CONSULTANT ON DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN ON LIFE-LONG LEARNING

It is now becoming clear that policy-makers in countries, agencies and intuitions across the international arena devoting increasing attention to the notion that Life-Long Learning (LLL) is an idea to be promoted in educational policies for the present century, and as providing a necessary and a strong foundation to underpin education and training provision. Educational policy-makers in Armenia are not left behind the agenda, and try to prepare the grounds for realization of the existing LLL concept. In light of the above-mentioned, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia is going to produce National Report on Supplementary and Continuing Education in the Republic of Armenia*in 2011 (hereafter refereed as National Report). The National Report aims at initiating a profound research followed by concrete actions and gradual adoption of implementation mechanisms, public awareness and joint actions in making the Supplementary and Continuing Education the genuine topic of concern, which will contribute to the fundamental transformation of society. There was no longer any doubt that economy and education are being closely linked and that the concept of Supplementary and Continuing Education is well relevant for not only an individual, but also for the collective development of a democratic and participatory future. New policy for Supplementary and Continuing education must result in coherent form of laws and legislation and must show evidence that adult education is regarded as a professional education and addresses various levels of education. The content of Supplementary and Continuing Education is generally assumed basic education, civic education and vocational education. Development of Supplementary and Continuing Education implies existence of well shaped Life-Long Learning Strategy and based on that Strategy clearly defined Action Plan, which will enable execution of practical implications of the existing LLL Concept. More comprehensive analyses of all the various dimensions and features, aims and purposes of policies for realising a “life-long approach to learning for all” will have to be tackled. Life-Long Learning Strategy along with Action Plan is seen as inseparable part of the National Report for Supplementary and Continuing Education, which will provide among other issues statistical data, description and analyses of the current situation in Armenia, evaluation of access to learning in the country, analysis of acting legislative framework as well as recommendations on its further enhancement, etc. The main objectives of the TOR are supply of the ongoing process aimed at the development of the National Report with a comprehensive Strategy and Action Plan for Supplementary and Continuing Education. The National Report is supposed to be based on the available studies in this field, as well as on other internal and external sources of information and knowledge seen Life-Long Learning approach for all based on the following three key elements: Economic progress and development; Personal development and fulfillment; Social inclusiveness and democratic understanding and activity. The key elements of the National Report have to suggest for a comprehensive and coherent Supplementary and Continuing Education Strategy and Action Plan and must be grouped around the following objectives: Review the situation with the access to learning in the country; Study and provide for mechanisms that could allow for increased investment in the human capital of the country; Look for possible structures of effective teaching and learning methods that could be allied in providing Supplementary and Continuing Education; Advocate for raising the awareness in which learning participation and outcomes are understood and appreciated, particularly non-formal and informal learning; Provide for schemes of mechanisms that could allow to adjust the ways in which education and training is provided, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Desk Review: looking at laws, legislation, national report(s) on Supplementary and Continuing education to identify a general trends thought CIS and European countries; Country specific-looking at policy, laws, legislation to understand current trends in Armenia; Filed Visit to Armenia- Meeting with LLL concerned stakeholders, considering policy, participants, aims and content, funding and structure of Supplementary and Continuing Education, respective bodies’ co-operation, co-operation between concerned Ministries and Agencies; Develop Strategy and Action plan on Supplementary and Continuing Education as well provide with Recommendations on Law on Supplementary and Continuing Education; Present the drafts to the UNDP VET Project and to the Ministry of Education and Science; Make final on-line consultations with national actors as well as UNDP VET Project Management team. Finalize the Strategy and Action plan on Supplementary and Continuing Education Expected Output: - The key products expected are: Strategy on LLL/Supplementary and Continuing Education Action Plan on LLL/Supplementary and Continuing Education Recommendations on Law on Supplementary and Continuing Education or Amendments to the acting Laws Duration, Monitoring and Reporting: The assignment is scheduled to begin not later than July 15, 2011. Accordingly, the estimated completion date of the assignment is November 15, 2011. An Expert is expected to spend in Yerevan one week (5 working days) starting from September 15, 2011. The contracted independent international expert will report to Project Coordinator. Reporting will be based on the delivery of the product specified in the above.

Competencies

Excellent knowledge of basic principals, problems and development trends of lifelong education in CIS and European countries. Proven record for development of state level concept papers/Laws in Education. Well developed research and analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Phd in social science or equivalent. Experience: Over 7 years of broad international experience in technical assistance related to policy advice in education sector especially in the field of lifelong learning education Language: Fluency in English required. Russian and Armenian languages are an added plus.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.