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

Consultant (South Africa, Learning and Scaling), Education Outcomes Fund, remote. Req#589171 UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund Remote | UNICEF Hosted Funds, Education Outcomes Fund National Consultant - Contractors Agreement level Application deadline: April 05, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) is seeking a full-time Consultancy Consultant to lead the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda for the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund. This role involves collaborating with the South African Department of Basic Education and various stakeholders to shape future funding initiatives and improve early childhood education outcomes. The consultant will be responsible for synthesizing findings, facilitating peer-learning exchanges, and producing analytical reports to inform strategic decisions. The position is remote and will last from February to September 2026. Candidate Requirements: Degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or related field 10 years relevant experience in education or international development ECD experience through policy, research, or implementation Experience engaging with South Africa's DBE Understanding of education policy and systems strengthening Proven track record of high-quality analytical reports Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills In partnership with the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE), The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) launched the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund (“Fund 1.0”) in December 2025. Over three years, five implementing partners (IPs) will open around 1.4k new Early learning programmes (ELPs) and support around 600 existing ones throughout the country. The Outcomes fund is a form of outcomes-based financing, wherein payment to IPs is dependent on their progress towards pre-specified target outcomes. Under this model, EOF, IPs, and pre-financers providing working capital and performance management to the IPs, will frequently collect monitoring and evaluation data related to the interventions.

Fund 1.0 was developed as a way to learn about how to improve ECCE quality, to provide space for innovation, and as an opportunity for the DBE to broaden partnerships with non-state ECCE providers. Towards the scaling objectives of the 2030 ECD strategy and as outlined in the Bana Pele Blueprint, the DBE and EOF are interested in surfacing learnings from Fund 1.0 to inform the design of a future outcomes fund (“ELP Fund 2.0”). To support that effort, EOF is looking to collaborate with a consultant who will serve as a full-time member of the South Africa country team, to lead the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda for Fund 1.0. About UNICEF If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines fordeveloping countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries. 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 BACKGROUND Purpose of Activity/ Assignment: In partnership with the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE), The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) launched  the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund (“Fund 1.0”) in December 2025. Over three years, five implementing partners (IPs) will open around 1.4k new Early learning programmes (ELPs) and support around 600 existing ones throughout the country. The Outcomes fund is a form of outcomes-based financing, wherein payment to IPs is dependent on their progress towards pre-specified target outcomes. Under this model, EOF, IPs, and pre-financers providing working capital and performance management to the IPs, will frequently collect monitoring and evaluation data related to the interventions. Fund 1.0 was developed as a way to learn about how to improve ECCE quality, to provide space for innovation, and as an opportunity for the DBE to broaden partnerships with non-state ECCE providers. Towards the scaling objectives of the 2030 ECD strategy and as outlined in the Bana Pele Blueprint, the DBE and EOF are interested in surfacing learnings from Fund 1.0 to inform the design of a future outcomes fund (“ELP Fund 2.0”). To support that effort, EOF is looking to collaborate with a consultant who will serve as a full-time member of the South Africa country team, to lead the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda for Fund 1.0. EOF will transition out of UNICEF on or before 30th September 2026 to an another host. The successful candidate is expected to be transitioned to the new host to continue supporting with the ongoing implementation of this program. Further details will be provided in the recruitment process Scope of Work: The consultant will work with the EOF’s South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund during Fund 1.0,. The objectives of the consultancy are to: (i) shaping Fund 2.0 by engaging with the DBE and national partners to determine key learning priorities and questions needed to launch Fund 2.0, including an analysis of the ECD market and opportunities for sector-wide value addition. (ii) collaborate with IPs and their pre-financers to surface learnings by leveraging IPs data collection throughout implementation; and through peer-learning engagement. (iii) synthesize findings across all learning agenda pillar