UNICEF Consultant for the Development of FLN Policy and Implementation Plan

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, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Education and report directly to the Education Manager (Learning). The primary responsibility will be to lead the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and its agencies in developing a Foundational Learning Policy and its implementation guidelines. This role requires a deep understanding of educational reforms and the ability to translate complex educational strategies into actionable plans. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, to ensure the policy aligns with national educational goals and effectively addresses foundational learning needs in Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of the Foundational Learning Policy and implementation guidelines in collaboration with the FME and relevant agencies.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of current educational practices and identify gaps in foundational learning.
• Facilitate workshops and meetings with stakeholders to gather input and build consensus on policy directions.
• Develop a strategic plan for the rollout of the Foundational Learning Policy, including timelines, resources, and evaluation metrics.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to government officials and education practitioners on best practices in foundational learning.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the policy, making adjustments as necessary based on feedback and outcomes.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for various audiences, including government and international partners, to communicate progress and challenges.
• Stay updated on global trends and innovations in education to inform policy development and implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education Development, Foundational Learning, Sustainable Development, Education Policy, Teacher Training, International Relations, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge and experience in global education issues and best practices.
• Proven experience in supporting government-led education reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience focused on improving learning quality, particularly in curriculum development, teacher professional development, and pedagogy in basic education.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing effective educational approaches that enhance foundational literacy and numeracy.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Education Development, Foundational Learning, Sustainable Development, Education Policy, Teacher Training, or International Relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and policies, particularly in the context of Nigeria.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the education sector, specifically in improving learning quality and supporting educational reforms. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on curriculum development, teacher training, and implementing effective educational strategies in basic education settings, ideally within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates with additional language skills relevant to the Nigerian context may have an advantage, although English proficiency is the primary requirement for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 6 months, and the working arrangement is office-based in Abuja, Nigeria. UNICEF emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.