Consultant (South Africa, Learning and Scaling), Education Outcomes Fund, remote. Req#589171

Overview

Consultancy: Consultant (South Africa, Learning and Scaling)

Duty Station: UNICEF Hosted Funds, Education Outcomes Fund

Duration: 01 February 2026 – 30 September 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote

About UNICEF

UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s rights organization. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, water and sanitation, quality basic education, and protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF employs staff in multiple countries worldwide.

Background

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment: In partnership with the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) launched Fund 1.0 to support Early Learning Programmes (ELPs) and collect monitoring and evaluation data. EOF aims to learn how to improve ECCE quality, foster innovation, and inform the design of a future Fund 2.0. The consultant will be a full-time member of the South Africa country team, leading learning, scaling and evidence synthesis for Fund 1.0. EOF will transition to another host on or before 30 September 2026; the successful candidate is expected to be transitioned to the new host to continue supporting ongoing implementation. Further details will be provided in the recruitment process.

Scope of Work / Key Deliverables

The consultant will work with EOF’s South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund during Fund 1.0 and will address the objectives below:

• Shape Fund 2.0 by engaging with the DBE and national partners to determine learning priorities and questions for launching Fund 2.0, including analysis of the ECD market and opportunities for sector-wide value addition.
• Collaborate with implementing partners (IPs) and pre-financers to surface learnings through data collection and peer-learning engagements.
• Synthesize findings across learning pillars into coherent evidence to inform strategic decisions for DBE and EOF during and after implementation.
• Disseminate key learnings and influence the broader ECD ecosystem by sharing evidence with sector stakeholders and strengthening coordination of related initiatives.

These objectives form the learning, scaling and evidence synthesis agenda, a component of a two-pillar learning framework for Fund 1.0. External researchers will also study ECCE interventions and outcomes-based financing; the consultant will synthesize findings from all pillars and liaise with learning partners, ECCE stakeholders and the DBE.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

1. Learning & Scaling Agenda Co-design

   Facilitate a high-level co-design process with DBE, EOF and national stakeholders to finalize the Learning & Scaling Agenda for Fund 1.0 learnings and to provide inputs for Fund 2.0. This includes surfacing priority questions, specifying decision cycles, and identifying validation and use roles. Prepare background materials, convene the main multi-stakeholder workshop, and produce a Year 1 learning roadmap. Deliverables should preserve peer-learning mechanisms and show how findings feed into DBE decision-making.

   • Workshop background note (4–6 pages) and workshop agenda.
   • Participant list and stakeholder engagement log.
   • Workshop report (5–7 pages) with agreed learning priorities, research questions, and decision cycles.
   • Short Year-1 learning roadmap (2–3 pages).

   Deliverables date: 30 Jul 2026.

2. Desk Research & Landscape

   Conduct a structured desk review and ~20 targeted stakeholder interviews to inform Fund 2.0 concept development. Synthesize lessons from prior initiatives and surface financing/partnership options for scale, including risks and mitigation strategies.

   • 15–20 page analytical report: landscape & financing models, interview summaries, risks & mitigation, and 3–5 Fund 2.0 options.
   • 2-page executive summary for DBE/EOF leadership.

   Deliverables date: 30 Sept 2026.

3. Data & Reporting Framework Co-development

   Co-develop a practical Data & Reporting Framework that standardizes learning outputs across IPs and pre-financers, aligns with DBE National Data Observatory, and clarifies governance and data sharing. Produce templates, a data dictionary and governance note. Recommend an appropriate platform and collaborate with the country team to maintain up-to-date data from IPs.

   • Draft reporting templates, shared data dictionary and governance note (draft due 31 March 2026).
   • Final Data & Reporting Framework (5–7 pages) with cadence, roles, validation checklist and annex mapping to DBE requirements.
   • Validation notes/acknowledgements from IPs and pre-financers.

   Draft by 31.04.2026; Final framework by 30.07.2026; Data platform by 30.03.2026; Updates by 30.06.2026 and 30.09.2026.

4. Market-for-Scale & System Readiness Diagnostic

   Deliver a rapid but robust diagnostic of the ELP market and system readiness for scale, assessing registration barriers, workforce capacity, provider models and risk, and potential financing models. Include field visits and key informant interviews to ensure actionable recommendations.

   • Short diagnostic plan & methodology, and rapid evidence map.
   • Market-for-Scale Diagnostic report (up to 20 pages) with options and data needs for Fund 2.0.
   • Annex: provider case summaries and an action roadmap for Fund 2.0 uptake.

   Deliverables date: 30 Sept 2026.

5. Annual Learning & Scaling Reports, Peer-Learning Exchanges and Final Synthesis

   Convene cross-partner peer learning and produce annual synthesis reports. Organize three peer-learning sessions in 2026 and deliver an integrative final synthesis for dissemination at national events.

   • 3 peer-learning sessions with session packages and summary notes.
   • Integrative synthesis.

   Deliverables date: 30 Sept 2026.

Travel: 3 site visits within South Africa, each of 4 working days.

Qualifications

Education: Degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Project Management, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in education, international development, nonprofit sector, management consultancy, public policy, or government.
• ECD experience required through policy, research or implementation, and collaboration with key ECD stakeholders.
• Experience in government engagement, particularly with South Africa’s DBE.
• Understanding of education policy (ECCE) and systems strengthening, including scale-up and sustainability.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and policy briefs.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills for operational insights.
• Problem-solving and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and facilitation skills.

Requirements

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and:

• Upload copies of academic credentials; provide financial proposal including costs per deliverable, total lump-sum in USD, travel costs and daily subsistence where applicable, and availability.
• Indicate other estimated costs (visa, health insurance, living costs).
• Any emergent duty travel expenses will be covered by UNICEF. At contract award, candidate must have health insurance; payment based on satisfactory deliverables.

Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For every Child, you demonstrate UNICEF values and competencies.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. Disclose need during application if accommodation is required.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and adheres to child safeguarding principles. Background checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.

Remarks: Consultants are not staff members under UNICEF policies and are governed by the contract. Visa and health insurance must be valid for the contract duration. Fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 may be required for onsite work.