Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operates the largest non-state education system in the Middle East. Since its inception in 1950, with 93 schools and approximately 35,000 students, UNRWA has educated over two and a half million refugees. This remarkable growth reflects the Agency’s enduring commitment to fostering education as a cornerstone of resilience, stability, and development. By the 2023/24 school year, the programme had expanded significantly, encompassing 711 schools, two Education Science Faculties (ESFs), and eight Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). These facilities serve over 540,000 students across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Since October 2023, UNRWA has not been able to provide formal in-person education in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict, but several efforts are in place to guarantee the right to education following different platforms and approaches. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is committed to enhancing teaching and learning practices to ensure students have access to high-quality educational training and resources. This includes fostering Human Rights Education (HRE) and Global Citizenship Education (GCE). However, one of the persistent challenges UNRWA faces is ensuring that the content of textbooks and educational materials aligns with UN principles, values, and UNESCO standards. To address this challenge, UNRWA is establishing an Online Community of Practice (CoP) that will serve as a dynamic platform for education staff to collaboratively address textbook-related issues, share innovative practices, and align their teaching methods with UN principles. The CoP will integrate digital education, conflict resolution, and tolerance education, ensuring that UNRWA’s educational framework remains inclusive, neutral, and forward-thinking. The CoP aims to become the primary in-service training platform for Education staff in all fields of operation. The Programme Manager will oversee the implementation of the CoP to: a.Align teaching strategies with UN principles, UNESCO standards, and modern pedagogical methodologies. b.Facilitate knowledge-sharing, best practices, and innovative solutions among teachers. c.Ensure that educational materials and resources remain neutral, inclusive, and free from bias or incitement while promoting Palestine’s identity, culture, and history. Field technical teams will contribute to this by contextualizing global best practices and aligning them with local education needs. d.Leverage digital tools to enhance collaboration and professional development. e.Build teacher capacity through training in neutrality, human rights, conflict resolution, and digital education. Field experts will support capacity-building efforts by providing insights from direct classroom experiences 3.Functional Title, Duty Station, Duration, Project (if applicable) • Remuneration for this consultancy will be equivalent to the P3 level. • The consultancy will be based in UNRWA HQ in Amman 70 % of the time, with possible travel to selected fields as required. • The duration of the consultancy is from 01 April 2025 to 30 December 2025, with possible extension depending on the performance of the incumbent and the availability of funds. 4.Scope of work The Consultant will be responsible for the activities described below: Specific Outputs/Tasks include but not limited to: Project Planning and Implementation: • Develop and execute a strategic plan for the CoP, ensuring alignment with UNRWA’s education framework and objectives. • Coordinate focus groups to assess learning gaps and define the needs of teachers. Field technical teams will be actively involved in these discussions to provide localized insights. • Establish the CoP platform using Microsoft Teams, integrating existing resources like Manara. • Develop a structured approach for content curation, training modules, and interactive discussions. Field teams will help ensure that curated content is relevant to teachers’ daily challenges. Training and Capacity Building: • Design and deliver training sessions to help teachers effectively use the CoP platform. • Organize webinars and expert panels featuring global education specialists, human rights advocates, and pedagogical innovators. • Facilitate peer mentorship programs, allowing experienced teachers to guide and support their colleagues. This will be reinforced by contributions from field experts who can share firsthand experiences. Community Engagement and Support: • Foster a collaborative environment where teachers can exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions. • Provide continuous support and engagement strategies to maximize participation. • Oversee the development of a digital resource bank with pre-approved educational materials and lesson plans. Field technical teams will play a key role in identifying and validating these resources. • Identify strategic partnerships to contribute to the ongoing development of UNRWA teachers. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: • Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effectiveness of the CoP. • Collect and analyze teacher feedback to continuously improve the platform. Field teams will assist in gathering qualitative data on teacher experiences and implementation challenges. • Provide regular progress reports and recommendations for future development. EXPECTED OUTCOMES • A fully functional online community of practice (CoP) was established and operational on Microsoft Teams. • Improved teaching quality and enhanced classroom practices through knowledge sharing and access to expert insights. • A comprehensive digital resource bank with vetted educational materials, lesson plans, and teaching tools. • Active participation from targeted teachers, with engagement gradually scaled across UNRWA’s five fields of operation. • A structured peer mentorship program supporting teachers in resolving textbook-related challenges. • A transparent and neutral framework ensuring that teaching resources align with UN principles and educational standards. • Potential partners identify and collaborate with key stakeholders to support the CoP. 5.Deadlines and Fee Schedule Deliverables: Implementation Strategy and Timeline The CoP will be implemented in three phases: Phase 1: Planning and Development (Months 1-3) • Conduct focus groups to map learning gaps and needs. • Develop the CoP platform using Microsoft Teams, integrating internal digital platforms, such as Keep Learning and Manara • Curate initial content for the digital resource bank. Phase 2: Pilot Launch and Training (Months 4-6) • Launch the CoP in one field as a pilot project. • Provide training to teachers on using the platform and addressing textbook issues. • Host initial webinars and expert panels to engage participants. Phase 3: Full Rollout and Scaling (Months 7-9) • Expand the CoP to all five fields of operation. • Monitor and evaluate the platform’s impact, making adjustments as needed. • Organise agency-wide consultations and events to promote the CoP. This consultant will be paid according to the following schedule of Deliverables and Timelines: Deliverable: Phase 1: Planning and Development (Months 1-3) • Report on focus groups to map learning gaps and needs – Month 1 USD 5,851 • Technical report with the conceptual idea and the development of the CoP platform using MS Teams – Month 2 USD 5,851 • Curate initial content for the digital resource bank – Month 3 USD 5,851 Phase 2: Pilot Launch and Training (Months 4-6) • Proposal of the CoP technical priorities in one field as a pilot project (field to be defined) • Report of initial trainings conducted with a list of participants – Month 4 USD 5,851 • Report, including a list of trainings and partnerships, to scale up the CoP. – Month 5 USD 5,851 Phase 3: Full Rollout and Scaling (Months 7-9) • Report and list of participants in the first CoP event in all fields of operation. – Month 6 USD 5,851 • Report of ongoing events, with clear concept note per session and list of participants – Month 7 USD 5,851 • Report of consultation with all partners on next steps and next set of trainings. • Sixth Monthly Progress Report and Final Project Report: Group of next training and next steps Month 8 – USD 5,851 The consultant will receive a service indemnity fee of 8.33% as part of their contractual entitlement
Qualifications/special skills
Qualification Requirements Education: – Master’s degree in education, Digital Learning, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field. Experience: • At least five years of experience in education, online learning, or community management, preferably in an international organization. • Experience in designing and managing digital platforms for learning and collaboration. • Previous work in teacher training, pedagogy, or education reform is an asset. • Strong background in managing large-scale education projects and working with diverse stakeholders. Skills and Competencies: • Proven ability to develop and manage digital Communities of Practice. • Strong facilitation skills to engage diverse education professionals in a collaborative environment. • Excellent project management skills, with experience in planning, executing, and evaluating educational programs. • Knowledge of neutrality, inclusivity, and human rights in education. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster an active and supportive community. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS -Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.