EdTech State Consultant

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 is known for its dedication to providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development for its staff. UNICEF's mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, and it operates with a strong focus on equity and inclusion, aiming to reach the most marginalized children and communities.

Job Overview:
The EdTech State Consultant position is designed to provide technical assistance to the Department of Education in Maharashtra, India, focusing on building a climate-resilient and equitable EdTech ecosystem. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the State Education Department, MSCERT, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, to enhance the capacity of the education system to leverage technology effectively. The role aims to address significant challenges in the integration of EdTech within government secondary and higher secondary school systems, particularly in improving retention rates and learning outcomes for adolescents. The consultant will be expected to develop evidence-based, equity-centered digital solutions that align with the Next-Gen Learning programme (2024–2026).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the education department to enhance state capacity in leveraging technology for improved retention and learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with the State Education Department and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for integrating EdTech in schools.
• Conduct assessments to identify gaps in access to digital resources and pedagogical applications of technology.
• Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for teachers, school leaders, and district-level education functionaries on technology-enabled learning.
• Produce high-quality documents, reports, and analyses to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
• Engage with non-profit organizations, EdTech companies, and academic institutions to foster partnerships and collaborative efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of EdTech initiatives and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensure that technology solutions are grounded in robust evidence and serve pedagogical goals, particularly for marginalized learners.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• A minimum of 5-6 years of work experience in the field of Education and EdTech.
• Proven experience in engaging effectively with state government, non-profit organizations, EdTech organizations, universities, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and training of educators on technology-enabled learning.
• High level of writing, editing, analysis, and reporting skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documents.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, while proficiency in Marathi is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the theoretical knowledge and practical understanding necessary to address the complexities of integrating technology in education effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-6 years of relevant work experience in the field of Education and EdTech. This experience should include direct engagement with government entities, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, as well as a proven track record in capacity building and training initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to implement large-scale educational programs and possess strong analytical and reporting skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Additionally, the ability to speak Marathi is considered a preferable qualification, as it will facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work in the Maharashtra context.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 16 months, and the working arrangement is remote with the possibility of travel for necessary engagements. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background, and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The organization also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and protecting the rights of children, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.