Consultant Community Manager for Disability-Inclusive Education Sector Planning

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is IIEP-UNESCO, which stands for the International Institute for Educational Planning, a specialized institute of UNESCO. Established over 50 years ago, IIEP-UNESCO focuses on enhancing the capacity of member states in education policy, planning, and management. The organization operates globally, working with various countries to develop inclusive education systems, particularly in response to gender issues, crises, conflicts, and climate change. IIEP-UNESCO has a significant presence in Africa, where it collaborates with multiple stakeholders to promote inclusive education, especially for children and youth with disabilities. The organization is committed to ensuring that education systems are equitable and accessible to all, regardless of their background or abilities. It has partnerships with various international agencies, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to implement programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for marginalized groups.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant Community Manager for Disability-Inclusive Education Sector Planning is designed to support the development and implementation of a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on disability-inclusive education. This role is crucial as it aims to foster collaboration among education planners, practitioners, and organizations working towards inclusive education. The consultant will be responsible for managing the CoP, which will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to disability-inclusive education. The CoP will operate in three languages: English, French, and Portuguese, and will include activities such as online forums, resource sharing, and live events. The consultant will work closely with various teams within IIEP-UNESCO to ensure the effective functioning of the CoP, contributing to the overall goal of making education systems in West Africa more inclusive for children and youth with disabilities. This position is expected to last for six months, starting in January 2026, and will require the consultant to engage actively with community members to promote participation and knowledge exchange.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant Community Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Recruitment and onboarding of participants for the CoP.
• Designing and implementing activities that align with the established planning for the CoP.
• Animating the community by encouraging member participation and facilitating communication to drive engagement.
• Managing the CoP’s online space, including the creation, posting, and translation of content, as well as user management.
• Moderating content in forums and other exchange spaces to ensure constructive discussions.
• Systematizing and archiving information shared by participants to maintain a knowledge base.
• Amplifying messages and learnings that emerge from the CoP to a broader audience.
• Sourcing and curating relevant resources for CoP members.
• Organizing events such as webinars and thematic working sessions to enhance community engagement. 1
• Monitoring and evaluating the CoP’s activities and outcomes, contributing to reports on the effectiveness of the community.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong educational background and relevant professional experience. Required qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in education, social sciences, communications, or related fields.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in disability-inclusive education.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with ministries of education and development partners in low- and middle-income countries.
• Proven experience in using communication and presentation skills with multi-national audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal communication and relationship management skills.
• Proven skills in community facilitation and discussion moderation, as well as content creation and storytelling to engage community members.
• Ability to analyze data and use performance metrics to measure community engagement and impact.
• Capacity to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Innovative thinking in using engaging formats while adhering to brand guidelines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as education, social sciences, or communications. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of disability-inclusive education and for effectively managing the Community of Practice.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 3 years in the field of disability-inclusive education, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this area. Additionally, candidates should have at least 1 year of experience working directly with ministries of education and development partners in low- and middle-income countries, showcasing their ability to navigate diverse educational contexts and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is an excellent command of either English or French, both written and oral. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese is considered a desirable qualification, as the Community of Practice will operate in these three languages, facilitating broader participation and engagement among diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is set for a duration of six months, starting from January 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 202

• The expected engagement is approximately 2 to 3 days per week, and the consultancy is anticipated to be carried out remotely. Payment for the consultancy will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of deliverables in a timely manner, as outlined in the contract. The IIEP-UNESCO in Africa will provide necessary support, including administrative and analytical documentation, and will facilitate contacts with relevant institutions and individuals. The consultant will be responsible for any visa or residence permit procedures required during the consultancy period.