UNESCO applies a holistic Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach that addresses climate change from economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This approach fosters the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes learners need to take meaningful action on climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development.
The main objectives of the consultancy are to (a) Review and map the alignment between curriculum, pedagogy, and teacher education across all levels (primary, secondary, higher education, TVET, and non-formal) with a view to strengthening climate change education, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Education for Sustainable Development and (b) Coordinate stakeholder consultations to inform and validate the review and analysis.
Drawing on global reference documents produced by UNESCO’s ESD Section and IBE—including the Greening Curriculum Guidance and the 10 Steps for Curriculum Alignment—as well as relevant national and regional resources to be identified in consultation with the Ministry of Education, other education stakeholders, and partners in Lao PDR, the national consultant will work in close coordination with the CSESI project team and the international expert.
Duties:
The consultant shall report to the Education Programme Specialist at UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok). Under UNESCO guidance, s/he will support the coordination with the Ministry of Education CSESI team to review and validate the technical recommendations in the report. The national consultant will be responsible for regular coordination with the CSESI team at UNESCO Bangkok, the Education Sector at UNESCO Headquarters, and the international expert to ensure alignment, technical accuracy, and timely delivery of inputs.
Conduct a desk review of curricular documents, guiding frameworks, learning materials, teacher training guides, and teacher development policies and programmes (including the Teacher Policy Action Plan, CPD framework, and other relevant documents) relevant to Climate Change Education (CCE) in Lao PDR to be completed by 15 January 2026. The review will analyze where CCE competencies are currently embedded and identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening curriculum and enhancing teacher professional development. The national consultant shall collaborate with UNESCO and the international expert to incorporate lessons from such review for CSESI in other countries and ensure methodology of the desk review is robust.
In coordination with MoES and UNESCO Bangkok, design and implement the first multi-stakeholder consultation meeting to review the current situation. This includes preparing agendas and consultation materials by 15 January 2026. During the consultation, provide technical input, co-facilitate the sessions with UNESCO, and document proceedings. The consultation shall engage approximately 15–20 key informants (curriculum specialists, teachers, education stakeholders, beneficiaries such as teachers and students), with participation extending beyond the education sector. The consultant shall propose the consultation approach and draft guiding questions for UNESCO’s review and clearance. UNESCO will facilitate necessary introductions to stakeholders. The consultation should be structured in dialogue with the international expert to ensure key issues are integrated in the design of the CSESI national level consultation in Lao PDR and be conducted by 25 January 2026.
Education:
University Degree (Masters) in the field of education, social sciences, curriculum development or other related areas of education
Knowledge and Work Experience:
Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in education, curriculum review and development, teaching or teacher development at country or international level;
Excellent knowledge on education for sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk reduction;
Excellent knowledge on the education sector in Lao PDR, including curriculum structures, teacher education, and policy frameworks.
Skills:
Excellent IT skills with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.);
Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
Ability to take initiatives and to provide quality and timely support and services;
Ability to work under pressure and flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities;
Ability to plan strategically and to translate strategies into action;
Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team in a multicultural environment;
Capacity for accuracy and attention to detail in preparation of correspondence;
Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of both spoken and written English and Lao.
