Consultant for Evaluation of the Arab States Fundamental Education Centre (ASFEC)

Job Posting Organization:
The Arab States Fundamental Education Centre (ASFEC) operates under the auspices of UNESCO and was established on April 25, 195

• It has undergone several transformations, initially affiliated as a category 1 centre until 1982, then becoming an independent Egyptian public authority. In 2014, it was re-established as a category 2 centre under UNESCO, with its agreement renewed in November 2020 for six years. The centre aims to enhance adult education and literacy in the Arab region, contributing to global education agendas and promoting lifelong learning.

Job Overview:
The consultant will evaluate the ASFEC to assess its achievements and contributions as a category 2 centre under UNESCO. This evaluation is crucial for renewing the agreement between UNESCO and the Egyptian government. The consultant will analyze the centre's objectives, its relevance to UNESCO's programs, and its impact on global development agendas, particularly in adult education and literacy. The evaluation will involve desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, and an on-site visit to gather comprehensive data and insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough evaluation of ASFEC, which includes reviewing documentation, interviewing stakeholders, and assessing the centre's governance and financial sustainability. They will evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships, the quality of program delivery, and the centre's contribution to gender equality in education. The consultant will also prepare detailed reports, including an inception report, draft evaluation report, and final evaluation report, along with a presentation of findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced academic degree in education or a related field, with at least ten years of professional experience relevant to UNESCO's mandate. They should have a strong background in leading evaluations, particularly in education, and experience in mixed-methods data collection. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding communication skills in English and have a proven ability to engage with public sector officials and international organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced academic degree (Master’s Degree or higher) in education or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of adult education and literacy, as well as the global education agenda.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of professional experience in fields related to UNESCO's mission, with specific experience in education and evaluations. At least five experiences in leading evaluations and three experiences in engaging with public sector officials are necessary. Experience working internationally, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent spoken and written communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly those relevant to the Arab region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last until December 31, 2025, with specific deliverables due at various stages, including an inception report, draft evaluation report, and final report. The consultant will be contracted by UNESCO and will be responsible for their own communication. The position is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.