Consultant for Mid Term Stocktaking Exercise

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 consultancy aims to conduct an independent Mid Term Stocktaking Exercise for the 'Equitable Access to Quality Primary Education for Out-of-School Children (OOSC)' project. This project, co-funded by Educate A Child (EAC), targets 100,003 out-of-school children aged 7-15 in Tanzania's Kigoma, Tabora, and Songwe regions. The consultant will assess the project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, identifying key achievements and challenges while providing actionable recommendations for improvement. The role involves reviewing project documents, facilitating discussions with government stakeholders, and preparing a concise analytical report summarizing findings and recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of project documents, reports, monitoring data, and relevant policy frameworks.
• Facilitate a focus group discussion with government stakeholders during the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) meeting, dedicating 1.5 hours to this session.
• Assess performance in two pre-selected focus areas: teacher training and data systems, while considering previously reported findings on the enrolment of out-of-school children.
• Prepare a 5-page Mid Term Stocktaking Exercise Report that summarizes progress, lessons learned, and recommendations for enhancing strategies and outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Education Officer to ensure alignment with UNICEF's education priorities in Tanzania and the expectations of the funding bodies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Education or a closely related field, such as Social Sciences or Development Studies. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in education programme evaluation, research, or monitoring is required. Proven experience in conducting evaluations for UNICEF or other UN agencies is essential, along with a strong understanding of Tanzania's education system and policy framework. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills, with proficiency in English being mandatory. Knowledge of Kiswahili is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and policies, particularly in the context of Tanzania's initiatives to improve access to education for out-of-school children.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as education programme evaluation, research, or monitoring. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting reviews or evaluations, particularly in the context of UNICEF or other UN agencies, demonstrating their capability to assess educational projects effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNICEF. While not required, a working knowledge of Kiswahili is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities in Tanzania.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part of a project that runs from June 2022 to June 2025, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to UNICEF's core values and competencies. The position may involve remote work, particularly for facilitating discussions and conducting reviews. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.