NATIONAL only - Education consultant - NFE expert, Kathmandu, Nepal/ Education, 8 months (Remote with trip)

Organizational Context

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.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical assistance to strengthen the Non-Formal Education (NFE) agenda in Nepal. The consultant will focus on expanding alternative learning pathways for out-of-school children and adolescents, strengthening equivalency and certification frameworks, integrating foundational and transferable skills development into NFE programmes, and enhancing system alignment between formal, non-formal, and skills development pathways. This assignment will directly support UNICEF’s contribution to the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) and national priorities related to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning, ensuring that vulnerable children and adolescents have access to quality education and opportunities for development.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for providing expert technical assistance to the NFE agenda in Nepal. Key responsibilities include developing strategies and frameworks for expanding alternative learning pathways (ALP) to reach out-of-school children and adolescents. The consultant will also focus on strengthening the equivalency and certification mechanisms for NFE programmes to ensure recognition and value. Furthermore, the role involves integrating foundational and transferable skills development into existing and new NFE programmes to enhance employability and life skills. A crucial aspect will be enhancing the system alignment between formal education, non-formal education, and skills development pathways to create a cohesive and supportive learning ecosystem. The consultant will also contribute to UNICEF’s efforts in supporting the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) and advancing national priorities on equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning, working collaboratively with government bodies, NGOs, and development partners.

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of experience in education, with a strong focus on Non-formal education and alternative learning pathways, Skills development and/or TVET linkages, and Education systems strengthening. Proven experience working in Nepal or similar contexts, including with government systems and decentralized education structures, is required.

Skills

Non-formal education systems, Equivalency frameworks, Lifelong learning, Skills development, Certification systems, Inclusive and equitable education, Analytical skills, Coordination skills, Facilitation skills, Stakeholder engagement

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