Individual Consultant - Campus Africa Programme Implementation Support
Organizational Context
UNESCO's Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) in Nairobi manages the Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative focused on transforming higher education in Africa to foster inclusive development, innovation, and regional integration. The programme in Eastern Africa emphasizes enhancing research, improving relevance through employer links and skills development, building quality assurance systems, and strengthening institutional governance. Key priorities for 2026-2027 include gender-responsive STEM research, AI integration in higher education, social entrepreneurship, and recognition of qualifications.
Job Purpose
UNESCO ROEA seeks an Individual Consultant to provide crucial technical and programmatic support for the Campus Africa Programme in Eastern Africa. This role is vital for implementing the 2026-2027 workplan, which spans enhancing research capacity, improving higher education relevance to the job market, strengthening quality assurance, and fostering institutional governance. The consultant will contribute to key activities such as finalizing STEM research, supporting AI initiatives, promoting social entrepreneurship among students, and advancing the recognition of qualifications. The objective is to generate knowledge products, manage partnerships, coordinate evidence-based initiatives, and mobilize resources to drive the transformation of higher education across the region, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's mandate and regional development goals.
Responsibilities
The Individual Consultant will provide comprehensive technical and programmatic support for the Campus Africa Programme's 2026-2027 workplan in Eastern Africa. Key responsibilities include finalizing the "Empowering Women in Applied STEM" research project across selected countries and supporting its publication and dissemination. The consultant will offer technical and programmatic assistance to the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation (AI for EAC) and related AI initiatives in higher education. Additionally, the role involves strengthening social entrepreneurship skills for student innovators and promoting regional dialogue and capacity building on the recognition of qualifications, including the Addis Ababa Convention. The consultant will also provide implementation and coordination support for assigned activities, draft proposals and concept notes, participate in regional workshops, and network with universities, regional bodies, governments, and the private sector to foster partnerships and mobilize resources. This includes developing at least three partnership arrangements and contributing to increased resource mobilization and knowledge exchange.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, or policy analysis is necessary. Demonstrated experience in managing multi-country programmes and producing policy-relevant knowledge products is essential. Familiarity with the Eastern African higher education landscape and relevant regional bodies is highly desirable.
Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential for report writing and stakeholder engagement. Strong analytical and research abilities are required to synthesize complex information and provide evidence-based recommendations. The candidate must possess strong project management skills, the ability to work independently, and effective interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in standard office software is expected.