Call for Engagement of a Consultant for Research and Identification of Teachers' Specific Needs

Consultant for research and identification of the specific needs of teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.

SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab is a non-governmental organisation working to address and solve social challenges in the fields of public services, climate change, and education. Through its innovative and different approach, as well as its passion and dedication, the SmartUp team works daily to create a better, different, and improved world. Composed of young, ambitious, and motivated collaborators, the team is always open to new dreamers and professionals who want to work in a pleasant and challenging work environment and who aim to create value and positive change for their surroundings and society through their work.

SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab in partnership with the Coalition of Youth Organizations SEGA, the Macedonian Center for Civic Education, and the First Children's Embassy in the World MEGJASHI, with support from the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation, is implementing the project"Promotion of a Safe School Environment", during the period September 2023 – August 2026.

The goal of the project is to contribute to the realization of children's right to quality education in a safe and participatory school environment. This goal will be achieved through (1) improved implementation of legal provisions for student participation in decision-making processes and child protection, (2) strengthened capacities of primary and secondary schools for prevention and addressing violence, and (3) application of teaching methods and techniques that support and promote protection, participation, and equal opportunities for all students.

According to the needs of the project"Promotion of a Safe School Environment", SmartUp announces a call for expanding its team, namely for engagement of 1 (one) collaborator as follows:

1. Consultant for research and identification of the specific needs of teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.

What will be the tasks and responsibilities?

The engaged expert will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Mapping existing resources for teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.

• Conducting research at national and international levels on existing resources for teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.
• Data processing and preparation of a detailed report from the conducted research

1. Conducting a questionnaire on the needs of teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.

• Preparation of a questionnaire on the specific needs of teachers in primary and secondary education for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.
• Data processing and preparation of a detailed report from the conducted questionnaire

1. Conducting focus groups on the needs of teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.

• Preparation of questions/statements for 2 focus groups to deepen understanding of the specific needs of teachers in primary and secondary education for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.
• Participation in forming the focus groups and communication with potential participants
• Conducting 2 (two) focus groups - one with primary school teachers and one with secondary school teachers
• Data processing and preparation of a detailed report from the conducted focus groups

What are the required skills and qualifications?

• Completed undergraduate studies in the field of social sciences or related areas
• At least 5 years of experience in research and analysis focusing on school and/or educational policies
• Knowledge and/or experience in implementing the latest practices and methods for conducting curricular and extracurricular activities
• Knowledge of educational regulations for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process.
• Advanced research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

Logistical information related to the work engagement:

• For the position Consultant for research and identification of the specific needs of teachers for recognizing, preventing, and addressing violence against children, including gender equality and children's rights in the educational process a fixed-term Engagement Agreement will be concluded with SmartUp, meaning the work tasks must be completed within 16 working days during the period from November 22, 2023 to January 30, 2024
• Working hours will be organized according to the submitted work plan and approval from the project manager
• For each working day, a gross fee of 5,000.00 MKD is provided, which will be paid after task completion (upon completed and approved product, and submitted consultant report on performed work)
• Physical presence is not mandatory due to the nature of the position

Selection process

The selection process will be conducted based on the following criteria:

1. Professional biography (CV)
2. Proposed plan for task implementation

The selection of the most suitable candidate will be made no later than November 17, 2023. All applicants will be notified of the selection no later than November 20, 2023.

Until when can the application be submitted?

To apply for the offered position, send your CV (in Macedonian) and Proposed plan for task implementation to info@innovationlab.mk with the subject Application for (specify the relevant position), no later than November 15, 2023, by 23:59. Applications received after the deadline, as well as those not submitted according to the call conditions, will not be considered.