Individual Consultant – Integration of Digital Technologies into the Iraqi Education system (Baghdad, Iraq) contract NEW

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 3 – Senior

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Baghdad

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 8 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 22/05/2026

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

1.Background and Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, education actors in Iraq made significant investments in delivering teaching and learning using distance modalities such as television and other ICTs. However, these efforts were largely uncoordinated, with different actors developing and delivering content in an ad hoc manner, with no over-arching policy and strategy. In order to strengthen MoE capacity to coordinate the integration of ICTs and digital media for learning and to facilitate its delivery, this set of activities builds on Iraq’s commitment to the Transforming Education Summit track 4: Learning and Digital Transformation, as well as ongoing investments and lessons learnt from COVID-19, Sub-programme “Digital and Distance Education”.

These efforts are further aligned with UNESCO’s Digital Transformative Collaborative Platform established at UNESCO, which serves as a global mechanism to foster collaboration, coherence, and innovation across digital transformation initiatives in education. The platform provides a shared framework for policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and partnership-building, supporting Member States in strengthening coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable digital learning ecosystems.

These actions fall under the INES first pillar Access and Equity (enrolment and equality) of General Education.

The use of digital technology in teaching and learning reached new prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as much education moved to an online, distance basis. This experience, in Iraq as elsewhere, demonstrated both the advantages and limitations of online learning. Since the end of the pandemic, key questions include the use of digital technology in the classroom, the role of distance or hybrid learning as schools have re-opened, and the capacity of teachers to integrate digital technology into their pedagogical practices. While many of these issues continue to animate international debates, UNESCO with the MoE as a first step in the national context, developed of the Action Plan that provides a coherent and sound framework for using digital resources in teaching and learning.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

Within the framework of ITALEEM project funded by the European Union, UNESCO Office for Iraq is committed to support the MoE in Iraq to enhance the quality of education through the integration of digital technologies. As part of this commitment, UNESCO with the cooperation of MoE developed an EdTech/Digital Teaching and Learning action plan. A second step, UNESCO will support of MoE in the development of contextualized, step-by-step EdTech tools and resources for integration and implementation into secondary school curricula, with a focus on disadvantaged and marginalized groups. These interventions are intended to ensure that MoE is equipped with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to manage the digital interactive curricula or tools for the secondary schools. Moreover, this work for EdTech/ Digital teaching will also potentially enable the MOE in Iraq to achieve SDG 4 and transforming education through digital learning. It will also build the resilience of Iraq education system and prepare the education sector to be responsive to the crisis but also contribute to improved access to quality education. The consultant will work closely with the designated focal point from of MOE (or the MOE team) throughout the assignment.

Duration of contract: 8 months

4. Deliverables and Timetable;

A. Inception Report by 30 July 2026

a. Inception report will include a detailed work plan, methodology, and schedule of activities for the full contract period. (20 days after the signing of the contract).

B.1. A comprehensive guideline specifying accessibility features to be integrated into MoE e-learning platforms (screen reader compatibility, captions, keyboard navigation, high-contrast modes, sign-language integration, and simplified reading options), aligned with national curriculum digitization standards by september 2026. (45 days)

B.2 Capacity Building package (October – November 2026)

a.  Blended training package designed and delivered for at least 20 staff of the General Directorate of Curriculum, covering operation and utilization of MoE e-learning platforms, including training materials, manuals, and follow-up support by November 2026(45 days)

B.3 Digital Content Repository (November – December 2026)

a.  Framework for a digital content repository establishing guidelines for content organization, tagging, multilingual search functionality, and accessibility compliance, with a pilot section within existing MoE platforms by December 2026. (30 days)

B.4 Contextualized EdTech Tools for secondary school curricula covering one subject by February 2027). This will include:

a.  Contextualized subject-specific digital tools and resources with AI features (automated translation, text-to-speech, adaptive learning) for secondary school curricula (Grades 7–12), covering one selected subject (Mathematics or a science subject). (50 days)

b.  Pilot implementation report including findings on usability, accessibility, pedagogical relevance, and technical performance from pilot schools across Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region (KRI), with feedback analysis and recommendations. (30 days)

C. Final Report (February 2027)

a.  Final report summarizing all findings, final versions of all developed tools, documentation, and training resources, incorporating feedback from the piloting phase and prepared for nationwide rollout by February 2027. (20 days)

• 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.

EDUCATION

 Education /Academic Qualifications:

Advanced degree in education, educational technology, computer sciences, information technology, social services or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience

• More than 10 years of experiences in the field of education, educational technology, developing online and offline educational materials, information technology or a related field.
• Proven experience in education curriculum development, curriculum digitalization, and teacher training on blended pedagogy, and e-learning platforms in Iraq or developing countries
• Demonstrated experiences in developing digital education tools and platforms.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience working with government ministries and educational institutions.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

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

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

LANGUAGES

• Must be fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Fluent in Arabic language is desirable and an added advantage.

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History Form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English:

* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application form.

Only applications with the above requested information will be considered.

I. A statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.

II. A Technical Written proposal (3 Pages Maximum) consisting of:

• A description of your proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment.
• A work plan with detailed milestones and key deliverables/activities as per the terms of reference.
• Comments on the Terms of Reference, if any (in brief);
• CV.
• The amount to be charged for the assignment following the below price schedule:

• A lump sum amount to be charged for the assignment (excluding travel), which should be quoted in US Dollar. Please indicate your proposed Monthly rate (without travel cost)

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.