National Consultancy to Develop a Costed National Action Plan for the Expansion of Pre-Primary Education and a Multisectoral Early Childhood Development (ECD) Coordination Framework (open for Eritrean Nationals only)

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The consultancy aims to develop a Costed National Action Plan for the Expansion of Pre-Primary Education and a Multisectoral Early Childhood Development (ECD) Coordination Framework in Eritrea. This involves consolidating and analyzing existing pre-primary expansion plans from all Zobas, determining national requirements for expansion (including centers, teachers, infrastructure, materials, and system support), and estimating financing needs. A key objective is to create a phased, costed plan for scaling up quality pre-primary education and a practical multisectoral ECD coordination framework at national and sub-national levels. The process will be participatory, strengthening stakeholder ownership and ensuring child safeguarding and protection are integrated throughout the planning, expansion, implementation, monitoring, and budgeting of pre-primary education services.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of UNICEF Eritrea's Chief of Education and Learning and the Ministry of Education, the consultant will review existing national education policies, ECE strategies, sector plans, ECD policies, and coordination mechanisms. This includes analyzing EMIS data, demographic information, previous studies, and the government's strategy for community-based pre-primary centers. The consultant will also review national child protection policies, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant legislation affecting young children, identifying key opportunities, challenges, and policy implications for expansion. A significant part of the role involves analyzing and consolidating Zoba-level expansion plans, assessing regional requirements for new centers, facility upgrades, teacher recruitment and training, learning materials, furniture, supervision, and monitoring systems. The consultant will identify disparities, develop national projections, and assess child protection and safeguarding risks. Facilitating stakeholder consultations with various ministries, local government, community representatives, development partners, and civil society organizations is crucial for validating findings and building consensus. Finally, the consultant will develop a comprehensive National Action Plan detailing vision, targets, implementation priorities, resource needs, and assigned responsibilities.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in education sector analysis, policy development, and program planning, with a focus on early childhood education. Experience in costed action planning and multisectoral coordination frameworks is highly desirable. Experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an asset.

Skills

Policy Analysis, Education Planning, Costing and Budgeting, Stakeholder Consultation, ECD Framework Development, Child Safeguarding, Research and Data Analysis, Report Writing, Project Management, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Problem-Solving

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