UNESCO Consultant

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 aims to foster universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedoms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. Its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions with member states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The position of UNESCO Consultant is focused on assessing the implementation of the Readmission Policy in three specific education divisions in Malawi: Central East Education Division (CEED), South West Education Division, and Shire Highlands Education Division (SHED). This policy, finalized in 2018 and launched in 2019, aims to address the challenges faced by learners, particularly girls, in accessing and remaining in education. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy's implementation, identifying areas of success and those needing improvement, and providing recommendations based on the findings. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, school management teams, teachers, and community leaders, to gather qualitative data and insights on the policy's impact. This role is critical in ensuring that the educational needs of all learners, especially marginalized groups, are met and that the policy objectives are achieved effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Readmission Policy's implementation, focusing on the following key areas:

• Evaluate the dissemination of the Readmission Policy to relevant stakeholders, including School Management Teams, Teachers, Learners, Community and Faith Leaders, Mother Groups, Parents, and Guardians.
• Assess the implementation of readmission procedures and the establishment of a conducive learning environment at the school level as outlined in Policy Priority Area
• Analyze the Ministry of Education's efforts to strengthen and establish school-based preventive measures to address school dropout rates among learners as per Policy Priority Area
• Examine the effectiveness of community support mechanisms and services aimed at retaining readmitted learners in school, as described in Policy Priority Area
• Investigate the coordination, collaboration, and networking among stakeholders at national, district, and school levels in relation to policy implementation as per Policy Priority Area
• The consultant will utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, to gather data and insights for the assessment.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the UNESCO Consultant position must meet the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a Master's Degree in Education, Development, Public Health, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of practical experience in conducting assessments or research studies in public health, adolescent sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education, or life skills education.
• Demonstrated strong qualitative data collection and analysis skills, evidenced by two relevant research study samples.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports and documentation. Desirable qualifications include experience in addressing girls' education-related issues, particularly in the context of initiatives aimed at keeping girls in school in Malawi.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in a relevant discipline such as Education, Development, Public Health, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the issues related to education and public health, particularly as they pertain to the Readmission Policy and its implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in conducting assessments or research studies. This experience should ideally be in the fields of public health, adolescent sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education, or life skills education. The candidate should have a proven track record of successfully managing similar projects and demonstrating the ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of UNESCO and the need for effective communication with various stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi may be advantageous and is considered a good to have skill, as it would facilitate better engagement with community members and local stakeholders during the assessment process.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy position is for a duration of one month, with a maximum of 20-person days allocated for the assignment. The position is classified as a senior level consultancy, and it is open to external candidates only. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. All applications will be treated with confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge any fees at any stage of the hiring process.