[Hiring] International consultant to design the Life Skills Model for the Education system in Albania based on the EU 4Cs Life Skills model @AGORA

Role Description

The purpose of this assignment is critical to the design and development of a robust, evidence-based Life Skills Model for the Albanian education system, grounded in the EU 4Cs Life Skills framework (Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication). The International Consultant will lead the conceptualization and design of the model as well as the Training of Trainers (ToT) planned under the programme “Life Skills improved through their Integration in Upper Secondary Education Curricula and Careers Guidance introduced in the School System” (hereafter referred to as the “Life Skills and Career Guidance programme”).

• Ensure that the model is aligned with EU standards and national education priorities.
• Define key competencies, curriculum integration pathways, pedagogical approaches, implementation modalities, institutional roles, and sustainability mechanisms.
• Contribute to strengthening students’ competencies for lifelong learning and improving their school-to-work transition outcomes.
• Create strong synergies with the parallel work on Career Guidance under the same project.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Life Skills Development, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing life skills frameworks and programmes, competency-based approaches, and 21st-century skills development within education systems.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in life skills development, education systems strengthening, competency-based education, or related fields.
• Proven experience in designing life skills models, frameworks, or programmes at national or system level.
• Experience in integrating 21st-century skills (such as Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration) into curricula and teaching practices.
• Strong experience in working with government institutions, particularly Ministries of Education.
• Expertise in policy analysis, education reform, and system strengthening.
• Experience in conducting qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder consultations.
• Proven track record in developing analytical reports, policy briefs, competency frameworks, and learning materials.

Skills

• Strong expertise in life skills education frameworks, theories, and international standards, including the EU 4Cs framework.
• Solid understanding of education systems, particularly in EU and comparable contexts.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities related to life skills development.
• Proven facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to translate complex evidence, data, and analysis into practical recommendations.
• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programmes, including training of trainers (ToT).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of English written and spoken.

Desirables

• Experience in designing national-level frameworks or models in education and life skills.
• Familiarity with EU education and employment policies and standards.
• Previous experience working on EU-funded or UNICEF programmes.
• Knowledge of labour market trends and skills development policies.
• Experience integrating equity and inclusion approaches into programme design.

Benefits

• Diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Attractive compensation and benefits package.

Company Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.