The SIKAI Learning Assessment and Data Use programme, under UNICEF Global Education Practice, supports countries with strengthening the generation, analysis, interpretation, and effective use of learning assessment data to inform evidence-based education policy, sector planning, and classroom practice. The programme places particular emphasis on advancing equitable learning outcomes in resource-constrained, fragile, and crisis-affected contexts. Through technical leadership and strategic support, SIKAI aims to enhance national capacities for designing, implementing, and institutionalizing learning assessments, while ensuring that assessment data are translated into actionable insights that drive policy reform and education system improvement. The consultancy will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, timely, and strategic direct technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices and government counterparts on the use of learning assessment data. The consultant will support the development of technical guidance, knowledge products, analytical outputs, and cross-country learning initiatives, while ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader education priorities and global commitments.
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.
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How can you make a difference?
The SIKAI Learning Assessment and Data Use programme, under UNICEF Global Education Practice, supports countries with strengthening the generation, analysis, interpretation, and effective use of learning assessment data to inform evidence-based education policy, sector planning, and classroom practice. The programme places particular emphasis on advancing equitable learning outcomes in resource-constrained, fragile, and crisis-affected contexts.
Through technical leadership and strategic support, SIKAI aims to enhance national capacities for designing, implementing, and institutionalizing learning assessments, while ensuring that assessment data are translated into actionable insights that drive policy reform and education system improvement.
The consultancy will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, timely, and strategic direct technical assistance to UNICEF Country Offices and government counterparts on the use of learning assessment data.
The consultant will support the development of technical guidance, knowledge products, analytical outputs, and cross-country learning initiatives, while ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader education priorities and global commitments.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: 
ToR Learning Assessment.pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Minimum requirements: (Qualification/Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills)
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in education, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field.
Work Experience:
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in education, with relevance to learning assessment, education systems, or the use of data for policy and practice
- Experience supporting learning assessment initiatives, including national or large-scale assessments
- Experience providing technical assistance to governments or international organizations, particularly in low- and middle-income or crisis-affected contexts
- Experience contributing to analytical or knowledge products (e.g., briefs, technical guidance, reports) for policy and programme audiences
- Experience in programme design, strategy development, or advisory support within multi-country or complex programme environments
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including technical experts, government counterparts, and partners
- Experience with South Asia countries on learning assess and learning data use issues
Language Requirements:
English
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills related to learning assessment and/or education data
- Ability to interpret and communicate technical findings for policy and programme use
- Understanding of education systems in resource-constrained and/or crisis-affected contexts
Desirables:
- Experience working with UNICEF or other international organizations
- Familiarity with international or regional learning assessment initiatives
- Experience contributing to knowledge products, platforms, or resource development
- Experience in crisis or humanitarian education contexts
- Ideally located in a time zone favourable for working with countries in South Asia.
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):
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- A separate financial proposal: Financial proposal xxx2342.docx
- A detailed technical proposal
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.