International Consultant: Development of the Innovation Transfer System at Pre-Service (Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract :Consultant Contract

Level :Level 3 - Senior

Hiring Unit :Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station :Tashkent

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract: 3 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+5 Time) :28/07/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW

The proposed engagement falls under Sub-component 2.2 (Teacher Education) of the Joint ISDB/ISFD/GPE funded Project: SMART-ED – Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Education Services in Uzbekistan

Implemented in close coordination with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE), this project strengthens Uzbekistan’s education system for sustainable, inclusive, competency-based education (CBE). Its two main activities of Sub-component focus on pre-service teacher education reform and in-service teacher education reform, aiming to improve professional development of teachers and leaders.

Under this Sub-component, the project aims to improve the mechanisms for revising teacher education programmes, introduce and scale innovative practices at the pre service level, and establish a robust system for continuous professional learning.

In Pre service teacher training focuses specifically on strengthening through five major areas of intervention: revising pre service teacher education programmes, establishing a new model of pedagogical practicum, developing and piloting new academic courses, revising methodology courses, and creating a system for innovation transfer within pre service institutions. Together, these activities aim to modernize teacher preparation and ensure that new educators enter the profession equipped with contemporary, competency oriented skills and practices.

The consultant will support the creating a system for innovation transfer within the pre service teacher education programme. 

ASSIGNMENTS

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide international technical expertise for the design, and refinement of an innovation transfer system that enables the effective adoption of teacher education reforms across pedagogical universities in Uzbekistan.

The consultant will support the development of a scalable and sustainable model for transferring innovations from the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami to selected regional institutions and contribute to the establishment of professional standards and enabling policy frameworks necessary for wider implementation.

The consultant will:

1. Develop a model for innovation transfer in pre-service teacher education.
2. Strengthen institutional capacity to implement competency-based, gender-responsive, and inclusive teacher education approaches.
3. Develop professional standards for teacher trainers aligned with CBE reform requirements.
4. Contribute to the development of normative and policy documents required for the phased national scale-up of reforms.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

Deliverable 1. Review and Situational Analysis

• Review existing data, including:
  • Newly developed disciplines;
  • The new pedagogical practicum model;
  • Relevant national policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Assess institutional readiness and capacity of participating pedagogical universities (a total of 13 pedagogical universities in Uzbekistan).
• Identify key success factors, risks, and requirements for innovation transfer and scale-up.

Deliverable 2. Design of the Innovation Transfer Model

• Develop a comprehensive Innovation Transfer Framework for pre-service teacher education.
• Define institutional roles, responsibilities, governance arrangements, quality assurance mechanisms, and implementation processes.
• Develop capacity-building and mentoring approaches to support participating universities.
• Ensure integration of competency-based, gender-responsive, and inclusive education principles throughout the framework.

Deliverable 3. Development of Professional Standards for Teacher Trainers

• Conduct a review of international and regional good practices related to teacher trainer standards.
• Develop professional standards for teacher trainers in Uzbekistan.
• Define required competencies, performance indicators, professional development pathways, and quality assurance criteria.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.

Deliverable 4. Development of Normative Documents

• Provide technical support for drafting normative and regulatory documents needed for implementation and scale-up.
• Ensure alignment with national education reforms and teacher education policies.
• Support stakeholder consultations and validation processes.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree in Education, Teacher Education, Educational Policy, Curriculum Development, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in teacher education reform and/or higher education development.

Demonstrated experience in competency-based teacher education.Proven expertise in institutional capacity development and scaling education innovations.

Experience in developing professional standards, competency frameworks, and quality assurance systems.

Experience in inclusive education and gender-responsive pedagogy.

Experience working with ministries, universities, and teacher training institutions.

Experience in Central Asia or countries undergoing education reform is highly desirable.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills.Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Excellent drafting and report-writing skills.

Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

LANGUAGES

Strong communication skills in English; knowledge of Russian or Uzbek is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.