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For every child, the right to education 

The Republic of Moldova embraces an education policy that is consistent with the European and international education standards that responds to the current issues and needs of the education system and its beneficiaries. Aligned with the objectives of the Development Strategy “Education 2030” (DS), the education system still faces challenges related to the quality of education and poor learning outcomes. Improving the quality of education is part of Moldova's integration efforts, as education is a cornerstone for economic development, social cohesion, and overall progress.

Despite progress in curriculum modernization, challenges remain in the practical integration of transversal dimensions across subject areas. Teachers and curriculum developers often require structured tools, methodological guidance, and concrete examples to effectively embed authentic learning tasks, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative pedagogies into everyday teaching practice.

In addition, school leadership teams need enhanced capacity to foster collaborative teaching cultures, support cross-curricular planning, and create inclusive and adaptive learning environments that respond to diverse learner needs. The alignment between curriculum intentions, classroom practices, and assessment mechanisms remains a critical area for development.

Based on the above, UNICEF Moldova is seeking the technical assistance of three national consultants who will provide technical expertise in:

• Strengthening the capacities for integration of transversal dimensions into the curricula;
• The development of tools and instruments for authentic learning and assessment of transferable and cross-curricular skills;
• The design and implementation of cross-curricular education approaches;
• The promotion of innovative pedagogies and supportive learning environments.

The engagement of specialized expertise will contribute to strengthening systemic capacity, ensuring coherence between policy and practice, and supporting schools in implementing integrated, learner-centered, and competency-based education approaches.

Present announcement is for the Consultant on Institutional Leadership.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Purpose of the assignment 

• Strengthening the capacity of curriculum authors to integrate transversal dimensions and authentic learning into the subject-based curricula
• Provide support to ten model schools for integrating subjects through resources and practical tools that promote authentic learning and transferable skills.

2. Objectives of the consultancy 

The following specific objectives are to be accomplished through the national consultancy (3 experts): 

• Develop training materials and conduct training of the curriculum experts for integrating transversal dimensions and authentic learning into the subject-based curricula
• Support ten model schools in connecting subjects through resources and practical tools that foster authentic learning and develop transferable, cross-curricular skills.

The engagement of specialized expertise will contribute to strengthening systemic capacity, ensuring coherence between policy and practice, and supporting schools in implementing integrated, learner-centered, and competency-based education approaches.

3. Details of how the work should be delivered

During the assignment, the consultants will be guided by the new Reference Framework of the National Curriculum[1] approved by the MER. They will take into consideration the Government’s priorities related to the education sector priorities, including the Development Strategy Education 2030, the SDG targets, as well as the National Development Strategy "European Moldova 2030".

Elected experts will form a joint expert team, working in close coordination to develop the resources and practical tools and collectively support schools during the piloting phase.

Expert 1 (Lead expert) will be responsible for designing the institutional architecture, clarifying the role of disciplines within integrated learning, and strengthening internal collaboration structures among educators and school leadership (Consultant under present TOR).

Expert 2 will lead the development of school self-assessment tools and progress indicators, while establishing and strengthening institutional collaboration mechanisms and leadership practices to support the implementation of the new integrated curriculum and transferable, cross-curricular skills.

Expert 3 will guide the development of the school as an ecosystem, integrating projects, events, and community engagement, while clarifying roles and responsibilities for teachers, coordinators, and students to support effective implementation of the integrated curriculum.

The team of experts will work in close collaboration with MER, including the General Department of Policies in the Field of General Education, and UNICEF Education Officer and Education Specialist.

The work will be delivered by completion of the following main stages: 

1. 1. Strengthening the capacity of curriculum authors to integrate transversal dimensions and authentic learning into the subject-based curricula
   2. Assessment and identification of needs in ten model schools
   3. Developing a portfolio for teachers containing concrete models by subject, authentic tasks, learning products, methodological suggestions, and examples of adaptation for inclusion and piloting
   4. Methodological support for pilot schools

4. Reporting requirements 

The consultant will report to the UNICEF Education Officer, who will regularly communicate with the consultant and provide feedback and guidance on the performance and all other necessary support so to achieve objectives of the consultancy, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work.  

5. Work location and official travel involved 

The work will mainly be performed remotely and will require participating in online meetings with MER and UNICEF, and travel to other locations throughout the country. The UNICEF office will facilitate introductions to key informants.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Advanced academic degree in education science/policy, curriculum and instruction, education technology.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the development of curricula, curricula products for general education
• Proven expertise in innovative teaching methodologies, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, design thinking, and interdisciplinary curriculum design.
• Demonstrated experience in working with government institutions.
• Strong networking and stakeholders’ engagement skills.
• Relevant experience in working with UN Agencies will be an asset.
• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English is required.

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

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR):

 2026_TOR_Nat Indiv Consultancy_Transversal skills model schools_Institutional Leadership .docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain your Technical and Financial Offer (templates below):

 Technical Offer_Transversal skills model schools_Institutional Leadership.docx

 Financial Offer_Transversal skills model schools_Institutional Leadership.xlsx

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 a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from targeted underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

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.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.