Consultant for Midterm Review of the Rwanda Partnership Compact

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 focuses on providing assistance in some of the world's most challenging environments, aiming to reach the most disadvantaged children. UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential, emphasizing education as a critical component of their work. The organization operates with a commitment to inclusivity and equity, striving to build a better world for every child, every day.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the midterm review of the Rwanda Partnership Compact, which is a strategic framework aimed at transforming the education sector in Rwanda. This position involves assessing the implementation of priority reforms identified in the compact, which focuses on improving foundational learning, ensuring timely enrollment and progression, and enhancing the capacity and coordination of the education sector. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education and various stakeholders to evaluate progress, identify gaps, and propose necessary adjustments to the compact. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to facilitate inclusive dialogues among diverse education sector partners. The consultant will also be responsible for updating the Partnership Compact to align with the current Education Sector Strategic Plan (2024-2029) and ensuring that the review process is evidence-based and results-oriented.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Preparation and country self-assessment: Develop a plan and timeframe for the midterm review activities, including gathering the Education Sector Working Group task team. Conduct a desk review of progress reports and hold consultation meetings with government officials and ESWG members to analyze the overall progress of the Partnership Compact implementation.
• Lead inclusive dialogue and draft midterm review memo: Facilitate stakeholder engagement to propose changes to the Rwanda Partnership Compact, including intermediate actions needed to accelerate progress and new focus areas for GPE 2030 funding. Draft a comprehensive midterm review memo summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Facilitate endorsement of the revised compact and midterm review memo: Organize a high-level endorsement meeting with Education Sector Working Group members to present key findings and secure commitment from education sector leadership for the successful implementation of the Partnership Compact.
• Deliverables include a snapshot report of country status, a revised Partnership Compact aligned with the Education Sector Strategic Plan, and a final endorsed midterm review memo.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, education sciences, or related fields, with a focus on education policy planning, administration, leadership, and monitoring & evaluation. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in education policy, planning, administration, leadership, and monitoring & evaluation, ideally with familiarity with GPE processes, particularly the Partnership Compact. Strong knowledge of the education system, expertise in policy document development, and proven capacity to work as an expert in education policy development are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong coordination skills, analytical and conceptual thinking, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in fields such as economics, education sciences, or related disciplines, with a specific focus on education policy planning, administration, leadership, and monitoring & evaluation. A PhD level qualification in a relevant field is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in the education sector, particularly in areas related to policy, planning, administration, leadership, and monitoring & evaluation. Familiarity with GPE processes and the Partnership Compact is highly desirable, as is a strong understanding of the education system and its challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication for this position. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance communication within the context of the Rwandan education sector.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 4 months, from December 2025 to March 2026, and the consultant will work remotely. The selection process will assess technical and financial proposals, with a maximum score of 75% for technical applications and 25% for financial proposals. Candidates must demonstrate alignment with UNICEF's values and commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The selected candidate will be subject to background checks and must ensure compliance with health and visa requirements as applicable.