Senior Education Consultant, Foundational Learning, AU/UNECA office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Office based)

Senior Education Consultant, Foundational Learning, AU/UNECA office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Office based) UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund Addis Ababa National Consultant - Contractors Agreement level Application deadline: March 26, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool UNICEF is seeking a Senior Education Consultant for Foundational Learning to work with the African Union Commission on a Gates Foundation grant project. The consultant will provide technical assistance and advice on operationalizing foundational learning in the Continental Education Strategy for Africa. Responsibilities include leading advocacy events, preparing policy briefs, and supporting Member States in developing foundational learning policies. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to improve educational outcomes across Africa. Candidate Requirements: Master’s degree in Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or relevant field At least 8 years of experience in Education Policy and Program planning Specialized expertise in Foundational learning is an advantage Experience in international organizations in Africa Prior experience with the African Union or UN is a considerable advantage Demonstrated experience in project management and advocacy Track record in scientific research in Education or social sciences UNICEF is seeking for a consultant that will work under the operational supervision of the Head of Education Division (ESTI), African Union Commission, with technical guidance from the UNICEF Representative to the African Union and UNECA to work on the activities directly implemented by ESTI. Contract Duration: 10 months 18 days Working arrangement: Office-based 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. At UNICEF, 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. UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF. For every child, education Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The Senior Education Consultant, Foundational Learning will serve as the project officer within the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) at the African Union Commission for the Gates Foundation grant project titled: “Education advocacy in Africa in partnership with UNICEF, the African Union Commission and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. His/her function will be to provide advice and technical assistance to ESTI on the operationalization of foundational learning in Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035 (CESA 26-35) and support the effective investment of AU Member States in foundational literacy and numeracy, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes, and a reduction of learning poverty. His/Her responsibilities will be limited to the activities directly implemented by ESTI while ensuring alignment with broader AU priorities, statutory processes, and long-term sustainability consideration. The Consultant will work under the operational supervision of the Head of Education Division (ESTI), African Union Commission, with technical guidance from the UNICEF Representative to the African Union and UNECA. Scope of Work: ( Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks) A- Support and advance implementation of education advocacy in Africa Project phase 2 1. Lead the organization of continental level advocacy events to advance Member States’ commitments to system reforms to improve foundational learning (e.g. preparation of concept notes, partner mobilization and meeting logistics) 2. Facilitate the documentation of good practices and lessons learned throughout the implementation phases and participate in peer learning platforms. 3. Prepare AU common positions, policy briefs and discussion papers on FLN for continental and global platforms to support advocacy efforts and elevate FLN as priority 4. Link ELPAf campaign activities to AU high-level platforms, including Ministerial meetings, and other relevant forums. B- Lead implementation of the ELPAf Campaign 1. Prepare an expansion plan for the campaign to cover all 25 countries, with at least 10 national launches within the next 24 months. 2. Work with AUC and UNICEF Communication teams on the drafting and dissemination of communication materials in support of the ELPAf Campaign. 3. Mobilize additional resources (financial and technical) for the campaign through new partnership and support member states with innovative financing models. C- Provide technical support and guidance to MS on FLN 1. Develop and implement a strategy to consolidate the ELPAf campaign and the subsequent reform commitments in countries that have already conducted national launches, including increased domestic financing, effective and efficacy in education expenditure. 2. Provide technical assistance to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States for the development and operationalization of Foundational Learning Policies, including sustainable financing mechanisms. 3. Organize peer learning and capacity building events for AU member states on technical issues relating to Foundational learning (Webinars, Workshops, exchange visits etc…) D- Coordination and representation 1. Support preparation of the CESA FLN subcommittee and represent ESTI as co-lead of the CESA FLN sub-cluster and work to mobilize Member States and education partners for the cluster activities. 2. Be part of the