National TLM Designer/Illustrator, (specializing in the development of gender-responsive textbooks and learning materials in Mathematics and Tajik language for Grades 7–8)

The consultant will support the development and finalization of competency-based Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in Mathematics and Tajik Language for Grades 7 and 8, ensuring visual elements enhance comprehension, engagement, and alignment with competency-based education principles. This work is in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan and UNICEF under the Education Reform Project Phase II.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and finalization of competency-based Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in Mathematics and Tajik Language for Grades 7 and 8.
• Ensure all visual elements of the TLMs effectively enhance comprehension, engagement, and alignment with competency-based education principles.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan and UNICEF within the framework of the Education Reform Project Phase II.
• Design and lay out textbooks, workbooks, and teacher guides with cohesive design systems ensuring consistency, usability, and pedagogical alignment.
• Create inclusive, gender-responsive, and culturally appropriate visuals that translate complex curriculum content into clear, engaging illustrations, infographics, and diagrams.
• Apply templates, style guides, and design systems at scale while maintaining high attention to detail including quality, copyright, and accessibility standards.
• Manage iterations, incorporate feedback, and meet tight deadlines in collaboration with curriculum developers, subject experts, and editors.

Requirements

• University degree (bachelors) in Science Education, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the design of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs).
• At least 7 years of demonstrated experience designing integrated TLM packages at the primary and secondary levels.
• Proven experience designing and managing school-based pilots of learning materials.
• Extended experience with designing TLM with the MOES and familiarity with the existing design and structural policies.
• Prior experience with USAID, UNICEF, UNESCO, or other UN agencies, and major education donors (e.g., IsDB, GPE, FCDO, EU, World Bank) is an asset.
• Strong expertise in designing and laying out TLMs (textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides).
• Ability to develop and apply cohesive design systems ensuring consistency, usability, and pedagogical alignment.
• Advanced design skills (layout, visual hierarchy, typography, content flow).
• Experience creating inclusive, gender-responsive, and culturally appropriate visuals.
• Ability to translate complex curriculum content into clear, engaging visuals (illustrations, infos, diagrams).
• Understanding of competency-based education (CBE) and its application in design.
• Experience designing child-friendly, age-appropriate materials that enhance engagement.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and preparing print-ready files.
• Experience applying templates, style guides, and design systems at scale.
• Strong collaboration with curriculum developers, subject experts, and editors.
• High attention to detail, including quality, copyright, and accessibility standards.
• Ability to manage iterations, incorporate feedback, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated familiarity with international competency-based curriculum frameworks (UNESCO CBE guidance, OECD Learning Compass and equivalent) is required.
• Proficiency in Russian is required; Knowledge of Tajik and English is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of Tajik is a strong asset, given the intensive collaboration with national expert group teams.
• Where the Consultant is not proficient in Tajik, the Consultant shall demonstrate a credible plan for working effectively with Tajik-language editors and reviewers.

Skills

• Teaching and Learning Materials Design
• Gender-responsive Materials Design
• Mathematics Curriculum Design
• Tajik Language Materials Design
• School-based Pilot Management
• Curriculum Content Translation
• Competency-based Education Design
• Inclusive Visual Design
• Child-friendly Materials Design
• InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Print-ready File Preparation
• Design Systems Application
• Layout Design
• Visual Hierarchy
• Typography
• Content Flow Design
• Collaboration with Curriculum Developers
• Quality and Copyright Standards

Languages

Russian, Tajik, English