National TLM Designer/Illustrator, (specializing in the development of gender-responsive textbooks and learning materials in Mathematics and Tajik language for Grades 7–8) - Tajikistan, Dushanbe (remote)

Contract Duration: 11.5 months

Working arrangement: Dushanbe, Tajikistan, remote work arrangement

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

The purpose of this assignment is to engage a qualified Designer/Illustrator to support the development and finalization of competency-based Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in Mathematics and Tajik Language for Grades 7 and 8. This work is undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF within the framework of the Education Reform Project (TJK1043 — Phase II). The assignment aims to ensure that all visual elements of the TLMs effectively enhance comprehension, engagement, and alignment with competency-based education principles.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: TMC0003146 External ToR Template.docx

Minimum requirements:

Education: University degree (bachelors) in Science Education, or a closely related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the design of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs)
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience designing integrated TLM packages at the primary and secondary levels
• Proven experience designing and managing school-based pilots of learning materials Extended experience with designing TLM with the MOES and familiarity with the existing design and structural policies
• Prior experience with USAID, UNICEF, UNESCO, or other UN agencies, and major education donors (e.g., IsDB, GPE, FCDO, EU, World Bank) is an asset

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:

Strong expertise in designing and laying out TLMs (textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides)

• Ability to develop and apply cohesive design systems ensuring consistency, usability, and pedagogical alignment
• Advanced design skills (layout, visual hierarchy, typography, content flow)
• Experience creating inclusive, gender-responsive, and culturally appropriate visuals
• Ability to translate complex curriculum content into clear, engaging visuals (illustrations, infos, diagrams)
• Understanding of competency-based education (CBE) and its application in design
• Experience designing child-friendly, age-appropriate materials that enhance engagement
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and preparing print-ready files
• Experience applying templates, style guides, and design systems at scale
• Strong collaboration with curriculum developers, subject experts, and editors
• High attention to detail, including quality, copyright, and accessibility standards
• Ability to manage iterations, incorporate feedback, and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated familiarity with international competency-based curriculum frameworks (UNESCO CBE guidance, OECD Learning Compass and equivalent) is required.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in Russian is required;
• Knowledge of Tajik and English is considered an asset.Working knowledge of Tajik is a strong asset, given the intensive collaboration with national expert group teams.

Where the Consultant is not proficient in Tajik, the Consultant shall demonstrate a credible plan for working effectively with Tajik-language editors and reviewers.

Desirables:

• Extensive experience designing Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) for the Ministry of Education and Science (MOES)
• Familiarity with the education design context in Tajikistan and/or Central Asia
• Experience developing design guidelines or style guides for national-level materials
• Exposure to accessibility standards and inclusive design practices in education materials

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

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.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• 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) TMC0003146 Financial proposal template N.docx
• A detailed technical proposal: A maximum 5-page technical proposal , articulating the proposed approach to: a)Design Concept b) iteractive review architecture c) Grade 8 of textbook pilot design.

Remarks:

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.