Sr. Education Consultant, Foundational Learning, Au/uneca Office

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The Senior Education Consultant, Foundational Learning, will serve as the project officer within the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) at the African Union Commission for the Gates Foundation grant project titled: “Education advocacy in Africa in partnership with UNICEF, the African Union Commission, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. His/her function will be to provide advice and technical assistance to ESTI on the operationalization of foundational learning in Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035 (CESA 26-35) and support the effective investment of AU Member States in foundational literacy and numeracy, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes and a reduction of learning poverty.

His/Her responsibilities will be limited to the activities directly implemented by ESTI while ensuring alignment with broader AU priorities, statutory processes, and long-term sustainability consideration. The Consultant will work under the operational supervision of the Head of Education Division (ESTI), African Union Commission, with technical guidance from the UNICEF Representative to the African Union and UNECA.

Scope of Work: (Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks)

A- Support and advance the implementation of education advocacy in Africa, Project phase 2

• Lead the organization of continental-level advocacy events to advance Member States’ commitments to system reforms to improve foundational learning (e.g., preparation of concept notes, partner mobilization, and meeting logistics).
• Facilitate the documentation of good practices and lessons learned throughout the implementation phases and participate in peer learning platforms.
• Prepare AU common positions, policy briefs, and discussion papers on FLN for continental and global platforms to support advocacy efforts and elevate FLN as a priority.
• Link ELPAf campaign activities to AU high-level platforms, including Ministerial meetings and other relevant forums.

B- Lead implementation of the ELPAf Campaign

• Prepare an expansion plan for the campaign to cover all 25 countries, with at least 10 national launches within the next 24 months.
• Work with AUC and UNICEF Communication teams on the drafting and dissemination of communication materials in support of the ELPAf Campaign.
• Mobilize additional resources (financial and technical) for the campaign through new partnerships and support member states with innovative financing models.

C- Provide technical support and guidance to MS on FLN

• Develop and implement a strategy to consolidate the ELPAf campaign and the subsequent reform commitments in countries that have already conducted national launches, including increased domestic financing, effective and efficacy in education expenditure.
• Provide technical assistance to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States for the development and operationalization of Foundational Learning Policies, including sustainable financing mechanisms.
• Organize peer learning and capacity building events for AU member states on technical issues relating to Foundational learning (Webinars, Workshops, exchange visits, etc.).

D- Coordination and representation

• Support preparation of the CESA FLN subcommittee and represent ESTI as co-lead of the CESA FLN sub-cluster and work to mobilize Member States and education partners for the cluster activities.
• Be part of the delegation to represent the AU in various FLN platforms and events on the continent and beyond, drafting relevant reports for implementation.
• Prepare annual work plans and progress review meetings of the project in coordination with key project partners, including with minutes and summary notes.
• Undertake any other assignment related to the education portfolio as deemed appropriate by the Head of Education Division, Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, AUC.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience:
  • At least 8 years of experience working in Education Policy and Program planning at a continental context. A specialized expertise in Foundational learning is an added advantage.
  • Working experience in international organizations in Africa. Prior experience working with the African Union or the UN is a considerable advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management and advocacy involving multiple actors.
  • Track records in scientific research in the Education sector or another social science field, especially in foundational learning, is a great asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate Care

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disabilities confidentially.

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Education / Teaching / Training