Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to various initiatives across the globe. The organization is known for its commitment to fostering educational opportunities and improving the quality of education worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant is focused on the modernization of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) in Burundi, specifically through the implementation and adaptation of the StatEduc Mobile platform. This initiative is part of the Quality Learning Improvement Project (PAQABU), which is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and aims to transform the Burundian educational system. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research (MENRS) to enhance the governance and management of the education sector by ensuring the availability of reliable and updated data. The role involves digitalizing data collection processes to improve the reliability and accessibility of educational information, which is crucial for effective decision-making and resource management in the education sector. The consultant will also be responsible for training local staff and ensuring that the platform is tailored to meet the specific needs of the Burundian educational context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Implementing and adapting the StatEduc Mobile platform to fit the Burundian educational system and integrating it with the existing EMIS infrastructure.
• Developing and incorporating data consistency checks within the platform to ensure high-quality data collection.
• Upgrading the StatEduc Server currently deployed on MENRS servers, ensuring interoperability with existing systems and synchronization with the StatEduc Mobile platform.
• Conducting tests of the platform in a sample of 20 schools to identify necessary improvements and adjust functionalities accordingly.
• Providing training to staff at the Bureau of Planning and Statistics in Education (BPSE) on the use and administration of the platform.
• Creating user manuals, guides, and technical support materials to facilitate the platform's use.
• Establishing a mechanism for monitoring and ensuring the quality of collected data.
• Engaging with stakeholders at all levels to ensure effective adoption of the platform and conducting regular meetings to gather necessary information and discuss technical proposals.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must meet several required qualifications, including:

• A degree in engineering (Bac+5) or equivalent in computer science, with a specialization in software engineering, information systems, or database management.
• At least ten years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS).
• Proven expertise in the technical architecture and source code of the StatEduc application.
• Experience in at least one project involving the deployment or adaptation of the StatEduc Mobile platform.
• A confirmed background in designing, developing, and deploying mobile applications (Android and/or iOS).
• Excellent skills in web and mobile application development, with proficiency in mobile development languages and frameworks such as Java, Kotlin, Flutter, React Native, or equivalents.
• Strong knowledge of information system architectures and database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in engineering or a related field, specifically in computer science or information technology. The candidate should possess a Bac+5 level qualification or its equivalent, which indicates a high level of expertise in the relevant technical areas necessary for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is significant, with a minimum of ten years in the field. This experience should encompass the design, development, and implementation of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS), showcasing a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing educational data and systems. The consultant should also have a proven track record of working on similar projects, particularly those that involve mobile application development and deployment.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is French, as it is the primary language of communication in Burundi and within the UNESCO organization. Proficiency in English would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with international stakeholders and access a broader range of resources and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is classified as Level 2 - Middle, and the contract duration is set for four months. The role is open to external candidates, and the work will be conducted on-site in Bujumbura. The deadline for applications is set for midnight UTC+2 on April 22, 202

• The UNESCO organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals belonging to minority groups, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. The recruitment process is designed to ensure confidentiality and fairness, with a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.