Consultant to Support the Operationalization of BERDP 2035

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 operates with a mission to ensure that every child has a fair chance in life. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, reinforcing a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the globe. The organization is known for its strong values and commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that its workforce reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in the operationalization of the Bangsamoro Education Reform and Development Plan (BERDP) 2035, which aims to transform the education system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This position requires a deep understanding of the education sector, particularly in relation to education financing, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation. The consultant will be expected to address critical limitations identified in the BERDP 2035, including updating the situational analysis, completing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, and aligning the Financial Framework with the current realities of the education sector. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and other education partners to ensure that the operationalization of the plan is effective and inclusive, ultimately contributing to the goal of providing equitable and quality education for all children in BARMM.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the current situational analysis of the education sector in BARMM, ensuring that it reflects the most recent data and realities.
• Develop and complete the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for BERDP 2035, including establishing baseline data and setting targets.
• Update the Financial Framework to align with the latest data and financial performance of the education sector in BARMM.
• Facilitate coordination mechanisms among various stakeholders at regional and division office levels to monitor the operationalization of the plan.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to MBHTE and other partners in implementing the reforms outlined in BERDP 203
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation of progress, challenges, and recommendations for further action.
• Engage in capacity-building activities for local education officials and stakeholders to enhance their understanding and implementation of the plan.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in education, Education Management, Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, or related fields.
• Over 10 years of experience in the education sector, particularly in education financing, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong technical knowledge and skills in basic education, with a proven track record in education financing and M&E.
• Excellent facilitation, coordination, and networking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, capable of producing high-quality reports and documentation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as education, education management, public policy, or monitoring and evaluation. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the operationalization of BERDP 2035.

Experience:
The position requires more than 10 years of experience in the education sector, with a focus on education financing, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation. Candidates should have a robust understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education landscape, particularly in the context of BARMM.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, particularly for effective communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 12 months, and the working arrangement is office-based. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.