Consultant for Early Childhood Care and Education 1

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Multiple

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 2025/2/24

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Since the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education organized by UNESCO in 2022, culminating in adopting the Tashkent Declaration, UNESCO's work on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) has expanded. The Tashkent Declaration mandated UNESCO to strengthen collaboration with key partners such as UNICEF, WHO, OECD, ILO and the World Bank, support Member States and monitor the implementation of the Declaration. Activities planned includes producing biennial global reports, providing technical guidance and assistance, establishing norms and standards, and fostering international cooperation to advance SDG 4.2 and the commitments of the Declaration.

UNESCO works on the professionalization of ECCE personnel, the development of analytical tools for monitoring progress, and promoting equity and inclusion in ECCE policies and practices.

Long Description

Work Assignment

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Specialist responsible for ECCE to support the following tasks:

1. Research and analysis

• Conduct desk research on global and regional trends in ECCE key areas, such as financing, equity, inclusion, and ECCE personnel.
• Compile, review, and synthesize research findings, policy documents, and case studies from Member States, regional networks, and partners to inform the Global Report 2026 and other technical outputs.
• Develop concept notes and frameworks for analytical tools and methodologies to support ECCE policies and practices.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data related to ECCE access, quality, equity, and inclusion, using datasets from sources such as the UNESCO-UIS, household surveys, national data systems, and other sources from partner organizations.
• Identify data gaps and inconsistencies in ECCE reporting and propose strategies to address these for discussion.

Long Description

2. Documentation, reporting and dissemination

• Contribute to the design and preparation of the 2026 Global Report focusing on financing to achieve inclusion, equity and quality
• Prepare policy briefs, technical notes, blogs, and case studies to support global advocacy efforts and provide actionable recommendations for Member States and partners.
• Ensure coherence, clarity, and alignment with UNESCO’s style and quality standards.
• Participate in the development, coordination and organization of global and regional events, including webinars and training sessions on ECCE data analysis and policy development for Member States and NGOs.
• Maintain regular communication with partners involved in the activities to ensure smooth coordination and timely delivery of inputs and outputs and provide regular progress updates and briefings.

Expected timeline:

Expected timeline:

31 March 2025

• Methodology for the 2026 Global Report finalized, including a draft annotated outline.
• Framework and methodology for the ECCE Progress Assessment Tool (ECCE-PAT) finalized and ready for pilot testing.

31 May 2025

• Call for contributions to the 2026 Global Report issued, including guidance and templates for submissions.
• Draft framework for the ECCE-PAT publication completed.
• Report on the Community of practice (CoP) activities related to ECCE data finalized and submitted.

31 July

• Policy brief (topic TBC) drafted and finalized.
• Event report (regional or global ECCE-related event) submitted, capturing outcomes and recommendations.

31 September

• Key messages and indications for visualisations to be used for advocacy and inclusion in the Global Report.
• Case study highlighting innovative practices or financing strategies for ECCE completed.
• Draft annotated outline of the Tashkent Declaration progress report completed, incorporating regional contributions.

31 November

• Draft 0 of the 2026 Global Report completed, integrating data analyses, case studies, and stakeholder contributions.

31 December

• Draft 1 of the 2026 Global Report submitted, incorporating stakeholder and co-publisher feedback.
• Advocacy materials (e.g., slide decks, talking points, infographics) developed to support the dissemination of the Global Report.
• Meeting reports from consultations and validation workshops completed and submitted

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Education, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in education policy particularly in ECCE research, or related fields at Global and regional / national level.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and synthesize data, produce high-quality reports, and integrate diverse stakeholder inputs.
• Familiarity with global ECCE frameworks, the SDG agenda, and regional contexts.
• Proven experience working with international organizations and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent drafting, data analysis, and communication skills in English. French is an asset.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit:

• A Technical proposal. Your written should comprise: (a) A Technical Proposal consisting of an up-to-date curriculum vitae, and an approach and methodology for the assignment, and a workplan; b) The amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars or in euros only. Please note that any travel costs will be discussed and integrated later in addition.  
• Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in English.
• UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation best value for money.
• It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that his/her proposal is received by the deadline.
• Applications should be sent to ecce@unesco.org by 24 February 2025

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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