UNDP Jobs - 2883- Gender Studies Curriculum Development Specialist

Gender Studies Curriculum Development Specialist

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

ALD International

Starting Date :

30-Nov-2007

Application Deadline :

31-Oct-07 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP Afghanistan has been providing gender technical support to the Government of Afghanistan through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) since 2002. In 2007 UNDP signed a new project titled Institutional Capacity Building for Gender Equality (Gender Equality) with the MoWA and the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) to strengthening capacity of selected state institutions for the advancement of gender equity and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan. The project aims to develop effective gender mainstreaming models to strengthen the capacity of government ministries and institutions at national and sub-national levels. The project is in line with the goals set out in the I-ANDS for gender equity and consistent with the Millennium Development Goals of gender equality and empowerment of women.

Gender Equality is geared towards strengthening the capacity of the two mail technical counterparts and other ministries and institutions involved in the implementation of the project. Institutional capacity in the context of the project is viewed from both operational as well as intellectual points of view. In this respect generation and systematic application of knowledge on gender is of critical importance. One of the three major components of the project is Sustainable knowledge building and management on gender. A fully operationalised Gender Studies Institute (GSI) within Kabul University is one of the key outputs of the component. The GSI will offer graduate course in Gender Studies and short-term certificate and diploma courses in gender and development. The post of the Curriculum Development Specialist has been created to facilitate the knowledge building part of the project, particularly to put together the courses under GSI.

The Curriculum Development Specialist is to be responsible for the provision of technical expertise, advice and inputs in the area of curriculum development, design, testing and finalizing of various courses for GSI. The successful candidate will also assist the KU and UNDP in the overall planning and implementation of the courses of GSI.

The Curriculum Development Specialist will report to the Programme Manager, Gender Equality and work in close co-operation with the National Co-ordinator, Office of the Chancellor, the oversight committee of GSI and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA). S/he will also maintain close linkages with the other Technical Experts of the project fielded in different ministries/institutions and particularly with the M&E and Learning Specialist and the Gender Planning Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Programme Manager, the Curriculum Development Specialist will undertake activities to design, test and finalise the curriculum for the graduate programme in gender studies as well as for short-term courses that will be run by GSI within the framework of Kabul University. The specific tasks s/he will carry out in this regard will include the following.

Identify and develop an inventory of appropriate technical resources/curriculum are being used and/or available in other schools/institutions/training centers in the region and internationally;
Draft curriculums for graduate programme and other courses in gender and development;
Prepare/identify relevant resource/teaching materials to run the courses
Organize, provide inputs into, and facilitate working group activities and present the draft curriculum to the oversight committee, relevant KU authority and other relevant bodies responsible for higher education.
Identify and advice the oversight committee on the key resource people/teaching staff who will be conducting the programmes/trainings;
Work out methods for adapting international resources for local context.
Design and, in collaboration with the training team, conduct in-service teacher education/training activities;
Develop a plan to launch the graduate programme
Work closely with the M&E and Learning Specialist to establish guidelines for ongoing assessment and evaluation of the teaching practices and learning outcomes
Obtaining feedback and revising and finalizing curriculum and resources accordingly.
Assist the National Co-ordinator and KU in seeking approval for curriculums
Any other job as assigned by the Programme Manager.

The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness and success of UNDP’s interventions and activities in achieving the country’s development and the MDG. Effective design and development of curriculum for the graduate programme in gender studies.

Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to manage multiple tasks in an effective, pro-active and timely manner and apply newly acquired skills
Focuses on result and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Analytical and communication skills
Understanding of post conflict environment, ever evolving development challenges
A high level of professionalism and integrity to be demonstrated at all times.
Excellent planning and organisational skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree (or higher) in relevant subject areas including gender, human rights, governance and/or other related social sciences.
A minimum of 5 years experience in the development, assessment and evaluation of the curriculum and teaching and learning resources;
Knowledge and curriculum development experience in the areas of gender and human rights;
Must have good experience and skills for team building and teamwork;
Sound computer skills;
Ability to work under pressure and meeting tight multiple deadlines with minimum supervision;
Knowledge and understanding of Afghanistan, it’s cultural, political and development landscape will be critical.
Fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of Dari or any other local languages is highly desirable.