International consultancy on implementation of a credit-based modular education system for general practitioners

Job Number: 530102 | Vacancy Link Locations: Asia and the Pacific: Uzbekistan Work Type : Consultancy UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up. Background Uzbekistan is consistently implementing a set of measures to modernize national medical education system and introduce international educational standards in this area. At the same time, the current shortage of general practitioners in rural and remote areas of the republic, inadequate practical training in medical universities, and the poor introduction of modern forms and methods of continuing professional education require urgent measures to further improve the medical education system and develop concept future improve education system. In this regard, the government of Uzbekistan initiated reforms in the system of higher medical education. Presidential decree No. 4310 issued on 05/06/2019 states that it is necessary to introduce a credit-module medical education system for pre-service and in-service training. The Ministry of Health administers 8 medical universities/institutes and 3 branches of medical and pharmaceutical education and must introduce a credit-module education system and provide annual professional development on the basis of problem-oriented module-based education programs, seminars, conferences, webinars, master classes, and simulation trainings. Over the recent years, the Ministry of Health in cooperation with international organizations and financial institutions, has implemented a number of measures aimed at improving care of mothers, newborns and children, including a substantial expansion of in-service professional training. Recognizing the need to intensify action in order to sustain achievements, especially by improving quality of pre-service professional education, the Ministry of Health needed technical support to introduce credit-based modular pre-service medical education system for general practitioners. In order to provide technical support mentioned above international expert in field of credit-based modular education system will be recruited. Objectives The objective of the assignment is to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan in setting-up and initiation of implementation of a credit-based modular education system for general practitioners, which will incorporate major provisions of the Bologna process. Timeline & Deliverables Start day of the assignment: April 2, 2020 End day of the assignment: November 15, 2020 The selected consultant will be hired for 64 working days. Methodology/Activities 1. Conduct an orientation meeting (one day) and a seminar (3 days) for representatives of the Ministry of Health, vice-rectors for academic affairs, heads of departments and specialists responsible for academic work at all medical universities of the country on gradual mechanism for introduction of a credit-based modular system for GP education through:

Telephone conference with specialists from the Ministry of Health aimed to define expectations and needs;
Undertaken an extensive review of the literature relevant to curriculum development in classroom and work-based learning contexts and based on information produce summary with situation in different context and use this information for presentation on orientation meeting and seminar.
Orientation meeting (audience - management of 11 medical universities of Uzbekistan and faculty of GP departments - approximately 130 participants):
Draft an orientation meeting program based on MoH needs and finalize jointly with the responsible specialist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
Prepare a presentation on international experience in introduction of a credit-based modular education system for GPs. The presentation should cover integration of preventive medicine topics into the credit-based modular GP education system;
Prepare presentations that will help participants of the orientation meeting understand the purpose, objectives and mechanism for the step-by-step implementation of the credit-based modular system;
Facilitate discussions to gain consensus of curriculum content and delivery methods.
Seminar (audience - managers of departments for academic affairs, heads of GP departments of all universities. Approximately 35 specialists):
Draft and align a seminar program (goals and objectives);
Draft and present during the seminar sample curricula and syllabi for credit-based modular system used in the world's best medical universities (according to QS ratings, Shanghai ratings, Times Higher Education for higher education institutions offering medical education in clinical, preclinical medicine and related disciplines) and medical universities of one of the former Soviet countries;
Cover separately the integration of preventive medicine into syllabi and curricula of the credit-based modular education system;
Prepare presentations for participants on each step of the credit-based modular system implementation process;
Prepare tasks for group work on developing a work plan for step-by-step implementation of a credit-based modular education system. The plan should contain the timeline and responsible parties;
Facilitate the seminar including group work on developing a work plan.

2. Provide assistance and expert support to the working group of the Ministry of Health in developing of the concept and the detailed action plan for transition to a credit-based modular GP education system through:

Study the existing education system and the regulatory framework in Uzbekistan, based on analytical report provided by MoH (report and current curriculum will be provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan);
Study the experience of former Soviet countries and European countries in transition to a credit-based modular education system; develop a template for the concept and a detailed action plan on transition to a credit-based modular system in Uzbekistan;
Identify key needs of the Ministry of Health in developing a concept and a detailed action plan and ensure incorporation of modern education approaches like choice-based credit system in future actions;
Support MoH working group in preparation of a first draft of the concept and the detailed action plan on transition to a credit-based modular system in Uzbekistan (in-country);
Assist in finalizing the concept and the detailed action plan on transition to a credit-based modular system (remote support to the working group).

3. Provide assistance to the working group of the Ministry of Health in developing guidelines for step-by-step implementation of a credits-based modular GP education system for faculty of medical universities:

The goal of methodological guidelines is to prepare instructions for teaching staff of medical universities on each introduction step of a credit-based modular GP education system. The methodological guidelines should help specialists understand all implementation stages and serve as a reference in case of questions during preparation and implementation of the credit-based modular GP education system.
Based on international experience, develop a template (content) of methodological guidelines. The methodological guidelines should cover such matters as: planning the educational process in the credit-based system; organization of the educational process in a credit-based system; student independent study; controlling student knowledge; professional practice in the credit-based system; peculiarities of the educational process, grading system and etc;
Distribute module sections among working group members and equip them with information required to review or adapt it to the context of Uzbekistan;
Review the adapted sections and revise if necessary;
Finalize the guidelines.

4. Review syllabi and curricula of the credit-based modular GP education system:

Study the curriculum and syllabus for GPs prepared by specialists of the Ministry of Health;
Prepare a report with recommendations for revision / improvement of syllabus and a GP curriculum.

5. Provide technical support in organization of the educational process using a new curriculum of a credit-based modular education GP system:

Visit several universities, meet with specialists and assess the current situation with the existing GP education system;
Develop recommendations for improvement / enhancement of the educational process (mastering of theoretical knowledge and practical skills);
Prepare a master class on student education based on a new curriculum and a credit-based modular system in one of the universities in Uzbekistan;
Conduct a master class during a country visit to Uzbekistan;
Develop recommendations on a complete package of teaching and learning materials for seamless organization of a credit-based modular education.

6. Monitoring of implementation of a credit-based modular GP education system in selected universities of Uzbekistan:

Develop tools and methodology for monitoring the implementation of the credit-based modular GP education system (2 working days);
Train the national working group on using the monitoring tool (one day workshop in Tashkent);
Monitor the implementation of the credit-based modular GP education system for together with trained national specialists (at least two institutions, 4 days);
Prepare the program and presentations for the national meeting on monitoring outcomes (one day in-country);
Facilitate a national meeting on monitoring outcomes (one day in-country);
Write a report on monitoring outcomes jointly with national experts and develop recommendations for improvement of the implementation process (one day, remotely).

Management The expert will work under the supervision of Chief of Health and Wellbeing in collaboration with health officer, Ministry of Health, national partners and experts. Resource requirements and payments The basis for calculation of consultancy fee based on the complexity of work, level of expertise and the Administrative Instruction (ST/AI/2013/4) on Consultants and individual contractors. The final fees will be set up based on the "best value for money" principle. Payments might be partially or fully withheld in case of unsatisfactory performance of duties or failure to provide the quality deliverables. Note. The fees will be paid by bank transfer upon acceptance of deliverables. To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

University degree in GP, health/ public Health, maternal, pediatric health or other relevant fields with postgraduate degree in neonatology.
At least 10 years of progressive professional experiences in the field of medical education.
Proven 7 years' experience in implementing a credit-based modular system.
At least 5 years of proven experience in developing syllabi and curricula for credit-based modular GP education program.
At least one-year of work experience in CIS countries and knowledge of Soviet higher education systems (desirable).
Good command of written Russian - Examination of a previous authentic written work in Russian.
Good command of written English - Examination of a previous authentic written work in English.

For every Child, you demonstrate UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. 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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. Procedures and Working Conditions The assignment will be performed partly as home-based and partly in Uzbekistan. At least three in-country visits are expected. Travel expenses will be paid according to UNICEF rules and regulations. The consultancy is responsible for obtaining entry visa to Uzbekistan, however, UNICEF, within its means, shall facilitate the process. UNICEF will extend administrative/logistical support to facilitate meetings with national partners. The applicants shall be required to submit a statement of good health prior of commencement of work and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. Consultants are not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance available to UN staff members. Reservations UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if deliverable(s) incomplete, not finalized or for failure to meet deadlines. UNICEF will reserve copyright of all developed materials and own primary data collected through this assignment. The materials cannot be published or disseminated without prior written permission of UNICEF. UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future. The contractor must respect the confidentiality of the information handled during the assignment. Documents and information provided must be used only for the tasks related to these terms of reference. UNICEF undertakes no liability for taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant on payments made under this contract. Remarks: Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. More information can be found at: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=530102 Apply

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