Apply for a remote UNICEF consultancy as an Education Consultant (South Africa) with the Education Outcomes Fund. Deadline: 5 April 2026.
Job Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Consultant (Learning & Scaling) – Education Outcomes Fund |
| Location | South Africa (Remote) |
| Agency | UNICEF |
| Duty Station | London (UNICEF Hosted Funds) |
| Job Type | Consultancy |
| Duration | 01 February 2026 – 30 September 2026 |
| Experience Level | Senior Level |
| Education | Degree Required (Master’s Preferred) |
| Application Deadline | 05 April 2026 |
About Company
UNICEF is the world’s leading organization working for children’s rights, operating in over 190 countries and territories. For more than 70 years, UNICEF has been dedicated to improving child survival, education, protection, and development globally.
Through initiatives like the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), UNICEF supports innovative financing models to improve education systems and expand access to quality early childhood care and education (ECCE).
Job Overview
UNICEF is seeking a highly experienced Consultant (Learning & Scaling) to support the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund (Fund 1.0).
The consultant will play a critical role in shaping the next phase (Fund 2.0) by leading the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda. This includes working closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and ecosystem partners to generate insights, inform policy, and strengthen early childhood education systems.
This is a remote consultancy role with occasional travel within South Africa.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Education
- International Development
- Social Sciences
- Project Management
- Or a related field
- Master’s degree preferred
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in:
- Education or Early Childhood Development (ECD)
- International development or public policy
- Nonprofit or consulting environments
- Proven experience:
- Working with government stakeholders (especially South Africa’s DBE)
- Producing high-quality research, policy briefs, and analytical reports
- Leading learning, evaluation, or evidence synthesis initiatives
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
- Experience in systems strengthening and scaling programmes
Key Responsibilities
Learning & Scaling Strategy
- Co-design the Learning & Scaling Agenda with DBE and stakeholders
- Identify key research questions and priorities for Fund 2.0
Research & Evidence Generation
- Conduct desk research and stakeholder interviews
- Analyze ECCE market dynamics and financing models
- Produce reports and policy recommendations
Data & Reporting Framework
- Develop standardized data collection and reporting systems
- Align outputs with national education data frameworks
Market & Systems Analysis
- Assess system readiness for scale, including workforce, financing, and access
- Provide actionable recommendations for scaling ECCE programmes
Stakeholder Engagement & Knowledge Sharing
- Facilitate peer-learning sessions and workshops
- Synthesize findings into strategic insights for decision-makers
- Support collaboration across the education ecosystem
Benefits
- Opportunity to work with a leading UN organization
- Contribute to national education policy and system transformation
- Flexible remote working arrangement
- High-impact role influencing early childhood education at scale
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official UNICEF e-Recruitment system.
Required Documents:
- Updated profile on UNICEF platform
- Academic credentials
- Financial proposal (including deliverables and total cost in USD)
- Availability details
Important Notes:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Candidates must have valid health insurance
- Payments are based on satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs
Application Deadline
05 April 2026
UNICEF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.
