International Education Consultant for Research and Evidence Generation in Nigeria at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

The international consultant will undertake the following research and evidence generation assignments:

• Work closely with UBEC, development partners and UNICEF to undertake a detailed mapping of FLN activities across Nigeria. This research will inform UBEC on the strategic direction to take with FLN in the next 1-3 years.
• Produce a summary report on the two alternative TVET interventions that UNICEF is currently implementing including recommendations for scale-up. The two alternative interventions are the use of trade schools and the use of Master tradesmen. This report will support the Federal MoE’s TVET strategic plans.
• Complete a mixed method analysis of student absenteeism using student-level attendance data in 4 states (Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara) collected through Learner Unit Record Information Tracking System (LURITS) in the academic year 2023/2024. and produce a summary report for LGA and State Ministries of Education. This includes quantitative analysis to examine the extent of absenteeism at school, LGA and state levels and a qualitative study to identify reasons and factors explaining high/low absenteeism in some of the schools and LGAs. The qualitative data will be collected from students and their families, school personnel and state and local government officers through field visits, which include a minimum of 4 schools per state (a total of 16 schools).
• Undertake a scoping exercise for a small-scale research grant with the Gates foundation and complete the application process.
• Provide technical oversight of a participatory Action Research as part of an FCDO programme entitled Girls Education and Skills Programme by coaching the providers, monitoring the training and quality assuring the final report

Tasks
Work Assignment/Overview:

• Work closely with UBEC, development partners and UNICEF to undertake a detailed mapping of FLN activities across Nigeria. This research will inform UBEC on the strategic direction to take with FLN in the next 1-3 years.

Deleverables

• Completed mapping of FLN interventions across Nigeria.

Tasks

• Produce a summary report on the two alternative TVET interventions that UNICEF is currently implementing including recommendations for scale-up. The two alternative interventions are the use of trade schools and the use of Master tradesmen. This report will support the Federal MoE’s TVET strategic plans.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree in Education and social sciences
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in Ministries of Education in international settings in a range of programmes.
• Advanced education research skills
• Excellent communication and team working skill
• Willingness to travel regularly to Niger
• Previous work experience with a UN agency desirable
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.