Consultant for Education Sector Plan Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, saving their lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally, dedicated to building a better world for every child, every day. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to education and opportunities for growth.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Education Sector Plan Development will work under the supervision of the Chief Education and closely liaise with the International Education Team Lead. The primary responsibility of this position is to support the development of the Education Sector Plan (ESP) for the years 2026-2030, along with a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. The consultant will be tasked with creating an inception report that summarizes relevant documentation, outlines the approach and methodology, and presents a detailed work plan. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate workshops with stakeholders to finalize the prioritization of activities and design, including the identification of monitoring and evaluation strategies. The consultant will draft key sections of the ESP, including activities, indicators, and means of verification for specific sub-sectors, and support the finalization of the ESP and its annexes, including the M&E framework. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting the drafted ESP and ensuring it meets the expectations of the stakeholders involved.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an inception report that summarizes relevant documentation, approach, methodology, and work plan.
• Facilitate workshops with relevant stakeholders to finalize the prioritization of activities and design, including the identification of monitoring and evaluation strategies.
• Draft key sections of the Education Sector Plan under the guidance of the lead consultant, including activities, indicators, and means of verification for specific sub-sectors.
• Support the finalization of the Education Sector Plan and its annexes, including the Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
• Prepare and present a consolidated report of the workshops and a draft report for comments and feedback.
• Ensure that all deliverables are submitted on time and meet the quality standards set by UNICEF.
• Collaborate with the lead consultant and other team members to ensure alignment with UNICEF's goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in education, social sciences, development studies, or related fields.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting national strategic plan reviews in the education sector.
• Proven experience in strategic and action plan development.
• Demonstrated experience in research, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Familiarity and experience working in the education sector in Timor-Leste is an advantage.
• Experience in conducting multi-sectoral consultations and workshops is essential.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in education, social sciences, development studies, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational planning and policy development, particularly in the context of Timor-Leste.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in conducting national strategic plan reviews within the education sector. Candidates should have a strong background in strategic and action plan development, as well as experience in research and monitoring and evaluation processes. Familiarity with the education sector in Timor-Leste will be considered an advantage, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate local contexts and stakeholder dynamics effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of UNICEF's work. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Timor-Leste may be advantageous, as it can facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of consultations and workshops.

Additional Notes:
The job is a consultancy position, and individuals engaged under this contract will not be considered staff members under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies. Therefore, they will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage. The conditions of service will be governed by the contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties in accordance with local laws. Selected candidates must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the entire contract period. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine before starting the assignment, unless they are working remotely and not expected to interact directly with UNICEF's operations.