Sierra Leone-Learning and Scaling Consultant, EOF, Freetown, Siere Leone, remote, 2.5 months, (open for national consultants) #592519

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters diverse career opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Job Purpose

The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the government and development partners, aims to transform education outcomes, donor financing innovations, and partner efficiency. EOF has implemented the Sierra Leone Education Innovation Challenge (SLEIC) to improve foundational learning. Concurrently, EOF is supporting the launch of the Sierra Leone Early Childhood Care and Education Outcomes Fund (SLECCE) to expand access to quality ECCE and improve child development. This consultancy is crucial for leveraging SLEIC's evidence, delivery innovations, and financing approaches to inform sustainable, government-led reforms. It also involves applying lessons learned from SLEIC to the design of SLECCE and its sustainability pathways from the outset, ensuring alignment with government guidance and sector partners.

Responsibilities

The consultant will update and operationalize the SLEIC sustainability strategy and contribute to designing sustainability plans for both SLEIC and SLECCE. Key responsibilities include engaging government stakeholders to facilitate dialogue on evidence and innovative financing, and identifying feasible institutional pathways for embedding learning within government systems, in alignment with local partners. This involves understanding government priorities, exploring areas for investment in the education system, and defining a learning agenda package that may include research, technical assistance, or data tools to support the Ministry's objectives. The role will focus on building the sustainability impact of the early childhood education program by working with generated learning and anticipating resource gaps. Additionally, the consultant will build strong donor partnerships (GPE, UNICEF, FCDO, etc.), coordinate on evidence-based propositions, and consistently engage EOF's implementing partners and investors to ensure effective program delivery and learning on innovative finance and education policy. The assignment will also assess continued interest in outcomes-based financing or performance-linked incentives, exploring how to institutionalize such mechanisms with government and partners.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience is required. Demonstrated experience working with the Government of Sierra Leone and strong networks across government institutions and education sectors are essential.

Skills

Education system reform, Outcomes-based financing, Innovative financing, Stakeholder engagement, Partnership building, Learning agenda development, Sustainability strategy, Early childhood education, Data analysis, Policy development, Program management, Research and evaluation

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