International Consultant for the Review of Curriculum for Population Studies in Myanmar

Duty Station: Yangon and Travel to Nay Pyi Taw, Monywa and Meiktila Universities of Economics if required

Duration: 20 Working Days. All work will be done in Myanmar

Position summary:

Leads the UNFPA efforts to achieve key results related to gender aUNFPA is supporting the Yangon University of Economics and other institutions of higher learning in Myanmar to strengthen their capacity to provide training in Demographic/Population Studies, that is in line with international standards and global emerging issues in the field of population and development; and responds to the demands of the economy, the market and the development sector in the country. The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census showed a serious shortage and lack of capacity in population data collection, processing, analysis, dissemination and utilization for evidence-based planning at all levels. Due to low capacity, policies and strategies are seldom informed by proper analysis of population dynamics and their interrelationships with development.

The Yangon University of Economics is currently running degrees in Population Studies at the Bachelor and Master levels. Two other universities in Myanmar (Monywa University of Economics and Meiktila University of Economics) also offer courses in population studies. Population Studies is currently offered under the Department of Statistics in these institutions.

There is need to elevate the profile of demographic training in Myanmar, in order to respond the human resource needs in demographic data analysis, facilitate academic and policy oriented research on population and development, and support Myanmar’s implementation of the SDGs and the ICPD. It is therefore necessary to review the training in Demography/Population Studies in the country, and to undertake a needs assessment for delivering that curriculum.

2. SUPERVISION AND WORKING ARRANGEMENT

The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Representative of UNFPA Myanmar, with day-to-day supervision of the Technical Specialist. The consultant will work in close collaboration of the Head of Department of Statistics, Yangon University of Economics.

3. COPE OF WORK

The objective of the assignment is to review the demographic/population studies curriculum currently being offered by the Yangon University of Economic and its sister institutions, to ensure that the curriculum balances formal/technical Demography and Population and Development linkages. Specifically, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Review and revise the current Population Studies curriculum and syllabus in light of the structure, content and sequencing of the courses. In undertaking this task, the consultant will base his/her analysis on comparative curricular from other countries in the region and from other highly reputable institutions in the teaching of demography/population studies in the world.
• Undertake consultations with key stakeholders working in the areas of statistics, geography, geo-spatial analysis, sociology, research, education, health, sexual and reproductive health, migration, labour, the private sector, and other population and development related sectors to solicit their input into the revised curriculum. This includes presenting a cross section of best practices in curriculum development on population studies.
• Produce a draft revised curriculum based on the above analysis and incorporate comments/suggestions from stakeholders
• Conduct a needs assessment for the delivery of the revised Demography/Population Studies curriculum. The needs assessment will include human resource capacity to teach, availability of and access to teaching and learning materials (including credible reference journals, books, electronic facilities, etc).
• Undertake validation consultations with key stakeholders in research, think-tanks, donors and academia.
• Present findings and recommendations from the needs assessment and the curriculum review to stakeholders and integrate their comments/suggestions.
• Produce a report based on the findings, with key recommendations for follow up by UNFPA, Ministry of Education and/or the Universities.

4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The Consultant is expected to prepare and submit the following key deliverables:
1. Draft revised curriculum and syllabus for the teaching of Demography/Population Studies
2. Final revised curriculum and syllabus
3. Needs assessment report with key recommendations for the delivery of the curriculum
4. Final mission report
All reports and documents will be provided in electronic format (MS Word)
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The Consultant will have regular meetings with the Department of Statistics and technical personnel, as well as the UNFPA Technical Team. The consultant will provide regular updates to UNFPA management on progress.

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• An advanced university degree (PhD level) in the area of Education, Curriculum Development, Demography and Population Studies or related field;

Experiences

• At least ten (10) years of experience in development, assessment and evaluation of curriculum, teaching and learning resources required;
• Thorough understanding of the issues surrounding development of educational institutions in transitional countries;
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with national counterparts and in complex environments.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills and fluency in written and spoken English;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Dedication and belief in upholding the highest ethical standards and respect for data confidentiality;
• Adaptability and ability to work with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds and across different managerial levels

6. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY UNFPA
The Department of Statistics, Yangon University of Economics and UNFPA will provide office space with internet access for the consultant. The consultant will be provided with the current curriculum and Syllabus

7. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment will be made on a lumpsum basis.
Terms and conditions will be in accordance with UN contract procedures. Remuneration will be based on years of work experience in the relevant field and standard rates for UN consultancy.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants with the required qualifications and experience should submit a written letter of application, a copy of curriculum vitae (CV), completed UN P11 form (http://myanmar.unfpa.org/en/vacancies/un-p11-personal-history-form) relevant education certificates and the names and contact information of three references.

Applications should be addressed to

To: UNFPA Representative
Attention: International Operations Manager
UNFPA, No. 6, Natmauk Road, Yangon
Email: hr.myanmar@unfpa.org

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

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