The United Nations Children S Fund (Unicef)

The United Nations Children S Fund (Unicef)

THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)

Invites applications for the following consultancy:

Education Sector Analyst for Kiribati

UNICEF Pacific is seeking aconsultantto undertake an education sector analysis in order to advise the Ministry of Education and its partners on development of its next ESSP (2016-2019). The consultant will be expected to produce a report that will comprise an analytical stock-taking of the education sector in its totality, with an Executive Summary of no more than 15 pages containing key findings and recommendations.

The consultant will be required to implement this assignment in a participatory manner in consultation with key stakeholders and MoE and in consultation with relevant stakeholders in business and civil society. Bi-weekly process monitoring meetings will be held with the MoE focal point and designated development partners.

  • Analyze the status and trends in enrolment for each level (early childhood to technical vocational) and type of school and disparities based on location, gender, socio-economic variables.
  • Identify the existence and extent of disparities in schooling and results according to gender, area of residence (urban/rural), geographic location, people with disabilities and household wealth.
  • Analyze indicators of access and completion
  • Establish whether children’s non-attendance of school is due more to supply or demand issues
  • Explore if children abandon school, or if schools abandon children, failing to offer grades or facilities they need (retention focus)
  • Look at the past, current and future trend of the education share within the national budget (both in percentage, in nominal and real terms). This should also include funding of the whole education sector (domestic vs external/donor), and breakdown of non-salary expenses (school grants, maintenance, scholarship, etc).
  • Compare budget allocations for the education sector with actual budget performance (looking at releases and actual expenditures) – wherever possible.
  • Analyzing education expenditures as a percentage of GDP (compared with the 6% international benchmark of GDP)
  • Analyze disparities in teaching salaries by status and how attractive teaching salaries are compared to other civil servants’ and private sector pay.
  • Study the progress in student achievements and compare the average student learning with that of comparable countries in the pacific
  • Check if teachers allocated to schools bear effective relation to the number of enrolled students and if certain outer islands or schools are disadvantaged in this respect.
  • Conduct a macroeconomic review (desk review) of the extent to which the education system is aligned with labour market requirements in quantity and quality
  • Examine the political and institutional early childhood education environment
  • Assess access to higher education for students in Kiribati
  • Identify the different TVET provider systems in Kiribati and obtain an overview about different financing systems for TVET
  • Determine other key areas that MoE wants to be investigated

A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this consultancy can be obtained via email to .

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCE REQUIRED

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

University degree (at least a Master’s degree in Economics, Education, or a closely related field) with knowledge in education systems;

Knowledge, skills and experience:

  • At least 5 years of experience in the area of education research and data analysis;
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting sector analysis
  • Ability to work effectively with government and donor counterparts;
  • Strong analytical skills, oral and written communication in English with good team building skills;
  • Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications;
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the work place;
  • Languages: Fluency in English required, familiarity with local language (Kiribati) an asset
  • Competencies: Good analytical, negotiating, and advocacy skills;

REMUNERATION AND TYPE OF CONTRACT:

The consultant will be required to work on a Purchase Order (PO) contract with UNICEF Pacific for 60 working daysfrom 4 May to 24 July 2015 (45 working days in-country and 15 days in home base). The consultant will be required to organize his/her own travel in consultation with the UNICEF Pacific at the least costly and economical route; he/she is entitled to one round trip from home country to duty station; responsible for arranging his/her own visas.

TO APPLY:

If interested please include in your application:

  • A covering letter describing how you meet each of the requirements listed above (maxi. 2 pages)
  • Updated UN Personal History Form (P11)
  • Completion of the Expression of Interest form (EoI) - attached
  • The two most recent performance appraisals or evaluations
  • The names, addresses, emails and phone details of three supervisor referees

Applications must be submitted via email no later than17 April 2015to under confidential cover to:

Human Resource Specialist

(Consultancy 2015-011 Kiribati sector analyst)

UNICEF Pacific, 5th Floor FDB Building

Private Mail Bag,

Suva, FIJI

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all nationals, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

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