Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) is a specialized organization under UNESCO that has been operational for over 50 years. Its mission is to support education policy, planning, and management within the UN system. IIEP-UNESCO is dedicated to developing the capacity of member states by providing rigorous analysis, data-driven evidence, and technical assistance to address pressing educational challenges. The organization is committed to reducing inequalities in education and leads initiatives such as the Gender at the Centre Initiative (CGI), which aims to strengthen gender mainstreaming in education systems globally. IIEP-UNESCO operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various stakeholders to promote effective solutions in education policy and management.

Job Overview:
The consultant position at IIEP-UNESCO is focused on supporting the Women in Learning Leadership (WiLL) initiative, which aims to advance gender-responsive education and promote women's participation in school leadership roles. The consultant will engage in both global research and country-specific activities, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Madagascar, Benin, Ethiopia, and Guinea. The role involves providing technical guidance, conducting research, analyzing data, and drafting policy briefs to inform educational practices and policies. The consultant will work closely with Ministries of Education and other stakeholders to ensure that research findings are effectively integrated into local contexts and contribute to reducing gender disparities in education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include leading global research initiatives in partnership with UNICEF Innocenti, developing assessment tools for measuring gender-responsive education, analyzing education datasets, and drafting policy briefs. At the country level, the consultant will analyze primary data from Benin and Madagascar, develop materials for sharing findings, and provide technical guidance for data collection in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. The consultant will also manage ethical protocols for in-country research, establish sampling strategies, draft qualitative survey questionnaires, and oversee data collection processes. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to project management, coordinate with national and international partners, and participate in capacity-building activities. The role emphasizes the publication and dissemination of research findings to inform policy dialogue and programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in education, economics, social sciences, gender studies, or related fields. They should have at least ten years of professional experience in quantitative research and report writing, with a minimum of two years at the international level. Technical competencies include expertise in quantitative data analysis, research design, and implementation, as well as strong analytical and writing skills. Experience working with Ministries of Education and international organizations is essential, along with familiarity with educational and gender issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant fields such as education, economics, social sciences, or gender studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational policy and gender issues, which are central to the consultant's role.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of professional experience in quantitative research and report writing, specifically in the fields of education and gender. Candidates should also have at least two years of experience working at the international level, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex global educational contexts and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral proficiency in both French and English is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with international partners and stakeholders involved in the research and policy dialogue processes. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is a full-time position with a contract duration of 11 months, starting in the first quarter of 202

• The role is primarily home-based, with frequent travel to partner countries, and travel expenses will be covered according to UN travel rules. Candidates must submit an updated CV via UNESCO CAREERS and a technical and financial offer via email. The application deadline is February 16, 2026, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The selection process may include interviews and assessments, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.