M&E Support Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering collaboration among nations. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and operates numerous programs aimed at improving education, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing scientific research.

Job Overview:
The M&E Support Consultant will play a crucial role in coordinating and providing technical support for education-related health and wellbeing operational research, as well as program monitoring and evaluation activities across UNESCO’s Health and Education Section. This position is particularly focused on the West and Central African region (WCA) and the East and Southern African region (ESA). The consultant will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the WHO’s Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) and the Global School Health Policies and Practices Survey (G-SHPPS) across 26 focal countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The role requires a strong emphasis on operational coordination, technical guidance, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that health and well-being are integrated into education sector planning and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Operational Coordination: Oversee the GSHS and G-SHPPS surveys, providing technical guidance to UNESCO, WHO, and Ministries of Health and Education.
• Data Analysis: Support data analysis and dissemination post-data collection, including report preparation and stakeholder engagement.
• Workshop Planning: Organize a data validation workshop, coordinating logistics and facilitating sessions.
• Integration of Health in Education: Collaborate with HQ teams to implement programs that integrate health and well-being into education sector plans.
• Data Collection Tools: Develop tools and processes for collecting primary data related to WCA commitment indicators.
• Reporting Support: Provide technical support for the development of reports on school violence and other M&E workpieces, ensuring data is collated and analyzed effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in coordinating large-scale survey projects within public health or education sectors. They should demonstrate expertise in survey methodologies, data collection techniques, and data management practices. Additionally, at least 2 years of experience working with international organizations and government agencies in diverse cultural contexts is required. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools. An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, education, or a related field is preferred.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold an advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, education, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health and education integration and for effectively managing the M&E activities associated with the surveys.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in coordinating large-scale survey projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in public health or education sectors, with a strong emphasis on survey methodologies and data management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with good knowledge of French (written, spoken, and reading comprehension) being highly desirable. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders across the regions.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is between 7 to 11 months, and it is open to external candidates. The application process requires candidates to submit an online application through the UNESCO careers website, ensuring that all information provided is complete and accurate. The selection process may involve tests, assessments, and interviews, utilizing communication technologies for evaluations. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.