International Consultant – Conceptual Framework and the Roadmap for developing a School Readiness Assessment System, Lao PDR, Vientiane, Education Section, 5 months,Office based (With Travel) Internationals only#596652

The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support to the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) in Lao PDR to develop a conceptual framework and roadmap for establishing a school readiness assessment system, drawing on MoES’ existing School Readiness Competencies (SRC) targeting children aged 5 to under 6 years (one year before primary grade one entry).

The existing MoES’ SCR sets standards on school readiness across five domains, namely 1) physical development, movement and hygiene; 2) cognition and learning; 3) language and communication; 4) emotional development; and 5) social development. SCR is an essential foundation for children aged 3 to 5 years before they enter primary school. Beyond expanding equitable access to early childhood education, the MoES also aims to ensure the quality of early childhood education (ECE) translates into children’s school readiness outcomes. Whilst the CRS hves been integrated into the MOES’ ECE curriculum, teacher guides and training, etc., actual assessment on children’s learning and developmental stans against the CRS has not yet been undertaken to date, nor is a system to undertake such an assessment yet to be established.

As presented in the 10th Education Sector Development Plan (ESSDP) 2026-2030, MoES considers it as a priority to monitor and assess ECE-aged children's learning and development based on the CRS, to determine their level of progress against the competencies, and to identify which domains need further promotion or support. This information is essential for planning, setting priorities, providing targeted support, leading to improving the quality and effectiveness of early childhood education overall. To date, monitoring and reporting on ECE by MoES has focused mainly on access data, such as the number of learners, enrolment rates and the number of educational institutions. However, it has not yet been able to explain ECE-aged children's learning and developmental status comprehensively and objectively. Data on children's school readiness, based on the SRC, will therefore enable the sector to see both ECE access (from the EMIS) and the quality (children's level of school readiness), for use in analyzing key issues and disparities, setting priorities, and planning support for improving the overall quality of ECE services more in an evidence-based manner. With these backdrops, based on the request from MoES, this consultancy is to support MOES to develop a conceptual framework and an accompanying actionable road map, to guide the overall development and piloting of the school readiness assessment. Since the MOES first aims to focus on children aged 5 to under 6 years in all types of ECE settings (one year before primary school), the assessment will focus on and be based on the SCR for five-year-old. 

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: TMC0007980 External ToR.pdf

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UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template)  TMC0007980 Financial proposal.docx

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Advertised: 28 Oct 2026 SE Asia Standard Time
Applications close: 04 Nov 2026 SE Asia Standard Time

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