Draft Terms of Reference for the Technical Advisory Committee

(Approved during the Second Expert Meeting, 16-17 September 2014)

Role and responsibilities

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will:

1. Select or endorse the content topics that will be developed, with a view to ensure that the topics and materials will be of interest for all or a majority of the target countries and give emphasis to mutual appreciation, respect and tolerance among the latter.

2. Review the drafted materials for accuracy, impartiality and relevance.

3. Advise on the selection of pilot schools and in the design of the pilot activities to trial the teaching and learning materials.

4. Propose a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the use/impact of the modules, in order to measure: (1) if they are being used (2) if the materials are well-received (content, suggested pedagogy); (3) if the materials are well-understood, and (4) if the materials have the potential to change attitude over a longer period of time.

5. Analyze the results of the in-school pilot activities in order to recommend adjustments to the materials or the methodology if required.

6. Oversee that the process used to develop and pilot the modules are in accordance with the agreed-upon methodology.

Working modalities

1. The committee will be composed of experts in history, social and human sciences as well as education from South-East Asia.

2. Committee members will sit on the committee in their personal capacity.

3. UNESCO (and APCEIU), SEAMEO and ASEAN may nominate representatives to serve on an ex-officio capacity, with no-voting rights.

4. It shall convene in person on a periodic basis and will communicate via email, online discussion forum (under closed group conditions), phone or other communication methods throughout the implementation period of the project.

5. The committee members will nominate a Committee Chair and a Rapporteur. The UNESCO representative will act as a co-Chair and UNESCO will act as Secretariat to the Committee.

6. The Chair and Rapporteur may rotate on a periodic basis.

7. The decisions will ideally be made on a consensual basis. Alternatively, a vote of 2/3 of present voting members will prevail. Voting members include the Chair, co-Chair, rapporteur and committee members. Ex-officio nominees will not have voting rights.

8. Committee members will be free to consult with other experts or government representatives on issues related to the project, as appropriate for the efficient implementation of the project.

9. Reporting mechanism:

   9.1 Minutes of the periodic TAC meetings, especially decisions agreed upon by the members, will be summarized in a report prepared by the Rapporteur with support from the UNESCO Secretariat.

   9.2 For project monitoring purposes, the TAC Rapporteur, with support from the UNESCO Secretariat, will prepare two short reports per year summarizing progress, discussions and decisions undertaken by the committee members through distance communication.

Selection criteria

1. Up to 12 members, with up to 2 experts per country ensuring, as far as possible, fair geographical representation

2. Experts in history, social and human sciences and/or education

3. Acknowledged academic achievements/contribution in the field of history or social sciences, preferably with experience at the sub-regional level

4. Nominations will be solicited and appointed by UNESCO

5. Available to attend meetings convened by the Secretariat and to actively contribute to discussions and exchanges via email among the committee members.

6. Able to communicate in English

7. Commitment to history programmes promoting mutual understanding within South-East Asia