Learning, Scaling and Innovative Financing Lead

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 to its staff. 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 Learning, Scaling and Innovative Financing Lead will play a crucial role in the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) in Sierra Leone, which aims to transform education outcomes through innovative financing and partnerships with the government and other stakeholders. This position will focus on the implementation of the Sierra Leone Education Innovation Challenge (SLEIC) and the Sierra Leone Early Childhood Care and Education Outcomes Fund (SLECCE). The consultant will be responsible for updating and operationalizing the sustainability strategy for SLEIC and contributing to the design of sustainability plans for both SLEIC and SLECCE. The role requires engagement with government stakeholders to facilitate dialogue on evidence and innovative financing approaches, ensuring that the program's evidence and delivery innovations inform sustainable reforms within the education system. The consultant will also explore government priorities, identify resource gaps, and build strong donor partnerships to support the government's education objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with understanding government priorities in the education sector, exploring the problems the government seeks to address, and developing a learning agenda package that includes research, technical assistance, and data tools. They will work on building the sustainability impact of early childhood education programs, addressing resource gaps, and ensuring effective program delivery. The consultant will engage with EOF's implementing partners and investors to generate learning on innovative finance and education policy. Additionally, the consultant will assess the interest in outcomes-based financing and explore how to institutionalize incentives and learning within government systems, including budgets and procurement processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in working with the Government of Sierra Leone and establishing strong networks across government institutions and education sector stakeholders. Proven ability to engage government counterparts, facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration, and support the uptake of reforms within government systems is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong strategic thinking, political economy analysis skills, and the ability to translate complex program evidence into policy-relevant insights.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Education, Economics, Public Policy, or International Development is required. A Master's degree is preferred but not mandatory for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the education sector and working with government institutions in Sierra Leone. Experience in education system strengthening, innovative financing, or results-based financing initiatives is highly desirable, along with familiarity with Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with government stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines, specifically focusing on the period from 2026 to 2029 for the SLECCE program. The role is expected to be full-time, and UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.