Announcement for Hiring a Needs Assessment Consultant and a Validation Consultant

SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab is a non-governmental organisation working on addressing and solving social challenges in the areas 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.

According to the needs of the project"EDUINCLUSION - Innovating for Every Child", SmartUp announces a call for expanding its team, specifically for engaging 2 (two) collaborators as follows:

1. Needs Assessment Consultant
2. Validation Consultant

EDUINCLUSION - Innovating for Every Child is a pilot project aimed at determining the needs of children with special educational needs included in formal education through research.

1. Needs Assessment Consultant

What will be the tasks and responsibilities?

Developing and administering questionnaires for students with special educational needs from the 3rd grade, educators (educational assistants, teachers, special educators-rehabilitators, etc.), and parents to gather relevant information about the communication needs of children in the early phase of primary education, as well as their experiences with existing tools for improving communication skills.

For this purpose, this consultant should:

• assist/help in analyzing the collected data from the research on existing literature and applications for developing the communication needs of children with special educational needs
• participate in preparing the report from the conducted research
• create 3 (three) different online/paper questionnaires intended for students with special educational needs from the 3rd grade, educators (educational assistants, teachers, special educators-rehabilitators, etc.), and parents
• administer the implementation of the 3 (three) pre-developed questionnaires, including targeting, communication, and providing technical support to the defined target groups
• conduct an analysis of the questionnaire responses and prepare a detailed report from the conducted research
• maintain regular communication with the project manager and project team

For the specified scope of work, 20 consultancy days are planned.

1. Validation Consultant

What will be the tasks and responsibilities?

Conducting focus groups with educators and parents to define the needs for improving communication skills in children with special educational needs and to confirm the findings from previously conducted questionnaires, with the aim of creating an initial concept for the validation workshop and participating in it.

For this purpose, this consultant should:

• prepare questions/statements for deepening and validation for 2 focus groups based on the information obtained from the conducted questionnaires as well as from the research on available applications for improving communication skills in children with special educational needs
• participate in forming the focus groups and communicate with them
• conduct 2 focus groups - one with parents of children with special educational needs and educators (educational assistants, teachers, special educators-rehabilitators, etc.)
• conduct an analysis and prepare a report from the conducted focus groups
• participate in the workshop for validating the initial concept for developing a tool to improve communication skills
• maintain regular communication with the project manager and project team

For the specified scope of work, 20 consultancy days are planned.

What are the required skills and qualifications (applicable to both positions)?

• Completed higher education in the field or related to the field of inclusive education (pedagogy, defectology, etc.)
• Experience working with children with special educational needs for at least 5 years, with a special focus on communication skills
• Knowledge of the latest practices and trends in working with children with special educational needs
• Knowledge of educational regulations for working with children with special educational needs
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Macedonian language
• Knowledge of Albanian language will be considered an advantage

Logistical information related to the work engagement:

• For the position Needs Assessment Consultant a Contract for engagement with SmartUp is concluded for a fixed term, with the expected duration of the engagement being August 15 and lasting until September 30, 2023
• For the position Validation Consultant a Contract for engagement with SmartUp is concluded for a fixed term, with the expected duration of the engagement being October 1 and lasting until November 30, 2023
• Working hours are organized according to the work plan and agreement with the project manager
• The remuneration is according to the offer submitted by the applicant.
• Physical presence is not mandatory due to the nature of the position

Selection process

SmartUp will select consultants through an open call. The selection process will be conducted based on the following criteria:

1. Complete documentation (CV and financial offer)
2. Submitted lowest gross offer by the applicant

The selection of the most suitable candidate will be made on 11.08.2023. All applicants will be notified of the selection no later than 12.08.2023.

Until when can the application be submitted?

To apply for the offered positions, send your CV and financial offer (in Macedonian language) exclusively indicating the gross amount to info@innovationlab.mk with the subject Application for (specify the appropriate position or both positions), no later than 09.08.2023 by 23:59. Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered.

Interested persons may apply for one or both positions. If you apply for both positions, submit one financial offer that applies to both positions.