Consultant for School Attendance Monitoring Tool

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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, ensuring that their work is impactful and meaningful.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to support the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Zambia by designing, developing, and piloting an interoperable, integrated, and digitalized school attendance and absenteeism monitoring system. This initiative will enhance the capacity of educational personnel at various levels to utilize the system for real-time data analysis, early identification of at-risk learners, case management, and coordinated referral to essential services. The project is expected to facilitate evidence-based decision-making within the education system and will be piloted in selected schools and districts in Northwestern and Luapula provinces, addressing the challenges posed by poverty and educational access for children in Zambia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education to design and develop the school attendance monitoring system.
• Pilot the system in selected schools and districts, ensuring effective implementation and feedback collection.
• Train school, district, and provincial education personnel on the use of the system for data analysis and case management.
• Conduct assessments of existing ICT systems relevant to education and child protection.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather insights and ensure the system meets the needs of users.
• Produce high-quality reports detailing findings, recommendations, and progress updates.
• Ensure timely delivery of project milestones and adherence to deadlines.
• Support the integration of the monitoring system with existing educational frameworks and policies.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in digital system development, data systems design, or education technology solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing ICT systems relevant to education and child protection.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality, clear, and concise reports.
• A track record of delivering results within strict deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or Social Sciences. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop and implement the school attendance monitoring system effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in areas such as digital system development, data systems design, or education technology solutions. Candidates should have a strong background in assessing ICT systems relevant to education and child protection, as well as experience in engaging with stakeholders and delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zambia would be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.