Consultancy to Support the Ministry of Education to Develop a Foundational Learning Strategy and Investment Plan
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. 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 assignment is for a consultant to work closely with the Ministry of Education, development partners, civil society, academic institutions, and various stakeholders to develop a Foundational Learning Strategy and Investment Plan (2027 – 2034). This document will provide a national framework for improving children’s foundational learning skills. The strategy will set a clear vision, guide policy and programme decisions, identify priority actions, align resources, and establish mechanisms for monitoring progress and accountability, so that every child in Zambia acquires the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning and future success. The consultant will support the Ministry of Education in this critical endeavor, ensuring a comprehensive and actionable plan is developed.
Responsibilities
The consultant will collaborate with the Ministry of Education, development partners, civil society, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to develop a Foundational Learning Strategy and Investment Plan (2027-2034). This involves facilitating stakeholder consultations, technical working groups, and validation meetings to ensure a participatory approach to strategy development. The consultant will be responsible for synthesizing complex information into clear strategic documents, including policy recommendations, priority actions, and resource alignment. They will also contribute to the development of costed implementation or investment plans and establish mechanisms for monitoring progress and accountability. Additionally, the consultant will leverage their strong knowledge of Zambia’s education sector and experience in foundational learning to inform the strategy. Experience in monitoring and evaluation, results frameworks, and education data analysis is an added advantage for this role.
Work Experience
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the education sector, including work on foundational learning. Demonstrated experience in developing, reviewing or supporting the implementation of education policies, strategies, frameworks, guidelines or action plans. Proven experience working with government ministries, development partners, civil society organizations and other education stakeholders.
Skills
Education sector knowledge, Foundational learning expertise, Policy development, Strategy formulation, Investment planning, Stakeholder engagement, Facilitation, Analytical skills, Writing skills, Communication skills, Monitoring and evaluation, Microsoft Office Suite