Consultant – Methodologist for the development a Guidelines on PSS in libraries (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Ukraine

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract: 15 April 2025 – 15 July 202

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 11.04.2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Background and Objective
UNESCO supports the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine and the Coordination Centre for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, to implement the project “Libraries as a Space for Psychosocial Support” as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme “Are You OK?” – initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.

The capacity-building project aims to respond to the specific needs identified by libraries themselves, namely, the role of library as a place which supports mental health and well-being of Ukrainians. Project ‘’Libraries as a Spaces of Psychosocial Support’’ is designed as a learning programme which aims to improve the capacities of librarians to ensure the implementation of psychosocial support for the population of Ukraine in territorial communities and improve their resilience, to spread developed self-help tools, first psychological aid, providing information on available mental health support services and art-techniques through an extensive network of libraries.

Over three months, the pilot training programme covered 6 regions of Ukraine: Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil and Odesa oblasts. 60 librarians from 32 public libraries participated in 5 days in-person trainings and in several webinars 60 hours of overall learning and now are conducting psychosocial support basic interventions in their spaces as well as reorganizing the spaces themselves. By January 2025 almost 3000 participants attended PSS activities in pilot libraries.

Purpose of the Assignment

Under the authority of the Head of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, the Senior Education Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Education Programme Officer, the incumbent will serve the assignments listed in the ToR within 3 months. 

Duties/Tasks and Expected Output

The Consultant will be responsible for the compiling of a comprehensive Guidelines on Psychosocial Support in libraries that will strengthen the capacity of librarians in provision of basic PSS and revision of their activities, spaces and approaches responding to psychological needs of libraries’ visitors. The Guidelines should be designed to ensure clarity, ease of use, and practical application for all librarians working in public libraries. Particular emphasis should be placed on user-friendly language, actionable content, and the application of universal design principles to ensure accessibility for diverse users, including those with disabilities. Key responsibilities include:
 

Duties/Tasks and Expected Output

•    Review and Update of Materials:
–    Analyze the existing Training programme and Guideline for librarians on provision of PSS;
–    Gather feedback and recommendations from participants of the pilot project;
–    Evaluate the existing sections of the Guidelines and identify gaps or outdated materials which need updating and editing.
•    Update of Structure and Content:
–    Review and refine the structure of the Guidelines, ensuring logical flow and ease of use for librarians.
–    Update the content of the Guidelines, particularly supplementing sections related to methodology of PSS.
–    Add new sections or clarify existing ones with a focus on the PSS provision for children, young people and adults.
–    Integrate specific examples, case studies, and practical tools for librarians.
•    Addition of Tools and Techniques:
–    Review and edit a set of practical tools for librarians that will help them effectively organize PSS activities in libraries.
–    Include tools for addressing librarians’ emotional states, as well as methods to support children, young people and adults in crisis situations.
•    Update of Scientific and Methodological Content:
–    Check the relevance of the scientific and theoretical data in the Guidelines, considering current research in basic psychosocial support.
–    Introduce new methodologies, strategies, and approaches for supporting the emotional health of adults and children during wartime.
•    Ensuring Alignment with Recommendations:
–    Consider recommendations from librarians and experts collected during the pilot project in the final revision of the Guidelines.
– Ensure that all newly developed materials are adapted to the specific context of Ukraine, taking into account local conditions, cultural considerations, and the needs of Ukrainian librarians
•    Formatting and Coordination with Editors:
–    Collaborate with the editor and proofreader to ensure high-quality text (correctness, clarity, conciseness).
–    Ensure consistency in style, format, and document presentation.
•    Finalize the Guidelines, taking into account the recommendations from two external reviewers (a PSS specialist and a librarian), to be identified and facilitated by UNESCO. 
 

Timetable and Deliverables

The contractor shall submit to UNESCO for its approval: 

Deliverable 1. The first draft of the updated Guidelines for librarians has been completed:
(1) the materials of the Guidelines have been analyzed;
(2) the structure and content have been updated;
(3) tools and methodologies have been added;
(4) the draft of the Guidelines has been agreed with UNESCO (by end of May).

Deliverable 2. Updated version of the Guidelines has been prepared for publication and use:
(1) reviews received, and content aligned with recommendations;
(2) Guidelines has been finalized with editors and proofreaders to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency;
(3) the final draft of the Guidelines, containing no less than 100 pages of Times New Roman font 12, has been approved by UNESCO (by mid of July).
 

Education and Qualifications

•    Master’s degree or higher (specialist, PhD preferred) in psychology, pedagogy, or social sciences.
•    Preferably holds an academic degree (PhD, Doctor of Sciences) or an academic title (Associate Professor, Professor).

Professional Experience

•    At least 5 years of experience as a methodologist, lecturer, or researcher.
•    Proven experience in developing educational materials, manuals, or training programs with integrated PSS elements
•    Experience in implementing modern pedagogical methodologies and training techniques.

Skills and Knowledge

•    In-depth understanding of PSS principles and its role in professional development.
•    Familiarity with international standards and best practices in PSS.
•    Strong research and analytical skills.
•    Fluency in Ukrainian with excellent writing and communication skills (English is an advantage).
•    Ability to work with reviewers, editors, and proofreaders to ensure high-quality final content.
 

Supervisory arrangements

The Consultant will work under the general supervision of the direct supervision of the Education Programme Officer of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, ensuring alignment with project objectives and quality standards. Regular coordination meetings will be held to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges. The Consultant will also collaborate with expert reviewers, editors, and other stakeholders to ensure the high quality of the final Supervision Manual.

Facilities to be Provided by UNESCO (if any)

The work will be conducted remotely, with regular online coordination meetings facilitated by UNESCO. The Consultant will have access to relevant project materials, expert consultations, and feedback from UNESCO’s Education Programme Officer and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the assignment.