International Individual Consultant to Improve the Methodology for Assessing the Safety of Schools

Overall purpose of the assignment:

The overall purpose of the consultancy is jointly with the national consultant to provide technical assistance to the UNICEF Kazakhstan and national Government in reviewing the school safety assessment methodology available at national level and experience of other countries in the region and beyond, and support in strengthening the national school safety assessment system. Evidence from testing of the UNICEF methodology in 8 schools of Kazakhstan will contribute to the product.

Major tasks to be accomplished:

1. Desk review of the national norms and standards and processes on school safety ensuring, UNICEF reports with the outcomes and recommendations of the pilot schools testing, methodologies developed by Kyrgyzstan and Armenia COs and other international good practices (UNESCO) in the area of school safety assessment.
2. Work with the national expert and staff of the Ministry of Education and of the Committee of Emergencies to develop recommendations on enhancement of the current approach to assessment of schools (visual assessment, computational approach etc.).
3. Visit selected schools in Astana and Almaty city, Kyzylorda, Mangystau and Eastern Kazakhstan regions to test the proposed methodology in a number of selected schools with engagement of the local level education and emergency departments, school management, teachers, personnel and children.
4. Develop a report with the results of testing, present and discuss with the national level education, emergency and construction authorities.
5. Based on the discussions at the national level develop the final report and enhanced school safety assessment methodology for Kazakhstan.

Time-Frame:

October 2015 - June 2016

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required

Advanced university degree in disaster management, social sciences or related field • Specialized training in disaster risk reduction highly desirable

Work Experience:

Five to ten (5-10) years progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in disaster management, including risk mitigation.

Key competencies:

• Current knowledge of global developments and trends, technology and institutional environments in disaster management, especially related to education.
• Proven skills, knowledge and experience in the implementation and management of programmes in humanitarian situations.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage activities within the framework of organisational and government programmes.
• Good analytical, communication and writing skills. 
• Ability to work in an international or multicultural and team environment and develop partnerships.
• Good knowledge of UNISDR system and Sendai Framework for Action on DRR.
• Knowledge of range of computer applications.

Languages:

Fluency in English language is required. Fluency in Russian desirable.

Estimated costs:

The consultant is required to submit an assignment implementation methodology, overview of proposed activities and envisaged budget. The budget should include fees, travels and in-country living costs.