Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) is a specialized institute of UNESCO, established to enhance the capacity of UNESCO member states to plan and manage their educational systems. The IIEP-UNESCO office in Dakar, Senegal, is known for its educational sector analyses and supports African countries in developing realistic and credible educational plans within the framework of the 2030 education agenda. The institute contributes to the production of diagnostic analyses, sector plans, and pedagogical tools that aid in the formulation of relevant and sustainable educational policies. IIEP-UNESCO Dakar is also actively involved in generating knowledge for the education sector in Africa, collaborating with various partners and stakeholders to address educational challenges and promote gender equality in education.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant at IIEP-UNESCO Dakar is primarily focused on qualitative analysis within the Women in Learning Leadership (WiLL) initiative. The consultant will support the processing, analysis, and valorization of qualitative data collected from schools in Benin and Madagascar. This role is crucial in identifying effective school leadership practices, barriers faced by women in the educational system, and the institutional and social dynamics influencing these practices. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Gender-sensitive Education Planner and will be involved in various stages of data analysis, including preparation, management, coding, and thematic analysis. The consultant will also contribute to the drafting of qualitative sections of reports and participate in team meetings, ensuring a collaborative approach to the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Preparation of Analysis: Familiarizing with data collection tools, contributing to the finalization of the coding grid, and participating in harmonizing coding approaches with the team.
• Data Management: Ensuring the quality of qualitative data through verification of transcriptions and anonymization, organizing and structuring qualitative databases, and maintaining documentation of data.
• Data Coding: Conducting coding of qualitative data using dedicated software (e.g., NVivo), applying the coding framework rigorously, and documenting analytical choices.
• Qualitative Analysis: Contributing to thematic analysis, identifying trends and divergences, and participating in comparative analysis across different contexts.
• Contribution to Deliverables: Assisting in writing qualitative sections of reports, producing interim analytical notes, and supporting the preparation of presentations.
• Coordination: Engaging in regular team meetings, collaborating closely with team members, and integrating feedback iteratively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in gender studies, sociology, education, social sciences, or related fields. They should have at least two years of experience (including internships) in qualitative or mixed research, with proven experience in coding and analyzing qualitative data. Candidates may be asked to provide codebooks from previous projects to demonstrate their competencies. Additionally, candidates should have a strong command of qualitative methods, the ability to work with large qualitative databases, analytical rigor, attention to detail, and good writing skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in gender studies, sociology, education, social sciences, or related fields is required for this position. A PhD in these areas is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience, which can include internships, in qualitative or mixed-method research. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in coding and analyzing qualitative data, with the ability to handle significant qualitative datasets effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Professional proficiency in English is desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract will last for three months, from June 3, 2026, to August 31, 202

• The position is remote, with potential travel to partner countries, and travel expenses will be covered by IIEP-UNESCO according to UNESCO's travel rules. Payment is contingent upon the completion of tasks and satisfactory submission of deliverables by the specified deadlines. Candidates must submit an online application, including an updated CV, a technical proposal, and a financial offer per deliverable. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks.