National Consultant on Technical Support to the Pilot for Centres of Pedagogical Excellence (CPE) (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Tashkent

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+5 Time) : 31/03/2026

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

Note: This is the vacancy announcement for the 3 Positions based in Bukhara, Termez, Fergana  (1 consultant per each region) 

1. Background

Within the framework of the UNESCO-UNICEF Joint project “Empowering Education in Uzbekistan: Leveraging ICT and Digital Learning for High-Quality and Inclusive Education Results”  funded by the Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund, UNESCO is working with the Ministry of Pre-school and School Education to improve education for vulnerable children across Uzbekistan, especially in rural areas and for girls. By introducing school-based models, the program focuses on modernizing classrooms, integrating digital learning tools, and enhancing support for children with disabilities. A part of this effort is building the capacity of teachers. Through targeted training and updated teaching resources, educators are better equipped to deliver inclusive and high-quality education that meets the needs of all students. This approach strengthens learning outcomes and ensures that more children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.

The Joint Project’s Theory of Change identifies the establishment of Model Centres for Pedagogical Excellence as a critical precondition for achieving long‑term outcomes for children. These centres are envisioned as demonstration hubs for best practices in teacher training and professional development. Their success relies on close collaboration between the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (MoPSE), local education actors, and other stakeholders, supported by the strategic use of ICT to expand and sustain pedagogical excellence.

The design of the current pilot is informed by extensive research and stakeholder consultations conducted between June and November 2024. The pilot aims to serve as a practical bridge between international evidence‑based approaches to continuous professional development (CPD) and the existing systems and practices within Uzbekistan. Pedagogical Skills Centres, schools, and other relevant institutions across the country will be encouraged to integrate global CPD models, adapting them to meet the specific needs, priorities, and opportunities identified within their respective regions.

In this regards, Tashkent office is searching for national consultants who will support the Pilot for Centre of Pedagogical Excellence.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The national consultants will work under the overall supervision of the Head of UNESCO Tashkent Office, direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer, and in close coordination with the National Programme Officer for Education.

To support the successful design, implementation and monitoring of pilot activities in the each  region (between 3 – 5 pilot activities) by providing continuous technical guidance, coordination support, and documentation of results.

3. Key Responsibilities

a.. Support to Design of Pilot Activities

• Assist Regional Centres of Pedagogical Excellence to refine proposals aligned with the CPE Model and national/regional priorities
• Facilitate planning sessions on logical framework, workplan, budget, partnerships and resource needs
• Provide inputs to the Proposal Evaluation Team (will be conducted in Spring 2025)
• Provide training/coaching to pilot project teams on project management and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

b. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting

• Support roll‑out of monitoring tools and data collection for the approved activities
• Track progress of activities in the different pilots and identify risks or delays
• Prepare concise monthly progress updates and contribute to interim findings for Pilot Steering Group

c. Partnership and Coordination

• Liaise regularly with Regional Centres of Pedagogical Excellence and selected partners (if any)
• Support organisation of workshops, consultations, and field visits.
• Promote collaboration between pilot regions and ensure sharing of practices.

d. Documentation and Visibility

• Collect case studies, success stories, photos and short videos from regions
• Contribute to communication materials and reporting packages

6 – 11 months, the consultant must be based in Bukhara or Surkhandarya or Fergana, and frequent travel within the region is required. 

• Monthly progress notes.
• Inputs to proposal reviews.
• Monitoring data consolidated from three regions.
• Each regional case studies or short documentation products.
• Contributions to the Interim and Final Reports

• 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.

• At least first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, Administration or other relevant field. 
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education, teacher development and/or project implementation
• Proven experience in project design, development of work plan and budget
• Strong facilitation, communication and coordination skills.
• Readiness to travel frequently within Bukhara, Surkhandarya and Fergana regions.
• Knowledge of English and Uzbek.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise and experience in the use of digital technologies in education and/or the development of digital competences  in students and the capability of teachers to teach digital competences and use digital technologies 
• Expertise and experience in the development of STEM in education and/or the development of STEM competences in students and the capability of teachers to teach STEM.
• Expertise and experience in teacher professional development
• Experience working with government and/or UN agencies.
• Knowledge of Russian will be an asset

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).

• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.