INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT: EDUCATION ANALYST
OVERVIEW
Position Title : Education Analyst (International Consultant)
Type of contract : Non-Staff
Duty Station : Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Duration of contract : 6 months (tentatively 12 September 2025 - 11 March 2026)
Recruitment open to : International Candidates
Application Deadline : 24 August 2025 (23.59.00 GMT+0700, SE Asia Standard Time)
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Background
In close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), line ministries and various stakeholders, UNESCO has been advancing the Education 2030 / SDG 4 agenda in Cambodia by supporting institutional and professional technical capacity development through sector-wide education policy advice, planning and coordination of the guiding national education framework, the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2024-2028.
UNESCO is working with the MoEYS and other partner agencies in supporting teacher training and teacher reform through the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to enhance the capacity of teachers and quality of education. STEPCam together with other GPE funded programs emphasize comprehensive capacity building and system strengthening, investing in the development of high-quality, professional and competent teaching workforce, encouraging digital transformation, building climate resilience in the education system and promoting gender transformative applied research.
In addition, as the global lead agency for skills development, TVET, and non-formal education (NFE), in line with the national priorities and needs, UNESCO has been working closely with the MoEYS, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and relevant partners to connect education to the fast-evolving world of work through its promotion of skills for work and life and flexible learning pathways and equivalency programmes to improve literacy skills and basic education for factory workers and out-of-school youth in Cambodia.
Therefore, the Education Analyst will support the Chief of the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office Education Unit, in close consultation with the relevant technical Departments of the MoEYS and MLVT and partners, to provide technical assistance in the overall management and implementation of UNESCO’s on-going teacher development skills development and NFE programmes and initiatives, and provide technical support in developing project concept notes, proposals and documents for their further expansion.
II. Scope of the assignment
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia and Head of Office, under the supervision of the Chief of the Education Unit, and in consultation with the relevant technical Departments of the MoEYS and MLVT, and partners, the Education Analyst will provide support for the following:
1) Support the Chief of the Education Unit and STEPCam Programme Manager in providing technical assistance to the on-going GPE-funded, skills-development and regular programmes through:
Long Description
a) Facilitating timely implementation of project activities, including through organizing workshops/meetings/conferences, identifying relevant subject experts and partners, developing terms of references, and conducting regular monitoring meetings and follow-up;
b) Preparing project workplans and progress reports, in line with the reporting requirements of specific development partners;
c) Maintaining, identifying and strengthening strategic partnerships with relevant partners, including technical departments of MoEYS and MLVT and other line ministries, education institutes, factories, development partners, and the private sector;
d) Assisting with knowledge management and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities, including monitoring project data, maintaining M&E worksheets, and database management;
2) Oversee the strategic outreach and visibility of the education unit through the development, editing and quality control of internal and external official communications and visibility materials, including programme presentations, meeting minutes, programme visual data, articles/press releases, social media posts, posters, and brochures, to ensure programme results and impact are widely disseminated.
3) Support the national programme officer with the management and coordination of the two Global Partnership for Education initiatives:
a) Ensure the smooth implementation and completion of the Climate Smart Education System Initiative in Cambodia in close collaboration with UNESCO HQ and UNESCO IIEP and support the coordination with MoEYS and Save the Children;
b) Support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Global project “Lifting barriers: Educated boys for gender equality” to ensure seamless coordination with UNESCO HQ as well as the international organisations and the national counterparts involved in the programme.
4) Assist the Chief of Education Unit in providing technical assistance in the expansion and resource mobilization of new skills development and NEF programmes and initiatives through:
a) Drafting high-quality project concept notes, proposals and documents for the expansion of current projects and the development of new project initiatives, in line with national priority needs and gaps;
b) Coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders for consultation on the developed concept notes, proposals and documents, and further refining and finalizing the documents to address the comments/feedback received;
c) Providing research and analytical support for developing new projects, such as performing collection and quantitative and qualitative analysis of education data and indicators, including analysis of data related to education financing.
d) Draft policy briefs on key issues related to skills development and NEF priorities in the country based on the review of academic and policy literature and basic analysis of data and indicators.
Long Description
5) Support the Chief of Education Unit in facilitating the integration UNESCO’s programmes and initiatives in various country-level education sector coordination mechanism, as well as UNESCO reporting and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2024-2028), including through monitoring and reporting towards the relevant Result Group and support UNESCO’s engagement with Education Sector Working Group.
6) Carry out any other tasks assigned by the Chief of Education to facilitate the implementation of programme activities.
III. Deliverables
As the Education Analyst will support the daily implementation of Education Section programmes, it is expected she/he will submit monthly reports to their supervisor(s) before each monthly payment.
IV. Contract duration, location, and other conditions
The duration of the contract will be from 12 September 2025 to 11 March 2026, with a possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. It is expected the International Consultant will be based at UNESCO Phnom Penh office full-time for the duration of the contract with some missions to attend some events at province where necessary.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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V. Required qualifications and experience
Education
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in education, public policies, international studies, social sciences, or closely related field(s).
Professional experience
• At least 3 years of relevant working experience in the field of education and international development with a focus on, project implementation, policy and analysis building strategic partnerships, monitoring and evaluation, visibility and communication or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of educational planning and management, especially in the above-mentioned contexts.
• Strong understanding of risk management in education including with governments, donors, NGOs, the UN system and relevant international organisations.
• Experience in development and delivery of training materials. Experience with training in educational planning and/or crisis-sensitive planning is an asset.
• Experience of working in collaboration with or for ministries and development partners on technical assistance programs.
Competencies and skills:
• Excellent strategic, analytical, reporting and communications skills;
• Excellent coordination and networking skills;
• Basic computer skills, including MS word and excel. Experience using multimedia and design software is desirable;
• Ability to interact with people at various professional levels, including counterparts in government, and from diverse backgrounds;
Languages
• Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory.
VI. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
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.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit the following documents:
1. A letter of interest explaining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the position.
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
3. Fee proposal or price proposal by indicating monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above, including travel and other related costs. Applications submitted without a monthly rate will not be considered.
4. The contact details of three referees.
Your application should be submitted via the UNESCO online application system no later than 24 August 2025 (23.59.00 GMT+0700, SE Asia Standard Time).