National Consultant for the Development of OOSC Policy Strategy and Implementation

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth among its employees. UNICEF is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it emphasizes the importance of its work in improving the lives of children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for the Development of OOSC (Out of School Children) Policy Strategy and Implementation will play a crucial role in addressing the educational crisis in Nigeria, where a significant number of children are out of school and face learning challenges. The consultant will be tasked with developing a comprehensive policy and strategy to tackle the issues surrounding out-of-school children, building on the existing OOSC Framework developed in 202

• This position requires a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Nigeria, including the barriers to education and effective strategies for improving access and quality of education. The consultant will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to ensure that the developed strategies are evidence-based and contextually relevant, contributing to UNICEF's country program for 2026-2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough analysis of the current educational landscape in Nigeria, identifying key challenges and opportunities related to out-of-school children. This includes reviewing existing policies, frameworks, and initiatives aimed at improving educational access and quality. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, educators, and community leaders, to gather insights and perspectives on the challenges faced by out-of-school children. Additionally, the consultant will develop a detailed policy strategy that outlines actionable steps for reducing the number of out-of-school children, enhancing enrollment, retention, and completion rates. The consultant will also be expected to provide recommendations for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies, ensuring that they align with UNICEF's goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in education development, sustainable development, education policy, or a related field. They should have a strong working knowledge of current global issues and best practices in education, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Proven experience in supporting government-led education reforms and a minimum of 8 years of experience in education sector planning and policy development in Nigeria or similar contexts are essential. The consultant should also demonstrate expertise in developing initiatives that address dropout rates, enrollment, retention, and transition for school-aged children.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in education development, sustainable development, education policy, teacher training, international relations, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the educational challenges faced by out-of-school children and for developing effective strategies to address these issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the education sector, specifically in planning, developing education policies, and implementing initiatives aimed at improving educational access and quality. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government agencies and other stakeholders to drive education reforms and improve outcomes for children in Nigeria or similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates with additional language skills relevant to the Nigerian context may be considered advantageous, as they can facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 5.5 months, and the working arrangement is home-based. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.