 60% of educators are in dire need of advanced training in psychosocial support for children in crisis. These data emphasize the need to provide teachers with additional knowledge and resources to effectively provide support to students in crisis.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MESU) is actively working to implement and expand initiatives aimed at creating a physically and psychologically safe educational environment for both students and teachers.
A key part of this work was the implementation of a pilot project in 12 communities in Zhytomyr and Odesa regions from September 2023 to December 2024. The project aims to provide teachers with the necessary knowledge and support to work in emergency conditions. This includes regular trainings on safety, first aid, stress management, psychological support, and adaptation to new working conditions, which are key to restoring effective education, ensuring the safety of children, and creating a supportive environment for their learning.
As part of this initiative, a Manual for Trainers on Creating a Safe Educational Environment was developed in cooperation with psychology experts, the National Police of Ukraine, and the State Emergency Service. To test it, 110 trainers were trained, who provided training to 7,400 teachers in these communities. Based on the feedback received, a number of recommendations were made by the trainers and teachers for improvement. As an important step in disseminating the materials of this pilot project and ensuring its sustainability, UNESCO is looking for a methodologist to analyze and update the Manual for Trainers according to the recommendations.
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Duties/Tasks and Expected Output:
- Analysis and Update of Materials:
- Analyze the existing Manual for trainers on teaching teachers how to create a safe educational environment.
- Gather feedback and recommendations from trainers and teachers in person, assisted by UNESCO, who participated in the pilot projects
- Evaluate the existing sections of the Manual and identify gaps or outdated materials that need updating.
- Update of Structure and Content:
- Review and refine the structure of the Manual, ensuring logical flow and ease of use for trainers.
- Update the content of the Manual, particularly supplementing sections related to trainer methodologies.
- Add new sections or clarify existing ones with a focus on the emotional support of teachers, stress-reduction methods, and burnout prevention.
- Integrate specific examples, case studies, and practical tools for trainers.
- Addition of Tools and Techniques:
- Develop a set of practical tools for trainers that will help them effectively teach about creating a safe environment.
- Include tools for addressing teachers' emotional states, as well as methods to support children in crisis situations.
- Update of Scientific and Methodological Content:
- Check the relevance of the scientific and theoretical data in the Manual, considering current research in psychosocial support for teachers and students.
- Introduce new methodologies, strategies, and approaches for supporting the emotional health of teachers and children during wartime.
- Ensuring Alignment with Recommendations:
- Consider recommendations from trainers and teachers collected during the pilot project in the final update of the Manual.
- Pay attention to adapting the new materials to the specific conditions of Ukraine, considering local features and needs of educators.
- Formatting and Coordination with Editors:
- Collaborate with the editor and proofreader to ensure high-quality text (correctness, clarity, conciseness).
- Ensure consistency in style, format, and document presentation.
- Finalize the Manual, considering the recommendations of the two reviews received from supervision practitioners and supervision theorists provided by UNESCO.
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Timetable and Deliverables
The contractor shall submit to UNESCO for its approval:
Deliverable 1. The first draft of the updated Manual for Trainers has been completed:
(1) the materials of the Manual have been analyzed;
(2) the structure and content have been updated;
(3) tools and methodologies have been added;
(4) the draft of the Manual has been agreed with UNESCO (by mid-May).
Deliverable 2. Updated version of the Manual has been prepared for publication and use:
(1) reviews received, and content aligned with recommendations;
(2) Manual has been finalized with editors and proofreaders to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency;
(3) the final draft of the Manual, containing no less than 100 pages of Times New Roman font 12, has been approved by UNESCO (by mid-June).
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or higher in psychology, pedagogy, social sciences, or education (psychology background preferred).
Professional Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in educational settings (preferably as a teacher/psychologist/methodologist).
- Experience in developing methodological materials for trainers, including training manuals and educational programs.
- Practical experience as a trainer working with teaching staff, especially in crisis situations.
- Experience working with educational materials in emergency contexts, with knowledge of the specifics of teachers' work during wartime.
Skills
- Understanding of the roles of teachers and trainers, ability to create practical case studies and tools for real-life situations.
- Knowledge of modern methods of emotional support for teachers, stress resilience strategies, and burnout prevention.
- Editing and proofreading skills to ensure high-quality materials.
- Collecting and integrating feedback from training participants into the material updating process.
- Proficiency in English at a level sufficient for working with international partners and documents.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to deliver high-quality, practical content on tight deadlines (2 months).
- Fluency in Ukrainian, with strong written and verbal communication skills (English is an advantage).
- A collaborative and flexible approach to work, with the ability to adapt materials to meet the diverse needs of teachers and students in crisis.
- A practical, results-oriented mindset focused on producing tools that teachers can immediately implement in classrooms.
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Supervisory arrangements
The methodologist will work under the general supervision of the National Project Officer of UNESCO, ensuring alignment with project objectives and quality standards. Regular coordination meetings will be held to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges. The methodologist will also collaborate with expert reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders to ensure the high quality of the final Manual.
Facilities to be Provided by UNESCO (if any)
The work will be conducted remotely, with regular online coordination meetings facilitated by UNESCO. The methodologist will have access to relevant project materials, expert consultations, and feedback from UNESCO’s National Project Officer and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the assignment.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
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BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Rename the “BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS” title to “APPLICATION PROCESS”, and use additional sections if required to add other relevant information.
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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
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