Assessment in Emergencies - Consultant, Kathmandu, Nepal. 8 Months, Remotely. (Open for Nationals of Nepal Only) Req#596013

While existing learning frameworks and diagnostic assessment tools provide valuable guidance for assessing foundational learning, these were primarily developed for stable learning environments. Their application in emergency settings requires adaptation to account for interrupted schooling, psychosocial stress, multi-grade teaching arrangements, learning loss, student displacement, and challenges related to inclusive education. Particular attention is required to ensure assessment approaches are appropriate for children with disabilities, children from diverse linguistic backgrounds, and those experiencing prolonged learning disruption. Strengthening emergency responsive learning frameworks and diagnostic tools will support evidence-based planning, targeted learning support, and improved learning recovery efforts at national and subnational levels. ************************************************************************************ Contract Duration:8 Months Working arrangement:Homebased ************************************************************************************ 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. Visitour websiteto learn more about what we do at UNICEF. For every child, the right to Education How can you make a difference? Under the supervision of the Education Specialist (Safe Schools), the consultant will review, revise, and adapt existing learning frameworks and diagnostic assessment tools to ensure they are fit for use in emergency and post-emergency contexts, while maintaining alignment with the national curriculum, foundational learning priorities, and inclusive education principles. The consultant will: • Review existing learning frameworks, competency progressions, and diagnostic assessment tools. • Identify adaptations required for use in emergency and post-emergency contexts. • Integrate considerations for learning recovery and accelerated learning. • Strengthen inclusion of children with disabilities and multilingual learners. • Develop practical guidance for implementation in resource-constrained and emergency settings. • Build stakeholder capacity to understand and utilize the revised frameworks and tools. Scope of Work: Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, and other climate-related emergencies that frequently disrupt children's access to education. Recent emergency events have highlighted the need for education systems to rapidly identify learning needs, support learning recovery, and ensure continuity of learning for all children. While existing learning frameworks and diagnostic assessment tools provide valuable guidance for assessing foundational learning, these were primarily developed for stable learning environments. Their application in emergency settings requires adaptation to account for interrupted schooling, psychosocial stress, multi-grade teaching arrangements, learning loss, student displacement, and challenges related to inclusive education. Particular attention is required to ensure assessment approaches are appropriate for children with disabilities, children from diverse linguistic backgrounds, and those experiencing prolonged learning disruption. Strengthening emergency responsive learning frameworks and diagnostic tools will support evidence-based planning, targeted learning support, and improved learning recovery efforts at national and subnational levels. The consultant will undertake the following tasks - 1. Desk Review and Situational Analysis • Review relevant policies, frameworks, assessment tools, and guidance documents. • Review national curriculum requirements and foundational learning priorities. • Review global Education in Emergencies, learning recovery, and formative assessment guidance. • Analyze challenges in assessing learning during and after emergencies in Nepal. 2. Review Existing Learning Frameworks • Review current learning assessment frameworks and competency descriptors. • Assess suitability for interrupted learning and learning recovery contexts. • Identify areas requiring simplification, prioritization, or adaptation. 3. Revise Learning Frameworks for Emergency Contexts • Develop guidance on essential and prioritized learning competencies. • Adapt frameworks to support learning continuity, learning recovery, multi-grade, multi-level and temporary learning environments and accelerated learning approaches 4. Review and Adapt Diagnostic Assessment Tools • Review existing numeracy and literacy diagnostic tools and assess technical quality, usability, and appropriateness for emergency contexts. • Revise tools to identify learning loss, diagnose foundational learning gaps, support instructional decision-making and facilitate rapid administration in emergency settings 5. Strengthen Inclusion • Ensure revised frameworks and tools are responsive to children with disabilities, children from linguistic minority groups, displaced and marginalized learners, gender-related barriers to learning • Provide recommendations on accommodations, accessibility features, and multilingual adaptation considerations. 6. Field Testing and Validation • Facilitate stakeholder review processes. • Support piloting of tools where feasible. • Analyze feedback and refine products. 7. Capacity Building • Develop orientation materials and user guidance. • Train roster trainers on the tool • Conduct workshops with government, development partners, and implementing agencies. • Support validation and endorsement processes. If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:Terms of Reference TMC0006794.pdf To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have... Minimum requirements: Education: Advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in one or more of the following: Education Educational Assessment and Measurement Curriculum and Instruction Education in Emergencies Inclusive Education International Development Work Experience: Minimum 15 years of experience in education sector programming, with focus on assessments and education in emergencies. Demonstrated expertise in learning assessment and foundational learning. Experience developing or adapting diagnostic assessments. Experience in Education in Emergencies and learning recovery programming. Experience integrating disability-inclusive and multilingual approaches into assessments. Proven experience working with government education systems. Experience in Nepal or South Asia is highly desirable. Language Requirements: Excellent spoken and written skills in both Nepali and English Knowledge/Expertise/Skills: Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in - Strong knowledge of foundational literacy and numeracy assessment. Understanding of competency-based curricula and learning progressions. Experience in assessment and learning systems strengthening. Familiarity with EiE Minimum Standards and learning recovery approaches. Knowledge of accommodations for children with disabilities. Strong analytical and report-writing skills. Excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills. Desirables: Experience supporting Education Review Office and similar institutions Knowledge of Comprehensive Sc