Given these priorities particularly on implementing the Learning Passport and jumpstarting the GIGA, UNICEF seeks an Individual Consultant - Digital Learning Specialist, to provide a liaison/coordinating, technical and operational support to the Ministries of Education and Ministry of Innovation & Technology tto operationalize the Learning Passport, rollout GIGA and other relevant Digital Technologies in Ethiopia. The Digital Learning Specialist will serve as a bridge between UNICEF, the Ministries of Education and Ministry of Innovation & Technology, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and other key stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration for the successful rollout of the Learning Passport, GIGA initiatives and other relevant Digital Education Technologies across Ethiopia.
Scope of Work:
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for the following:
Technical Assistance:
Under the Supervision of the Education Manager and the support of the Technology for Development (T4D) team, provide technical and operational support to expand the Learning Passport and jumpstart the GIGA initiative in Ethiopia. This includes assessing the digital education landscape to identify key opportunities, challenges, and gaps in infrastructure, digital literacy, and capacity building. In collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of
Innovation and Technology (MINT), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the private sector, support the digital learning coalition to drive coordination, secure endorsement of the Learning Passport workplan, secure endorsement for GIGA, and create a roadmap for scaling digital education initiatives aligned with Ethiopia’s goals.
Content Development, Curation and Digitization: Oversee the mapping, curation, development, and digitization of high-quality educational content that aligns with Ethiopia’s national curriculum and addresses the diverse needs of teachers, students, and out-of-school children, including those with special needs. This process involves identifying gaps in existing content, ensuring inclusiveness, and adapting or developing new materials as required. Additionally, it will involve the digitization of both newly developed and curated content to ensure it is accessible across various digital platforms. A key focus will be on ensuring accessibility and relevance while building a comprehensive, digitized repository of curated and adapted content, ready for integration into the Learning Passport. Furthermore, develop a Terms of Reference (TOR) to guide the content mapping, development, and digitization efforts, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and technological capacities.
Advocacy, Networking and Partnership Building: Facilitate the development of strategic partnerships and engage with key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Innovation and Technology, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), mobile network operators, development agencies, Ed-Tech hubs, and civil society organizations. These partnerships will focus on expanding the reach and sustainability of the Learning Passport, GIGA initiative, and other relevant digital technologies, ensuring alignment with Ethiopia’s digital education goals and fostering collaboration across sectors to drive long-term impact.
Coordination:
In close collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), facilitate regular coordination and dialogue between key stakeholders, including MOE and MINT, to ensure effective program implementation of digital education initiatives such as the Learning Passport and GIGA. This includes organizing and leading regular meetings to track progress, align strategies, and address any emerging challenges. Additionally, ensure that programmatic updates, key decisions, and action plans are well-documented and that a strategic roadmap is maintained to guide the ongoing implementation and scaling of these initiatives.
Innovation, and Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Facilitate the development and delivery of tailored training programs for teachers and administrators to effectively integrate digital content into their teaching practices. Promote innovative approaches to digital education by equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize platforms like the Learning Passport. This includes creating user-friendly training materials, conducting workshops, and ensuring the continuous improvement of training effectiveness through feedback and evaluation. Additionally, foster a culture of knowledge sharing by documenting and disseminating best practices and lessons learned to enhance future digital education initiatives.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Monitor and evaluate the deployment and implementation of the Learning Passport and GIGA initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with overarching objectives. This includes gathering data, tracking progress, and assessing key outcomes to identify challenges and successes. By providing data-driven insights and documenting lessons learned and best practices, actionable recommendations will be generated to inform future scale and improve ongoing efforts. The evaluation process will culminate in a comprehensive final report, outlining key findings and strategies for scaling and enhancing these initiatives.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in education, information technology, statistics, communication, engineering, or another relevant field. In lieu of a Masters’ degree, relevant experience may be considered to meet this requirement.
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in Digital learning, EdTech, Technology for Development (T4D) and/or information system development, including mobile and web-based applications, with manifested capacity to manage programmes involving many stakeholders. Specific experience on ICT for learning or digital learning is an advantage.
Experience managing user-driven design and feedback processes for software.
Experience in digital learning design.
Proven training and capacity building skills for a range of stakeholders.
Good technical understanding and familiarity with information management systems.
Excellent communication abilities, in both written and oral forms.
Consultant should be at ease in presentations and meetings with D-level (UN) or C-level (private sector) executives.
Demonstrated ability and experience in coordination, and able to work under pressure is required.
