National Early Learning Consultants (ECED and Grade 1 transition) - remote with travel, Kathmandu, Nepal

## National Early Learning Consultants (ECED and Grade 1 transition) - remote with travel, Kathmandu, Nepal - Organization:UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund - Office:UNICEF, Kathmandu National Early Learning Consultants (ECED and Grade 1 transition) - remote with travel Position type:Consultant Division/Equivalent:Bangkok (EAPRO), Thailand Department/Office:Kathmandu, Nepal 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. For every child, the right to hope, care, future, education, knowledge How can you make a difference? Nepal has achieved substantial progress in expanding access to Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED); however, evidence from national learning assessments, school readiness studies, and programme evaluations continues to highlight significant challenges in the quality of early learning experiences and children's readiness for primary education. Research from Nepal and globally demonstrates that quality early learning opportunities, developmentally appropriate pedagogy, strong teacher support systems, and effective transition from ECED to Grade 1 are critical determinants of children's later learning and educational success. At the same time, there is growing interest in adapting evidence-based approaches, including structured pedagogy, to strengthen teaching and learning practices in ECED settings while ensuring affordability, feasibility, and sustainability within government systems. In this context, UNICEF seeks technical expertise to support the design, development, testing, and refinement of a Structured Pedagogy-Informed ECED Package and Grade 1 Transition Package that is aligned with Nepal's Integrated Curriculum, Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), and school readiness priorities. The assignment will help improve the quality of ECED services, strengthen children's developmental and learning outcomes, and support a smoother transition from ECED to Grade 1. The consultants will work closely with UNICEF, and relevant stakeholders to develop an integrated package that strengthens children's learning and development in ECED, making them ready to learn and transition into Grade 1. The assignment will include the development of structured daily activity plans (192 days for ECED and at least the first 90 days, but not limited to, for Grade 1 teachers focusing on transition), formative assessment tools, coaching guidance, school readiness and transition resources, parent and caregiver engagement materials, and practical implementation guidance for teachers, schools, and local governments. The consultancy will also support the testing and refinement of materials, tools, and implementation approaches based on emerging evidence and stakeholder feedback. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that the package is developmentally appropriate, inclusive, scalable, affordable, and adaptable to diverse implementation contexts across Nepal. The assignment will deliver a technically validated (1) Structured Pedagogy-Informed ECED Package and (2) Grade 1 Transition Package, including resources for implementation, monitoring, teacher support, and integration within existing government training, coaching, and quality assurance systems. Together, these outputs will contribute to improved school readiness, stronger foundational learning outcomes, and more effective transition from ECED to basic education. If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:Early Learning Consultants (ECED and Grade 1 transition).pdf To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have... - Education:Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Teacher Education, or a related field - Work Experience:Minimum 10 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education, foundational learning, curriculum development, teacher professional developmentDemonstrated experience in developing or adapting teaching-learning materials, teacher guidebooks, training packages, or curriculum resources for ECED and/or early primary education.Proven experience in designing and implementing programmes focused on school readiness, early grade learning, transition to primary education, structured pedagogy, or teacher professional development.Experience conducting technical consultations and facilitating collaboration with government, development partners, and education stakeholders.Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills]. - Minimum 10 years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education, foundational learning, curriculum development, teacher professional development - Demonstrated experience in developing or adapting teaching-learning materials, teacher guidebooks, training packages, or curriculum resources for ECED and/or early primary education. - Proven experience in designing and implementing programmes focused on school readiness, early grade learning, transition to primary education, structured pedagogy, or teacher professional development. - Experience conducting technical consultations and facilitating collaboration with government, development partners, and education stakeholders.Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills]. - Language Requirements:Excellent command in Nepali and English language, particularly proven ability to write in Nepali - Knowledge/Expeertise/Skills:Strong knowledge of child development, early learning, school readiness, foundational learning, and effective pedagogical practices.Familiarity with evidence-based approaches to structured pedagogy, formative assessment, coaching, mentoring, and teacher support systems.Good understanding of curriculum design, competency-based learning, and instructional material development.Knowledge of international and national evidence related to ECED quality improvement and transition to primary education.Understanding of education system strengthening, implementation science, scalability, affordability, and sustainability considerations within public education systems.Familiarity with Nepal's education sector, ECED curriculum, ELDS, and teacher professional development systems will be an assetStrong interpersonal and training delivery skillsAbility to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines - Strong knowledge of child development, early learning, school readiness, foundational learning, and effective pedagogical practices. - Familiarity with evidence-based approaches to structured pedagogy, formative assessment, coaching, mentoring, and teacher support systems. - Good understanding of curriculum design, competency-based learning, and instructional material development. - Knowledge of international and national evidence related to ECED quality improvement and transition to primary education. - Understanding of education system strengthening, implementation science, scalability, affordability, and sustainability considerations within public education systems. - Familiarity with Nepal's education sector, ECED curriculum, ELDS, and teacher professional development systems will be an asset - Strong interpersonal and training delivery skills - Ability