Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic (the)
Closing date: 22 Jan 2016
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for a qualified candidate for an International Consultancy to review primary student assessment system in Lao PDR. This assignment is expected to start by February 1st 2016 and be completed by April 1st 2016.
Duties and responsibilities:
The overall objective of this consultancy is to review the current situation of the student learning assessment system within primary education. The scope of this review will include:
Task 1: Analyse the existing national system/structure for student assessment in primary education, including its relevance and application for different purposes and by different user groups. The key activities under this task include:
Activity 1.1: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant documents, including the existing student assessment policies, guidelines and tools as well as curriculum, textbooks, teachers’ guides, pre-service teacher training programs and other relevant studies within primary education.
Activity 1.2: Conduct interviews/consultation meetings with key stakeholders.
Task 2: Capacity development for the Ministry staff on primary student learning assessment
Activity 2.1: Conduct a two day workshop on student learning assessment as part of capacity building for curriculum writers and other relevant staff. The purposes of the workshop are (1) to enhance the knowledge of curriculum developers and relevant ministry staff on concepts of student assessment, its development process, and its alignment with other quality policies and its implementation at different levels; (2) to strengthen the staff capacity on the development and implementation of continuous assessment at school and classroom levels to improve teaching practice as well as student learning outcomes, drawing on good practices in various other countries with similar contexts and education systems.
Task 3: Design a detailed process for the revision and development of the student assessment system for primary education based on the findings of the analysis.
The key activities include:
Activity 3.1 Develop a brief (5 to 7 pages) document outlining the various approaches to the development of an effective and appropriate student assessment system and use of result of student assessment for different purposes for primary education, drawing on global best practice and lessons learned. This document will be used to spur discussion in the consultation workshops and within the Ministry of Education and Sports on the feasibility of various student assessment for, and of learning.
Activity 3.2 Conduct consultation workshop(s) to develop a detailed process for the revision of student learning assessment for primary education. The purposes of this workshop(s) are 1) to present the findings and draft recommendations from the analysis exercise and 2) to brainstorm a feasible revision process along with revision of other quality components, including revision of primary curriculum, instruction and teacher education, which are currently taken place.
Activity 3.3 Develop a work-plan for the revision & development of primary student learning assessment at classroom, sub-national and central levels as well as pre-and in-service teacher training, taking the recommendations from the consultation workshop(s) into consideration.
Qualifications and experience:
Post graduate degree in education or related field with evidence of a specialization in student assessment
In-depth knowledge of challenges for implementation of student assessment in primary education, especially in low resource settings
At least 5 years of extensive experience in analysis/review of student assessment system, preferably for primary education
Strong analytical skills
Excellent report writing skills
Ability to work in various cultural settings
Appreciation for a ‘coaching’ approach to capacity development initiatives
How to apply:
To apply for this consultancy, please prepare an application letter stating your interest and qualifications. Send these together with a completed Personal History Form and Expression of Interest Form (available from UNICEF) to:
Human Resource Unit
UNICEF, P.O. Box 1080, Vientiane, Lao PDR
or email to: laohrrecruitment@unicef.org
Tel: 856 (21) 315200-04