Consultant for SIKAI Learning Assessment and Data Use Programme

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The SIKAI Learning Assessment and Data Use programme, part of UNICEF's Global Education Practice, focuses on enhancing the generation, analysis, interpretation, and effective use of learning assessment data. This initiative aims to inform evidence-based education policy, sector planning, and classroom practices, particularly in resource-constrained, fragile, and crisis-affected contexts. The consultant will play a crucial role in providing high-quality, timely, and strategic technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices and government counterparts, ensuring that learning assessment data is effectively utilized to drive policy reform and improve education systems. The consultant will also be responsible for developing technical guidance, knowledge products, analytical outputs, and cross-country learning initiatives, aligning with UNICEF's broader education priorities and global commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices and government counterparts on the effective use of learning assessment data.
• Develop technical guidance and knowledge products that support the use of learning assessment data in policy and practice.
• Create analytical outputs that translate assessment data into actionable insights for education reform.
• Facilitate cross-country learning initiatives to share best practices and lessons learned in the use of learning assessment data.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including technical experts, government officials, and partners, to enhance national capacities for learning assessments.
• Ensure alignment of all activities with UNICEF's education priorities and global commitments.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of learning assessments in various contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income or crisis-affected areas.
• Support the development of strategies and frameworks for the institutionalization of learning assessments within education systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in education, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in education, particularly related to learning assessment and the use of data for policy and practice.
• Proven experience in supporting learning assessment initiatives, including national or large-scale assessments.
• Experience providing technical assistance to governments or international organizations, especially in low- and middle-income or crisis-affected contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to analytical or knowledge products for policy and programme audiences.
• Experience in programme design, strategy development, or advisory support within complex programme environments.
• Strong collaboration skills with multiple stakeholders, including technical experts and government counterparts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in fields such as education, economics, public policy, international development, or a related area. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in education systems and learning assessments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the education sector, with a strong focus on learning assessment and the use of data for policy and practice. Candidates should have substantial experience supporting learning assessment initiatives and providing technical assistance to governments or international organizations, particularly in low- and middle-income or crisis-affected contexts. Experience in contributing to analytical or knowledge products for policy and programme audiences is also essential, as is experience in programme design and strategy development within complex environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to South Asia, would be considered an asset and is desirable for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be full-time, and the duration of the contract will be specified upon selection. The position may involve working with international teams and stakeholders, and candidates should ideally be located in a time zone that is favorable for collaboration with countries in South Asia. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.