Programme Consultant - South Africa

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. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Programme Consultant for South Africa will provide technical support to the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) for the delivery of its Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Outcomes Fund. This role involves engaging with implementing partners, addressing implementation challenges, and ensuring effective technical and operational delivery. The consultant will also guide policy alignment and the integration of learning into broader systemic changes. The position is expected to support the EOF team in launching the ECCE outcomes fund in November 2025 and continuing implementation until December 202

• The consultant will be responsible for project oversight, maintaining timelines, identifying risks, and preparing various reports and documentation to support the program's governance and operational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include supporting project implementation and delivery oversight, maintaining timelines, identifying risks, and escalating issues as necessary. Key deliverables include: 1) Six quarterly milestone tracking reports, updates to a risk register, and summary performance reports; 2) Preparation of governance meeting support packs and meeting notes; 3) Bi-monthly grantee communication logs and summaries of recurring themes; 4) Technical guidance for operational workshops; 5) Site visits to monitor program implementation and assess safeguarding systems; 6) Coordination of data submission processes and evaluation fieldwork; 7) Drafting internal technical notes and implementation guidance; 8) Compiling inputs for EOF learning products; 9) Supporting operational tasks such as cost verification and travel planning; 10) Contributing to EOF’s annual program delivery reporting; 11) Implementing an effective communications strategy and managing third-party service providers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in International Development, Public Policy, Education, Business, Economics, Political Science, Finance, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in project management and delivery is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly in the education sector in South Africa, and have a proven track record in project implementation, ideally within NGOs or similar organizations. Experience in leading teams and projects is essential, along with prior experience working with international organizations and donors in South Africa. Fluency in English is mandatory, while experience with innovative finance and fluency in Sepedi, IsiZulu, or IsiXhosa are desirable.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Public Policy, Education, Business, Economics, Political Science, or Finance is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of project management and the specific needs of the education sector in South Africa.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in project management and delivery. Candidates should have a strong background in managing projects, particularly in the education sector, and experience in stakeholder engagement and management. Prior experience working with international organizations and donors in South Africa is also necessary, along with a demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Sepedi, IsiZulu, or IsiXhosa is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and partners in South Africa.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home/office-based, with a contract duration from September 1, 2025, to August 30, 202

• The position may involve travel, and UNICEF will cover any emergent or unforeseen duty travel expenses. Candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award. Payment will be based on the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if deliverables do not meet required standards. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.