Consultant for Learner Welfare and Equity

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization is dedicated to reaching the most disadvantaged children and ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF has been operational in Zimbabwe since 1982, focusing on various programs that support children's rights and welfare, including education, health, and nutrition. The organization employs a team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfillment of children's rights, contributing to sustainable socioeconomic development in the country.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical assistance, coordination, oversight, and documentation support to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education's (MoPSE) Learner Welfare, Psychological Services, and Special Needs Education (LEPS) department. The role involves implementing, monitoring, and reporting on inclusive education, disability inclusion, safeguarding, health and nutrition, and learner welfare programs. The consultant will support multi-sectoral coordination across education, child protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), health, nutrition, and social policy, ensuring coherent implementation of critical interventions towards the 2025 Annual Work Plan outputs. The position requires a strong commitment to promoting equity and ensuring that all children can thrive without discrimination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include providing technical support for the implementation of inclusive education initiatives, conducting oversight and preparing monitoring reports for Model Inclusive Infant Education Facilities (MIIEF), and clinical remediation programs. They will also monitor and report on school feeding programs, WASH in schools, and health-related initiatives. The consultant will engage in community outreach to identify and reintegrate children with disabilities and those at risk of dropping out. Additionally, they will conduct stakeholder consultations, develop knowledge management products, and present findings to UNICEF and key stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible for documenting good practices, lessons learned, and case studies from inclusive education and safeguarding activities, contributing to progress reports and presentations for government and donor stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. They should have at least 5 years of experience in inclusive education, school health, or child protection, with proven ability to analyze, document, and communicate effectively. Familiarity with UNICEF programming principles and donor-funded education initiatives is an asset. Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and advocacy skills are essential, along with the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and establish effective working relationships with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as education, economics, psychology, or sociology is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of inclusive education and child welfare, as well as for effectively engaging with government stakeholders and multi-sectoral teams.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in inclusive education, school health, or child protection. Candidates should have experience working with government stakeholders and multi-sectoral teams, demonstrating the ability to analyze and communicate effectively. Previous experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as is familiarity with UNICEF programming principles and donor-funded initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the local language is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted on a national level, with a focus on providing technical assistance and support to the MoPSE. The consultant will be required to submit a technical proposal and a financial proposal, detailing the costs associated with the assignment. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under the UN regulations and will not be entitled to 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. Additionally, selected candidates must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 before starting the assignment.