The consultant will provide technical support to strengthen advocacy, coordination, and knowledge exchange on foundational learning across the SADC region. Working under UNICEF’s technical guidance and the day‑to‑day oversight of the SADC Secretariat, the consultant will help reinforce regional momentum and coherence by aligning efforts with SADC mandates and continental education frameworks. The role will enhance linkages between SADC, Member States, and ongoing continental initiatives to advance equitable, quality learning outcomes.

Contract Duration: 1 year

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

Purpose of Assignment:

Under the overall technical guidance of UNICEF and the day-to-day oversight of the SADC Secretariat, the consultant will support advocacy, coordination, and knowledge exchange on foundational learning in alignment with SADC mandates and continental frameworks, helping to reinforce regional momentum, coherence, and linkages between SADC, Member States, and ongoing continental initiatives to advance and strengthen equitable, quality education/learning outcomes.

Scope of Work:

  1. Programme Preparation and Planning
  2. Advocacy and Strengthening Member States’ Commitment
  3. Regional Policy, Planning, and Financing Dialogue
  4. Technical Capacity, Peer Learning, and Accountability
  5. Coordination, Learning, and Reporting

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Download File ToR SADC Consultancy.pdf

Minimum requirements: (Qualifications/Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills)

  • Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of education (such as special education, inclusive education, development etc.).
    • Any other relevant university degree (Masters or above) combined with six (6) years of qualifying experience may also be considered.
  • Work Experience: At least 10 years of experience in education policy, regional engagement, or advocacy in Africa.
    • Professional experience with African countries’ education ministries and development partners.
    • Strong understanding of foundational learning, education systems, and regional policy processes.
    • Demonstrated experience working with regional economic communities, governments, or multilateral institutions.
    • Previous working experience with UN and/or international organizations is desirable.
    • Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish effective work relationships.
    • Experience of working independently and at distance (i.e., remotely).
  • Competencies: The consultant should possess the following competencies:
    • Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
    • Innovates and embraces change.
    • Works collaboratively with others.
    • Thinks and acts strategically.
    • Drives to achieve impactful results.
    • Manages ambiguity and complexity.
    • Nurtures, leads, and manages people
  • Skills: Strong analytical, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Advanced skills in communicating in English.
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge and practical use of other UN languages (French, Portuguese, Arabic) relevant in the ESA region is an asset.
  • Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of:
    • Care
    • Respect
    • Integrity
    • Trust
    • Accountability
    • Sustainability

For every Child, you demonstrate...

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 Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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 promote 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 credential(s) 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 disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

Remarks:  If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not visible on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.