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Background:The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) promotes conflict prevention and integration of diverse societies. HCNM was established to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.
The Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) of Georgia has been implementing the multilingual education (MLE) policy reform for several years in line with its Strategy Document 2022-2030. The goal is to introduce the national curriculum in the schools with the minority languages of instruction through the multilingual education model. The HCNM has been supporting the MoES since mid-2000s in implementing the MLE policy by providing expert advice, training teachers, developing supporting teaching materials, and introducing the content and language integrated learning (CLIL) method
in 25 schools. Throughout the reform process, the MoES has so far managed to introduce MLE in 41 public schools, and 14 kindergartens in Tbilisi, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and Kvemo Kartli regions. The MoES plans to expand MLE to all remaining schools and kindergartens.
Objective of Assignment:
The objective of the evaluation is to learn from the existing experience of introducing MLE at national minority schools through both the formal interventions at the schools and the engagement between the MoES and local communities. The evaluation will inform the expansion in remaining national minority schools. The evaluation will examine the process from different perspectives, including target kindergartens, schools, teachers, parents and local communities. The evaluation will examine both the formal interventions (teacher trainings, materials, CLIL) and the interaction and engagement with local communities and parents in the preparation and implementation of MLE at national minority schools; as well as evaluate how
informal/extracurricular activities support MLE and children’s exposure to the Georgian language. The findings of the evaluation will serve as a learning tool primarily for the Ministry of Education, as well as the involved schools, kindergartens, and communities.
Approach:
A working group established between MoES and HCNM, which consults with other relevant stakeholders (academia and think tanks and/or CSOs), will develop proposed research questions for the evaluation and support and provide advice on the design for the methodology where needed. It will integrate questions related to the evaluation criteria of: relevance, effectiveness, impact, coherence, efficiency, and sustainability. A Lead Evaluator will be responsible for developing a final set of research questions based on a preliminary review of existing documents, which will be most relevant in response to the objective of the evaluation. Based on the review and research questions the Lead Evaluator will be responsible for designing the methodology and plans for conducting the research and field work for the evaluation in consultation with the working group.
The field work will be conducted in Tbilisi and the regions of Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti. The Lead Evaluator will be supported by one to two Field Evaluators from Georgia with knowledge of the regions. The Field Evaluators will provide advice on methodology and will support the development of final research questions tailored to the regions. The Field Evaluators will prepare and liaise with local schools and communities, as well as support the facilitation of interviews and focus groups. They will also assist in the analysis of the data and information collected. The Lead Evaluator will be responsible for managing the Field Evaluators.
Duration of Assignment:
Up to 16 working days within the tentative timeframe of September 2023-January 2024. For more detailed information on the work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, please see: https://www.osce.org/hcnm.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Lead Evaluator, the Field Evaluators will perform the following tasks:
Liaise with the relevant stakeholders and organize meetings in Tbilisi and regions for the Lead Evaluator;
Support the analysis of the materials available in Georgian and minority languages (Armenian and Azeri), whenever necessary;
Provide advice on methodology and support the development of the final research questions tailored to the regions (Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti);
Prepare meetings and liaise with local schools and communities, as well as support the facilitation of interviews and focus groups;
Assist in the analysis of the data and information collected;
Provide administrative and logistical support to the Lead Evaluator, including interpretation as needed from the Armenian, Azeri, and Georgian to English.
Deliverables and Timeline :
1. Methodology for evaluation developed
- Advice on methods for conducting research and interviews in the regions of Georgia.
- Provide input to finalize research questions.
2. Inception report
- Provide input to the work plan for the evaluation.
- Advise on developing a communication plan with interlocutors engaged in the evaluation.
3. Field work
- Local research.
- Interviews.
- Focus groups.
- Validation with MoES and partners in Tbilisi.
- Support (online) Lead Evaluator in conducting validation with key interlocutors in national minority communities.
4. Draft report
- Presentation to MoES on findings of the evaluation and proposed recommendations.
- Provide comments to the report. November
5. Knowledge product
- Advise and provide input on how to best communicate and provide information on MLE to national minority communities. December-January
Necessary Qualifications:
University degree in social sciences, education management, or international relations;
At least three (3) years of experience in project management and/or programme evaluations. Experience of conducting complex research would be an asset.
Professional fluency in the Georgian and English language, both oral and written; knowledge Armenian or Azeri languages would be an advantage.
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.
Issued by: OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Requisition ID: HCN000012
Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
Grade: HCNM
Job Type: Consultant
Number of posts: 2
Location: HCN - OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, The Hague
Issue Date: Jul 20, 2023
Closing Date: Aug 5, 2023
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree (First-level university degree or equivalent)
Job Field: Education
Target Start Date: as soon as possible
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