Consultant for EdTech Implementation

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization is dedicated to reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with opportunities to thrive and fulfill their potential. UNICEF has been operational in Zimbabwe since 1982, focusing on sustainable socioeconomic development and supporting the government’s vision for an empowered society. The organization employs a team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfillment of children's rights, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement programs that benefit children and adolescents.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) in Zimbabwe by overseeing the implementation of the Cantoo Scribe EdTech tool, which is designed to enhance inclusive early learning education. This position is part of UNICEF's Learning Pioneers Programme, which aims to pilot innovative educational technology solutions to address specific educational challenges in low-resource contexts. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating the rollout of the Cantoo Scribe tool in selected schools, monitoring its effectiveness, and ensuring that it is adapted to meet local needs. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, EdTech providers, and research partners, to ensure the successful implementation and scaling of the initiative. The consultant will also be tasked with assessing the impact of teacher training and providing ongoing support for data collection and analysis to inform future programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include leading the planning and implementation of the Cantoo Scribe rollout, ensuring alignment with MoPSE and other stakeholders. Responsibilities will encompass overseeing the adaptation of the EdTech tool to the local context, conducting regular school visits to gather feedback, and facilitating consultation meetings to prepare research reports. The consultant will also coordinate stakeholder engagement, facilitate training sessions for teachers, and support sustainability planning discussions. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for submitting bi-monthly reports documenting progress and challenges, contributing to data collection efforts, and preparing human interest stories to showcase the initiative's impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Education, business, project management, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in project management or the implementation of digital learning solutions in low-resource contexts is required. Proven experience in innovation implementation and agile methodologies is highly regarded. Strong organizational, communication, and reporting skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work effectively with government counterparts and high-level stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Education, business, project management, or social sciences is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support the implementation of EdTech solutions in the educational sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in project management or the implementation of digital learning solutions in low-resource environments. Candidates should have a strong track record of working with government entities and managing complex multi-stakeholder projects, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges associated with educational innovation in such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with strong oral and written communication skills being essential. Knowledge of Shona and/or other local languages is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the EdTech implementation.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to begin on September 1, 2025, and will conclude on January 29, 2026, spanning a total of 100 working days across 12 weeks. The consultant will be expected to submit a technical proposal outlining their understanding of the terms of reference, proposed tasks, deliverables, and timeline. A financial proposal detailing costs associated with the consultancy, including daily rates and travel expenses, is also required. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19 prior to commencing the assignment.