Consultant – Digital Learning

General Background and Context

UNHCR Kenya is committed to the principles of inclusion of refugee and asylum-seeking learners, ensuring that interventions in camp-based learning institutions are anchored in the national education system, progressively adhering to national policy, regulations and standards. Digital literacy is a key priority for the Government of Kenya, as evidenced in Vision 2030, Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019, the National Education Sector Strategic Plan 2018-22, and the Competency Based Curriculum.

In camp settings, significant investments have been made in digital literacy over the past five years. Despite these investments, many refugee and host community children and youth do not have access to digital learning opportunities. Moreover, there are opportunities to strengthen coordination of digital literacy investments to better respond to the needs of the learners, especially in the context of COVID19, and to align with the ongoing sector reforms.

UNHCR Kenya seeks a consultant to develop a strategy for digital literacy in refugee settings, with consideration of the immediate, medium and long-term needs of the Education sector. The strategy and accompanying pieces of work will be aligned with Government plans and priorities, and with consideration of both high and low tech options including the required inputs: connectivity, infrastructure and equipment, content, capacity development, and sustainability. The strategy will cut across all levels of education and will involve consultations with a broad range of stakeholders including Government, NGO education partners and the private sector

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• Mapping of digital literacy interventions in refugee hosting areas

• Strategy document for digital learning in refugee hosting areas

• At least two trainings or capacity development activities for education stakeholders supporting the dissemination of the strategy

• Paper/ presentation on options for private sector partnerships for improved connectivity and access to digital devices in schools/ learning environments

• Representation in ICT in Education working group or other appropriate forums

Responsibility (processes and functions undertaken to achieve results)

Under the supervision of the Education Officer, the Digital Learning Consultant will;

1. Undertake a mapping of high and low-tech digital literacy interventions in refugee hosting areas

2. Support the development of a strategy on digital learning, anchored in national plans

3. Support roll-out of strategy, including training and capacity development for UNHCR and education stakeholders

4. Present options for private sector partnerships for improved connectivity and access to digital devices in schools/ learning environments

5. Represent UNHCR on the ICT in Education working group, and advocate for refugee inclusion in national programmes.

Some travel to Kakuma and Dadaab, as well as urban areas hosting refugees (Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa and Eldoret) should be expected.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Technology, Education, Refugee Studies or a related field.

• At least 8 years of experience in progressively responsible functions in education (6 years with Advanced University degree)

*Essential:***

Demonstrated experience/ background in educational technology and digital inclusion. Experience working with internet connectivity or in a telecommunications setting. Demonstrated experience/ skills in designing effective programmes. Good understanding of the key issues, dynamics and evolution of the education sector in Kenya. Strong inter-personal skills in collaboration and coordination. Strong communications/presentations skills. Demonstrated capacity to work with minimum supervision. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

*Desirable:***

Experience working with Governments, Ministry of Education and other line Ministries. Knowledge and experience of UNHCR policies and standards. Experience and skills in facilitation and designing and delivering trainings.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies

Fluency in English; Solid writing skills and an understanding of project management cycle and programme management in complex emergencies; Advanced interpersonal skills: he/she must be able to relate well with others, dictate responsibilities, offer support and constructive feedback; Exceptional abilities in multi-tasking effectively, managing own workload and balance competing priorities, reporting lines and deadlines; Must have excellent problem-solving skills. He/she must be able to adeptly and quickly solve problems as they arise.

Competencies:-

Values

• Integrity

• Professionalism

• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies

• Accountability

• Teamwork & Collaboration

• Communication

• Commitment to Continuous Learning

• Client & Results Orientation

• Organizational Awareness

Candidates may also be tested on relevant managerial and cross function competencies. Examples are listed below: –

Managerial Competencies

• Empowering & Building Trust

• Managing Performance

• Judgement & Decision Making

• Managing Resources

Cross – Functional Competencies

• Analytical Thinking

• Innovation & Creativity

• Planning & Organizing