Individual Consultant ToR Harmonized Education Policies

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and values, which emphasize care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability. The organization employs a large workforce dedicated to advocating for children's rights and ensuring that the needs of the most disadvantaged children are met.

Job Overview:
The purpose of this assignment is to undertake a comprehensive review and alignment of education policies, leading to the development of a unified education policy framework package. The consultant will be expected to analyze existing policies, identify gaps, and propose solutions that align with UNICEF's mission of ensuring the right to education for every child. This role requires a deep understanding of educational frameworks and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to facilitate the development of cohesive policies that can be implemented effectively. The consultant will also be responsible for producing policy reports and documentation that reflect the findings and recommendations from the review process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough review of current education policies at global, regional, and national levels.
• Identify inconsistencies and gaps in existing policies that hinder the effective delivery of education services.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and community leaders, to gather insights and feedback on policy effectiveness.
• Develop a unified education policy framework that addresses identified gaps and aligns with international standards and best practices.
• Produce comprehensive policy reports that document the review process, findings, and recommendations.
• Present findings to UNICEF leadership and relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussions on policy implementation.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to UNICEF and partners in the adoption and adaptation of the new policy framework.
• Ensure that all work is conducted in accordance with UNICEF's values and principles, particularly regarding child protection and safeguarding.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify as an advocate for every child, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Education or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in global, regional, and national policy development and planning processes related to the education sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in producing policy reports, with sample copies required as part of the application.
• Previous work experience with UN agencies is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree in Education or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of educational policies and frameworks, as well as the ability to critically analyze and develop effective policy solutions.

Experience:
The position requires more than 8 years of professional experience in the education sector, specifically in policy development and planning processes. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on education-related projects at various levels, including global, regional, and national contexts. Experience with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the workings of international policy frameworks and the challenges faced in implementing educational initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Sesotho is mandatory for this position. The consultant must be comfortable with high-level verbal and written communication in both languages, as this will be essential for engaging with stakeholders and producing policy documentation. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and candidates are expected to indicate their availability and proposed rates (daily/monthly) in USD. The fee should be all-inclusive, covering any travel and subsistence costs as applicable. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements may also be necessary for appointment.