Consultant (Rwanda, Program)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on providing assistance in the most challenging environments to reach the most disadvantaged children. UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential, emphasizing education as a critical area of focus. The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), hosted by UNICEF, aims to improve education and employment outcomes for children and youth through Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF). Since its inception in 2018, EOF has become a leading global player in OBF, establishing partnerships and programs across various countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tunisia, with a strong emphasis on early childhood care and education (ECCE).

Job Overview:
The Consultant (Rwanda, Program) will play a crucial role in providing technical advice to the EOF team regarding the implementation of educational programs in Rwanda. This position requires close collaboration with EOF’s Programme Manager and the entire EOF team to ensure effective program execution. The consultant will be responsible for producing contact reports from meetings with implementing partners, organizing workshops, conducting site visits, and preparing detailed reports on various aspects of program implementation. The role is designed to address complex challenges that may arise during program execution, ensuring that the EOF's objectives are met and that the programs are effectively integrated into government policies. The consultant will also be involved in safeguarding processes and financial oversight, contributing to the overall success of EOF's initiatives in Rwanda.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce contact reports from meetings with EOF's implementing partners in Rwanda, addressing complex implementation challenges and providing strategic advice.
• Organize and facilitate workshops for EOF’s central team and implementing partners to develop solutions to program implementation challenges.
• Conduct site visits to program sites, ensuring alignment with implementation standards, and write detailed reports summarizing observations and recommendations.
• Draft safeguarding reports based on information gathered from workshops and site visits, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Coordinate site visits with EOF’s independent evaluator and prepare reports on evaluation progress and challenges.
• Develop technical guidance and pre-reading materials for governance meetings, facilitating discussions to resolve challenges among stakeholders.
• Write reports on implementing partners’ expenses and provide recommendations for improving financial processes.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced degree in political science, economics, finance, business, education, international development, international public policy, or a related field is required. A bachelor’s degree will be considered with an additional 2 years of relevant experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management or program implementation is essential. Experience with program implementation in Rwanda is required. Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is mandatory, with additional language skills being a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, finance, business, education, international development, or international public policy. A bachelor’s degree may be acceptable if accompanied by at least two additional years of relevant experience, demonstrating a strong foundation in the necessary subject matter.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in project management or program implementation. Candidates should have experience specifically related to program implementation in Rwanda, showcasing their understanding of the local context and challenges. Experience in the education sector, particularly in early childhood care and education, is strongly preferred, along with familiarity with innovative finance models such as Outcomes-Based Funds.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required for this position. Proficiency in Kinyarwanda is particularly important due to the local context of the programs being implemented. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is expected to involve travel within Rwanda, and candidates must submit a financial proposal outlining their daily fee rate in USD and anticipated travel costs. Selected candidates will not be considered staff members under the United Nations and UNICEF policies and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance coverage. They will be responsible for their tax liabilities and ensuring that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Candidates must also confirm their fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) prior to starting the assignment, unless they are working remotely and not interacting directly with UNICEF programs or communities.