Consultancy to provide technical and related support on the implementation play-based learning through the Foundation Phase Initiative (Nationals only, remote with travel)

Contract Duration – 13.5 months

Working arrangement: Remote with travel to sites and arranged meetings to office

 

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

                                                         TERMS OF REFERENCE

The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical and related support on the implementation play-based learning through the Foundation Phase Initiative within the Directorate: Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement of the DBE under the supervision of the Director: Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement (GET) and Education Specialist (UNICEF).

Objectives:

1. To support the Department of Basic Education with the absorption and integration of the Foundation Phase Initiative (FPI) on the use of manipulatives and play-based pedagogies within the Department of Basic Education and Provincial Education Departments.
2. To provide technical support for the implementation of the Foundation Phase Initiative (FPI) with particular emphasis on the use of play-based pedagogies in the implementation of the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement for Grades R to 3 (CAPS).
3. To provide technical support to the staff in the Directorate: Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement on the implementation of the learning through play and the optimal utilization of the P.L.A.Y. online in-service training for Grades R to 3.
4. To provide technical support to the Directorate: Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement on implementation, quality assurance and monitoring of play-based learning in the Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3);
5. To assist Director: Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement (GET) at the DBE in the preparation of technical reports for submission to the HEDCOM, CEM and Parliament on the areas mentioned above.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  SACO EDU FPI Consultant.pdf

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A minimum of an advanced degree or equivalent in education, early childhood education, basic education, social sciences or related technical fields (master’s)
• Work Experience: Minimum of three years relevant professional work experience related to early learning, basic education, or programme management in the education sector, preferably with experience in curriculum and strong analytical and policy-related work.
• Language requirements: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality written outputs.
• Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:
  • Sound knowledge of early learning and development and the basic education sector, particularly the Foundation Phase in South Africa.
  • Strong understanding of current developments in early learning, including play-based learning approaches aligned to the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and CAPS for Grades R to 3.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Word and MS Excel. Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills.
• Desirables:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel as required.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Proactive, energetic, and able to work independently under tight timeframes.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal  Financial proposal SACO EDU FPI.docx

 

Remarks:  

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.