Consultant for Equity-based Budgeting for Public Schools in Thailand Programme Phase 5

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to ensure the rights of every child, focusing on survival, development, protection, and participation. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally, dedicated to improving the lives of the most disadvantaged children and advocating for their rights.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing technical support and quality assurance for the Funding Formula Pilot Programme Phase 5, which aims to assess the impact of an equity-based school funding model on educational equity, learning outcomes, and management efficiency in small, remote public schools in Thailand. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) to generate evidence that supports advocacy efforts for the adoption of an equity-based budget formula in the government's budget proposal. The role requires a deep understanding of educational finance and the ability to analyze and report on the effectiveness of funding models in improving educational outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and quality assurance throughout the pilot research, ensuring adherence to international standards.
• Conduct quality assurance of all stages of pilot research, including data analysis and reporting.
• Prepare interim and final reports summarizing findings from budget disbursements and lessons learned.
• Develop a policy brief based on data from the pilot, presenting costed options for scaling the funding formula and strategic recommendations for school-based financing.
• Facilitate consultations and present findings to stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with UNICEF for debriefing and updates on progress.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Education, or related fields.
• A minimum of 10 years of research experience in education and public finance.
• Proven experience in conducting research in high middle-income countries, particularly in the context of educational systems.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Familiarity with Thailand’s education system and public finance mechanisms is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, or Education. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of educational finance and policy-making, particularly in the context of Thailand's educational landscape.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant research experience, particularly in education and public finance. Candidates should have a strong track record of conducting research that informs policy decisions and demonstrates an understanding of the challenges faced by educational systems in high middle-income countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Thai is an advantage but not required. Candidates who can communicate in both languages will have a competitive edge in understanding local contexts and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is from 15 July 2025 to 31 December 2026, with the possibility of duty travel to Thailand. The consultant will be compensated based on the actual number of days worked and upon satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNICEF emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 before commencing the assignment.