I. Background on Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading global independent organization for children. Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When a crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met, and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Our vision: A world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

Our mission: To inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Our values: Accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity.

We are committed to ensuring our resources are used as efficiently as possible, to focus them on achieving maximum impact for children.

II. General information about the project

Through the project “Empowerment of Kosovo vulnerable communities through better and equal access to the labour market” funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation, Save the Children Kosova/o (SCiK) and its project partners aim to empower girls and boys from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities with the knowledge, capacity, skills and opportunities to transition into adulthood, as well as dignified, decent and sustainable work. Spanning seven municipalities across Kosovo, the project employs a multi-tiered strategy with interventions at the child and family, school, municipal, labour market, and national levels. Its primary objectives are to improve access to and retention in quality secondary education, provide vocational and life skills training, and promote equal opportunities for dignified and sustainable employment.

This will be achieved through the following specific objectives:

Supporting girls and boys at high risk of dropout to complete lower secondary education;
Equipping young people with the skills and confidence to access the labour market and/or further education; and
Strengthening family, school, municipal, and system-level support mechanisms that promote retention, inclusion, and successful transition pathways.

III. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE) in adapting the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors, which are currently designed for upper secondary schools, to align them with lower secondary education (grades 6–9).

This consultancy is intended to serve as a technical process led by the consultant for the harmonisation, review, and finalisation of the standards and curriculum documents. The consultant will act as the technical lead responsible for guiding and coordinating the adaptation, review, and finalisation process of the Standards and Curriculum.

This assignment aims to strengthen institutional capacities for career guidance at the lower secondary level by ensuring that the adapted standards and curriculum are relevant, age-appropriate, aligned with the education context of Kosovo, and ready for submission to the relevant accreditation authority.

Specific objectives of this consultancy are:

To lead the process of adapting the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors from upper secondary level to lower secondary level (grades 6–9).
To support the establishment and technical facilitation of an inter-institutional working group composed of AVETAE, MES, the Faculty of Education, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
To ensure that the adapted standards and curriculum reflect the developmental, educational, and career guidance needs of students in lower secondary education.
To lead the process of consultations, reviews, and technical validation of the documents.
To finalise the adapted documents in line with national education standards and technical requirements.
To support the preparation and submission of the finalised standards and curriculum for accreditation to the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).

IV. Key Areas and Responsibilities

The service provider will be responsible for the following:

To adapt the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors developed for upper secondary schools for lower secondary education (grades 6–9).
To analyse their applicability in lower secondary education and identify areas requiring adaptation.
In coordination with AVETAE, to provide technical leadership of the adaptation and review process throughout the assignment cycle.
To facilitate technical working group meetings and inter-institutional consultations.
To provide technical expertise and guidance to AVETAE, MET, and working group members during consultations and review sessions.
To draft and revise the adapted documents in response to feedback from the working group and relevant stakeholders.
To ensure that the adapted materials are technically sound, age-appropriate, and aligned with Kosovo's national curricular and institutional framework.
To prepare the final version of the standards and curriculum in the required format.
To coordinate the final validation process before submission to the NQA.
To support the preparation and submission of the final documents to the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) for accreditation.
To maintain regular communication with AVETAE and Save the Children and provide progress updates throughout the assignment.

V. Timeline and deliverables

To achieve the expected results outlined in the table below, the selected Consultant will be engaged for 21 working days, from June 4, 2026, to 31 August 2026.

| No. | Activity | Description | Days | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---:|---|
| 1 | First workshop – Initial review and orientation | Organise and facilitation of the first workshop with AVETAE, MES, the technical working group, and relevant stakeholders to review the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors (upper secondary education), clarify expectations, agree on the methodology, and identify key areas requiring adaptation for lower secondary education (grades 6–9). | 2 | June 10, 2026 |
| 2 | Analysis of applicability to lower secondary education | Review and analysis of the applicability of the existing Standards and Curriculum to lower secondary education | 2 | June 16, 2026 |
| 3 | Drafting of the adapted Standards and Curriculum | Prepare the first draft of the adapted Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors for lower secondary education, based on the findings from the analysis phase and stakeholder consultations | 5 | June 22, 2026 |
| 4 | Second workshop – Review of the first draft | Organise and facilitate the second workshop with AVETAE, MES, the technical working group, and relevant stakeholders to review the first draft and collect comments, recommendations, and improvement suggestions. | 2 | June 28, 2026 |
| 5 | Integration of feedback and recommendations | Revise the draft by incorporating feedback and recommendations received during the workshop and consultation process, ensuring technical quality, clarity, age-appropriateness, and alignment with Kosovo’s institutional framework. | 2 | July 4, 2026 |
| 6 | Third workshop – Validation of revised materials | Organize and facilitate the third workshop with AVETAE, MES, the technical working group, and relevant stakeholders to validate the revised version of the adapted Standards and Curriculum and agree on any final adjustments required before finalization. | 1 | July 16, 2026 |
| 7 | Finalization of adapted Standards and Curriculum | Finalize the adapted Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors for lower secondary education, ensuring that the documents are technically sound, well-structured, age-appropriate, and suitable for use within the Kosovo curricular and institutional framework. | 2 | July 24, 2026 |
| 8 | Submission of final documents | Submit the final versions of the adapted Standards and Curriculum, together with any required supporting materials, in the agreed formats within the established timeline. | 1 | August 7, 2026 |
| 9 | Logistical and technical support to AVETAE | Provide two (2) reserve days for logistical and technical support to AVETAE and MES, including coordination, document preparation, follow-up communication, and any practical support required during the finalisation and submission process. | 2 | As required within this agreement timeline |
| 10 | Reserve Days | Reserve days to address any further revisions, additional consultations, technical adjustments, or unforeseen needs that may arise during the assignment. These days will be used only upon agreement with AVETAE and Save the Children. | Up to 2 days | As required within this agreement timeline |

Total number of days: 21

VI. Experience and skillset required

The service provider should possess the following qualifications and attributes:

University degree in Education, Pedagogy, Educational Sciences, Curriculum Development, or other fields relevant to education and the school system; advanced academic qualifications will be considered an asset.
Proven experience in developing, reviewing, or adapting professional standards, curricula, and training materials, particularly in the context of pre-university education.
In-depth knowledge of the Kosovo education system, with a focus on lower secondary education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) frameworks.
Experience in leading and facilitating technical working groups and multi-stakeholder consultation processes, including institutions such as MES and AVETAE, as well as other relevant education stakeholders.
Proven ability in curriculum development and professional standards design for education-related profiles, with a focus on career guidance and counselling roles in schools.
Knowledge of career guidance approaches for adolescents, including appropriate methodologies for lower secondary students (grades 6–9).
Experience with accreditation processes and submission of qualifications/standards to national authorities, including the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).
Knowledge of child protection principles and school safeguarding standards, and the ability to integrate them into curricula and guidance materials.
Excellent analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to produce structured, clear, and technically accurate documents.
Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with government representatives, technical experts, and project teams
Fluency in Albanian and English, both written and spoken.

VII. Payment information

SCiK will remunerate the service provider on a daily gross fee from which the income taxes and pension contribution will be withheld and paid, based on Kosovo Law, or in an amount free of VAT in the case of the company. SCiK will make the payment through bank transfer in the service provider’s bank account upon completion and approval of the assignment and submission of the completed timesheet and invoice.

Payment will only be made upon receipt of a valid invoice accompanied by the timesheet/s for the relevant period. The fees are inclusive of all costs, overheads, and expenses, including travel, subsistence, and accommodation.

VIII. Child Safeguarding Policy

As a condition for entering into a service agreement, the service provider / company must sign the Save the Children International Child Safeguarding Policy, and abide by the terms and conditions, and comply with the Austrian Development Agency's Code of Conduct.

IX. How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting an application package with the following documents.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One (1) sample of previous work of similar complexity conducted by the applicant
Technical proposal (max. 1 page)
Financial proposal per working day, including the offer in the gross amount before legal deductions according to the legislation in Kosovo (for individuals), or financial proposal per working day in amount free of VAT (for companies)
Business Certificate (for companies).

I. Background on Save the Children

We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Our vision: A world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

Our mission: To inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Our values: Accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity.

We are committed to ensuring our resources are used as efficiently as possible, to focus them on achieving maximum impact for children.

II. General information about the project

This will be achieved through the following specific objectives:

Supporting girls and boys at high risk of dropout to complete lower secondary education;
Equipping young people with the skills and confidence to access the labour market and/or further education; and
Strengthening family, school, municipal, and system-level support mechanisms that promote retention, inclusion, and successful transition pathways.

III. Purpose and Objectives

Specific objectives of this consultancy are:

To lead the process of adapting the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors from upper secondary level to lower secondary level (grades 6–9).
To support the establishment and technical facilitation of an inter-institutional working group composed of AVETAE, MES, the Faculty of Education, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
To ensure that the adapted standards and curriculum reflect the developmental, educational, and career guidance needs of students in lower secondary education.
To lead the process of consultations, reviews, and technical validation of the documents.
To finalise the adapted documents in line with national education standards and technical requirements.
To support the preparation and submission of the finalised standards and curriculum for accreditation to the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).

IV. Key Areas and Responsibilities

The service provider will be responsible for the following:

To adapt the existing Standards and Curriculum for Career Guidance Counsellors developed for upper secondary schools for lower secondary education (grades 6–9).
To analyse their applicability in lower secondary education and identify areas requiring adaptation.
In coordination with AVETAE, to provide technical leadership of the adaptation and review process throughout the assignment cycle.
To facilitate technical working group meetings and inter-institutional consultations.
To provide technical expertise and guidance to AVETAE, MET, and working group members during consultations and review sessions.
To draft and revise the adapted documents in response to feedback from the working group and relevant stakeholders.
To ensure that the adapted materials are technically sound, age-appropriate, and aligned with Kosovo's national curricular and institutional framework.
To prepare the final version of the standards and curriculum in the required format.
To coordinate the final validation process before submission to the NQA.
To support the preparation and submission of the final documents to the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) for accreditation.
To maintain regular communication with AVETAE and Save the Children and provide progress updates throughout the assignment.

V. Timeline and deliverables

To achieve the expected results outlined in the table below, the selected Consultant will be engaged for 21 working days, from June 4, 2026, to 31 August 2026.

Total number of days: 21

VI. Experience and skillset required

The service provider should possess the following qualifications and attributes:

University degree in Education, Pedagogy, Educational Sciences, Curriculum Development, or other fields relevant to education and the school system; advanced academic qualifications will be considered an asset.
Proven experience in developing, reviewing, or adapting professional standards, curricula, and training materials, particularly in the context of pre-university education.
In-depth knowledge of the Kosovo education system, with a focus on lower secondary education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) frameworks.
Experience in leading and facilitating technical working groups and multi-stakeholder consultation processes, including institutions such as MES and AVETAE, as well as other relevant education stakeholders.
Proven ability in curriculum development and professional standards design for education-related profiles, with a focus on career guidance and counselling roles in schools.
Knowledge of career guidance approaches for adolescents, including appropriate methodologies for lower secondary students (grades 6–9).
Experience with accreditation processes and submission of qualifications/standards to national authorities, including the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).
Knowledge of child protection principles and school safeguarding standards, and the ability to integrate them into curricula and guidance materials.
Excellent analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to produce structured, clear, and technically accurate documents.
Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with government representatives, technical experts, and project teams
Fluency in Albanian and English, both written and spoken.

VII. Payment information

VIII. Child Safeguarding Policy

IX. How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting an application package with the following documents.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
One (1) sample of previous work of similar complexity conducted by the applicant
Technical proposal (max. 1 page)
Financial proposal per working day, including the offer in the gross amount before legal deductions according to the legislation in Kosovo (for individuals), or financial proposal per working day in amount free of VAT (for companies)
Business Certificate (for companies).

Terms of Reference - Local Consultant to support the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE) in adapting the Standards and Curriculum for the Qualification of Career Guidance Counsellors for Lower Secondary Education (grades 6–9)

I. Background on Save the Children

II. General information about the project

III. Purpose and Objectives

IV. Key Areas and Responsibilities

V. Timeline and deliverables

VI. Experience and skillset required

VII. Payment information

VIII. Child Safeguarding Policy

IX. How to apply

Terms of Reference - Local Consultant to support the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE) in adapting the Standards and Curriculum for the Qualification of Career Guidance Counsellors for Lower Secondary Education (grades 6–9)

I. Background on Save the Children

II. General information about the project

III. Purpose and Objectives

IV. Key Areas and Responsibilities

V. Timeline and deliverables

VI. Experience and skillset required

VII. Payment information

VIII. Child Safeguarding Policy

IX. How to apply