Temporary Curriculum Consultant

Who are we  Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental international humanitarian organisation, and was founded in 1968. Concern Worldwide currently operates in a number of countries across the globe, with its Head Office in Dublin. We work with the poor and vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries to help them bring about long-lasting change in their lives and realise their fundamental human rights; to food, to health, to education, and ultimately to a life of dignity. Together with local and international partners, and with the beneficiaries themselves, we respond to emergencies and undertake long term development work.  We work across the world to promote a better understanding of extreme poverty, and we campaign for local and global action that will help reduce this.   Purpose of the Consultancy  The purpose of the consultancy is to support in the start-up and implementation of a non-formal education (NFE) programme in Akkar district, for Syrian refugee and vulnerable Lebanese children. Concern will implement three key NFE courses, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme for children ages 4-6, a Basic Literacy and Numeracy (BLN) French course also for children ages 4-6, and a Homework Support (HS) programme for children ages 7-14. Each of these programmes work to build children’s core competencies and support their future educational opportunities.  The Consultant will provide key input into the development of the ECE and revision of the BLN-French programmes, including course curriculum and student assessments to ensure that the educational programmes are delivered with high quality and benefit for each child attending. The consultant will be expected to produce a comprehensive introductory curriculum to basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as staff training on teacher skill development and student-centred methodology to complement the curriculum. Part of the assignment can be completed remotely, with the expectation of field visits and training days at the Concern office in Akkar, as determined with the Education Programme Manager.      Timeline                                                                                                                                                                                           August 18, 2016 to September 16, 2016    Terms of Reference Provide input into Concern’s ECE curriculum. Review the existing BLN 1 curriculum, which targets children ages 4-6, and provide feedback and direct input on adaption strategies, approaches, and modules. Develop complimentary materials to strengthen curriculum. Ensure curriculum is aligned to objectives and standards featured in the CERD ECE/Kindergarten curriculum. Develop Training of the Trainers (TOT) and train the Education Team on the curriculum objectives were chosen for ECE and implementation approaches. Review the final student books and teacher manuals to be implemented for ECE and make recommendations for improvement.  Contribute to the development of a teachers training manual, including technical inputs into early grade literacy and student-centred facilitation.   Contribute to the development of teacher evaluations and student assessments. Review existing assessments, provide input, and develop draft for student pre and post assessments that are aligned to the curriculum to be used to measure students’ demonstrated learning over the course of the programme. Train the Education Team on the materials and assessment tools created.   Provide input into Concern’s BLN-French curriculum. Review the existing BLN French curriculum and provide feedback and direct input on adaption strategies, approaches, and modules. Update curriculum and develop complementary materials, if deemed necessary. Review existing French assessments, provide input, and develop draft for student pre and post assessments that are aligned to the curriculum to be used to measure students’ demonstrated learning over the course of the programme.   Other tasks as identified throughout the contract.   Remuneration Remuneration will be based on experience of the incumbent.   The Consultant is expected to be available through email, phone calls, and meetings as required, as well as respond in a time sensitive manner to tasks according to agreed upon deadlines. Essential Skills, Qualifications, Experience Required Minimum Master’s Degree in an Education-related field from a reputable university. Ongoing professional development as evidenced by increased work-related responsibility, continuing education, and/or participation in professional organizations. Minimum 5 years working experience in education, specifically within early grade literacy and numeracy teaching. Demonstrated and practical experience in curriculum design and materials development. Demonstrated and practical experience of training teachers in early grade literacy and numeracy. Demonstrated and practical experience working with student centered methodologies and alternative assessment techniques. Strong understanding of the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education curriculum. Strong understanding of the education sector within Lebanon, including within the Syrian humanitarian context. Self-motivated in order to keep track of tasks in a time sensitive manner. High self-awareness, ability to receive feedback positively for adjustment to materials, if needed. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French. Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices, Concern’s Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern’s accountability commitments. Experience working within non-formal education and education in emergencies is a plus.   CONCERN STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT AND PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT PROTECTION POLICY Concern Worldwide has a staff Code of Conduct and a Programme Participant Protection Policy which have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern Staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organization, and the standards of behaviour expected from them. In this context staff has the responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standard in day to day conduct in their work place in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Programme participant Protection Policy and the Concern Staff Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract employment. Any breach of Concern Staff Code of Conduct or the Programme participant Protection Policy by employees of Concern Worldwide during the course of their employment will result in disciplinary action up to, and including dismissal. Counter Terrorism Policy ‘Concern receives a substantial amount of funding from external donors each year.  Increasingly donors are introducing requirements whereby future funding is conditional on Concern ensuring that the names of any new employee or volunteer do not appear on terrorism lists generated by the European Union (List of person, groups and entities to which Regulation (EC No. 2580/2001 applies), the US Government (Office of Foreign Assets Control list of specially designated Nationals and Blocked Persons) and the United Nations (Consolidated List).  ‘Any offer of employment (either paid or voluntary) with Concern Worldwide will not be made pending a clearance check being conducted on the applicant.  For additional information please consult our web site or contact the Human Resource Division in our Head Office. By submitting a formal application for paid or voluntary employment to Concern, you agree to Concern carrying out a clearance check as outlined above and that Concern will not proceed to recruit you should your name appear on any of the aforementioned lists.’ ‘Any offer of employment (either paid or voluntary) with Concern Worldwide will not be made pending a clearance check being conducted on the applicant.  For additional information please consult our web site or contact the Human Resource Division in our Head Office.   By submitting a formal application for paid or voluntary employment to Concern, you agree to Concern carrying out a clearance check as outlined above and that Concern will not proceed to recruit you should your name appear on any of the aforementioned lists.’