Consultant (South Africa, Learning and Scaling)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years and works in 190 countries and territories. The organization is known for being the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on various aspects of child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, allowing it to carry out its mission effectively across diverse regions.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position is a critical role within UNICEF's Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) in South Africa, focusing on the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector. The consultant will be responsible for leading the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda for Fund 1.0, which aims to improve the quality of early learning programs across the country. This role involves collaborating with the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) and various implementing partners to gather and analyze data, surface learnings, and inform the design of a future outcomes fund (Fund 2.0). The consultant will engage in high-level discussions with stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and produce analytical reports that will guide strategic decisions for the DBE and EOF. The position requires a strong understanding of education policy, particularly in the context of early childhood education, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Co-designing the Learning & Scaling Agenda with DBE and EOF stakeholders, ensuring alignment with policy windows and decision cycles.
• Conducting desk research and stakeholder interviews to produce an actionable evidence package for Fund 2.0 concept development.
• Co-developing a Data & Reporting Framework that standardizes learning outputs across implementing partners and aligns with the DBE's National Data Observatory.
• Delivering a diagnostic of the early learning program market to assess readiness for scale, including barriers and opportunities.
• Organizing and facilitating peer-learning exchanges and producing annual synthesis reports that aggregate findings and recommend actions for the DBE. The consultant will also be responsible for travel within South Africa for site visits and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in education, international development, or related fields, with a strong background in early childhood development (ECD). Experience in government engagement, particularly with South Africa's DBE, is essential. The consultant should have a proven track record of producing high-quality analytical reports and policy briefs, along with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities are required, as well as experience in facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
A degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred but not mandatory. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of education and development, particularly in early childhood education.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in relevant sectors such as education, international development, or management consultancy. Candidates should have direct experience with early childhood development initiatives, including policy, research, or implementation roles. Familiarity with the South African education system and experience working with government entities is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the South African context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from February 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, and is primarily remote, with some travel required within South Africa. The consultant will be compensated based on deliverables, with a financial proposal required that outlines costs associated with each deliverable. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances for any required travel. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply and disclose their needs for reasonable accommodation during the selection process.