International Consultant for Education Data System

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for children's rights and ensuring their well-being. With a presence in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works collaboratively with various partners to promote and protect the rights of every child. The organization is committed to creating a supportive environment for its employees, offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that fosters growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. In Nigeria, UNICEF operates in a complex humanitarian and development setting, focusing on fulfilling and protecting children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest country offices globally, reflecting its significant role in addressing the challenges faced by children in the region.

Job Overview:
The purpose of this assignment is to assist the Nigerian government in mainstreaming the Education Management Information System (EMIS) within the education sector, ensuring its sustainability. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Education and will be responsible for coordinating the education data project, providing guidance on system functionalities, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting capacity-building initiatives. The consultant will also play a crucial role in generating evidence on the effectiveness of the EMIS, contributing to policy-making and program development. This position requires a strategic approach to managing complex educational data systems and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordination: Liaise with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to coordinate the education data project, organizing regular planning and review meetings. Support the development and implementation of an EMIS operational plan and monitor progress.
• Systems: Provide guidance on system functionalities, including data collection, management, analysis, and reporting. Oversee the migration of systems into the government’s server and identify needs for system updates.
• Resources: Collaborate with the government and University of Oslo to update the knowledge base for DNEMIS, including manuals and training materials. Support the project team in revising and updating resources.
• Capacity Building: Identify training needs and coordinate capacity-building sessions for key stakeholders, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and skill development.
• Evidence Generation: Assist in generating evidence on the effectiveness of DNEMIS, providing feedback on evidence products developed for policy-making and program improvement.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess an advanced university degree in education, international development, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of experience in coordinating and supporting the development and operationalization of national education management systems is required. Additionally, five years of experience in capacity building for education officers and school personnel in data collection and usage is essential. The candidate should have technical expertise in designing digital platforms and in data collection, analysis, and application for policy-making and program development. Experience working with UNICEF or international organizations, particularly in Nigeria or African countries, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as education, international development, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges faced in implementing effective management systems.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically eight years in coordinating and supporting the development of national education management systems. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in capacity building within the education sector, focusing on data collection and usage. Experience working with UNICEF or similar international organizations, particularly in the African context, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is not classified as a staff member under UNICEF's regulations, meaning that individuals engaged under this contract will not receive benefits typically afforded to staff members, such as leave entitlements and medical insurance. The selected candidate will be responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid throughout the contract period. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine before commencing the assignment, unless they are working remotely and not required to visit UNICEF premises or interact directly with communities.