International Consultant for Education Planning, Research, Monitoring and Data

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. The UNESCO Kabul Office specifically supports education sector development in Afghanistan, focusing on various aspects such as sector planning, research, monitoring, and evaluation, which are crucial for the implementation of the Country Strategic Objective 4.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Education Planning, Research, Monitoring and Data is designed to provide technical support to UNESCO's initiatives in Afghanistan, particularly under the GPE System Capacity Grant (SCG). The consultant will play a pivotal role in strengthening education sector planning, monitoring, coordination, and evidence generation. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the education landscape in Afghanistan, as the consultant will be involved in various key activities, including the annual publication of the Education Situation Report, gender preparedness and recovery planning, and the development of integrated education dashboards. The consultant will work closely with the Head of Office and the Head of the Education Unit, collaborating with national project officers and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of education programs and sector-wide processes. The consultant is expected to contribute to evidence-informed programming functions and support the overall mission of improving education outcomes in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including providing technical reviews of GPE SCG activities, supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Afghanistan Education Sector Strategic Plan (AESSP), and contributing to education sector analysis and scenario-based planning. The consultant will lead the design and finalization of the 2026 Education Situation Report, conduct analytical work on the impact of restrictions on girls' education, and ensure quality assurance of research products. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical support for monitoring, evaluation, and learning arrangements, guide data collection and management processes, and support the development of capacity-building plans. The consultant will also participate in technical meetings, coordinate with relevant stakeholders, and prepare documentation and reports as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as education, international development, public policy, or social sciences. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in education sector planning, research, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity development is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in supporting education sector planning, designing monitoring frameworks, conducting research, and preparing technical reports. Familiarity with the education context in Afghanistan and experience working with multi-stakeholder education programs are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in education, international development, public policy, economics, social sciences, development studies, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, or another relevant field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the education sector in Afghanistan.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to education sector planning, program implementation, research, monitoring and evaluation, and education data management. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in supporting education sector planning and analysis, as well as in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Experience in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as preparing high-quality technical reports and analytical briefs, is essential. Previous professional experience in the education sector in Afghanistan is a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken, as the consultant will be required to prepare reports and communicate with various stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy is for a duration of 8 months, and the position is open to external candidates. The consultant will work remotely and may need to engage with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, development partners, and education stakeholders. The remuneration for this consultancy will be based on the qualifications and experience of the consultant, in accordance with UNESCO's consultancy rates. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.