Technical consultant, Secondary Education Guidance: Multiple and Flexible Pathways (2027 edition), remote, 3 months, 10 days
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, reinforcing a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to produce the 2027 edition of UNICEF's "Secondary Education Guidance: Multiple and Flexible Pathways." This guidance will serve as a standalone, user-friendly reference document for UNICEF country offices, aligning with the Secondary Education (SSE) pillar's programme offer and adaptable to diverse country contexts. It will supersede the 2020 guidance, retaining valid elements while directing readers to the 2020 guidance, the 2025 evaluation, and the Education Strategy for more in-depth information, rather than replicating it. The primary audience includes UNICEF staff, particularly education and adolescent development colleagues in country offices. A secondary audience comprises UNICEF's partnership base, including governments, multilateral and bilateral partners, foundations, and the private sector, for whom a concise partner-facing summary will be developed.
Responsibilities
Develop the 2027 edition of the "Secondary Education Guidance: Multiple and Flexible Pathways," ensuring it is a comprehensive, user-friendly, and standalone reference for UNICEF country offices. Integrate the guidance with the SSE pillar's programme offer and ensure its adaptability to various country contexts. Review and update content from the 2020 guidance, retaining relevant sections and clearly referencing the 2020 guidance, the 2025 evaluation, and the Education Strategy for detailed information. Conduct research and synthesize global evidence on secondary education, skills development, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to inform the guidance. Engage in multi-country consultations to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the guidance is inclusive and relevant. Draft a concise partner-facing summary of the guidance for external stakeholders, including governments, multilateral and bilateral partners, foundations, and the private sector. Ensure the final product is practical and actionable for programme staff. Collaborate with UNICEF education and adolescent development colleagues to ensure alignment with current strategies and programming needs. Adhere to UNICEF's core values and standards throughout the consultancy.
Work Experience
At least 15 years of professional experience in education policy and programming in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on secondary education, skills development, and alternative learning pathways. Experience with UNICEF education programming and guidance development is required, along with a demonstrated ability to write concise, practical guidance for programme staff.
Skills
Education policy and programming, Secondary education, Skills development, Alternative learning pathways, UNICEF programming, Guidance development, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Multi-country consultation, Synthesis of evidence, Writing concise guidance, Strategic planning, Adolescent development