Consultant for Education Outcomes Fund

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 is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic and technical expertise for the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) in Sierra Leone, which aims to improve access and quality of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services for children aged 3-5 years. The consultant will play a crucial role in the delivery of EOF’s outcomes fund, which is set to launch in June 2026, building on existing partnerships with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). The consultant will be expected to contribute to the establishment of new community-based centers that will enhance ECCE services in the region. This role requires a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Sierra Leone and the ability to navigate complex programmatic challenges to achieve desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to the EOF in the implementation of its outcomes fund in Sierra Leone.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to ensure alignment with national education policies and frameworks.
• Develop and oversee the execution of program plans, ensuring that objectives are met within the specified timelines and budgets.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations of existing ECCE services to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for local educators and community leaders to enhance the quality of ECCE services.
• Monitor and report on program progress, providing regular updates to UNICEF and other stakeholders.
• Engage in knowledge sharing and dissemination of best practices related to ECCE and innovative financing models.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s policies and standards throughout the consultancy period.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, finance, business, education, international development, or a related field is required.
• A Master’s degree is preferred but not mandatory.
• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant areas such as education, international development, public policy, or management consulting.
• Proven experience in program management, particularly in an international development or global education context.
• Familiarity with the educational landscape in Sierra Leone, especially within the education sector.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, finance, business, education, or international development. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex educational systems and policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant fields. This experience should include work in education, international development, public policy, or management consulting. Candidates should have a strong background in program management, ideally within an international development or global education context, and experience working specifically in Sierra Leone is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French, Arabic, or Spanish is considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part of a larger initiative that will transition to being hosted by UNOPS starting August 1, 202

• The role is expected to be full-time and may involve travel within Sierra Leone. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are reminded that UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.