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JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Nairobi

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 23/10/2026

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

OVERVIEW

UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA), based in Nairobi, implements the Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative aimed at transforming higher education across Africa to drive inclusive development, innovation, and regional integration. In Eastern Africa, the Programme focuses on four interconnected pillars: enhancing research capacity through networking and partnerships; improving relevance through links to employers and skills development; building robust quality assurance systems and fair recognition of qualifications; and strengthening institutional governance and leadership.

Over the 2026-2027 biennium, UNESCO ROEA has prioritised a set of strategically important activities spanning gender-responsive research in applied STEM, AI integration in higher education (including support to the East African Alliance for Digital Skills and AI Research and Innovation (AI for EAC)), social entrepreneurship for student innovators, and recognition of qualifications under the Addis Ababa Convention. These activities require sustained, high-quality technical and programmatic support over an extended period to generate knowledge products, manage partnerships, coordinate evidence generation, and mobilise resources.

UNESCO ROEA therefore seeks to engage a qualified Individual Consultant to support the implementation of the Campus Africa Programme across its pillars and transversal axes, working as part of the UNESCO ROEA Campus Africa team under the direct supervision of the Education Sector Head.

Long Description

The Individual Consultant will provide technical and programmatic support to UNESCO ROEA for the implementation of the 2026-2027 Campus Africa workplan in Eastern Africa. This covers five discrete work areas drawn directly from the approved workplan:

1. finalisation of the “Empowering Women in Applied STEM: Advancing Gender-Responsive Career Services in Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Technology” (hereafter referred to as “Empowering Women in Applied STEM”) research project across selected Anglophone Eastern African countries;
2. publication and dissemination of the pilot phase of the same “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” research project, in complementarity with the research and report development led by UNESCO IESALC;
3. technical and programmatic support to the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation (AI for EAC);
4. strengthening social entrepreneurship skills for student innovators in East Africa; and
5. promoting awareness, regional dialogue, and capacity building on recognition of qualifications and the implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention. In addition, the Consultant will provide implementation and coordination support to assigned Campus Africa activities, including drafting of proposals, networking, and workshop participation across the region.

Scope of Work and Specific Tasks

The Individual Consultant will work under the authority of the Regional Representative and Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and under the direct supervision of the Education Unit Head and the Programme Specialist responsible for Campus Africa. The Consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may be required to undertake missions in other counties in Kenya to EAC Partner States and other countries in Eastern Africa as required by the programme, subject to UNESCO travel authorisation and provisions.

The Individual Consultant will support the implementation of the following activities as set out in the UNESCO ROEA Campus Africa 2026-2027 Workplan:

ASSIGNMENTS

The Individual Consultant will support the implementation of the following activities as set out in the UNESCO ROEA Campus Africa 2026-2027 Workplan:

3.1 Pillar 1 – Research Capacity: Finalisation of the “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” Research Project

The Consultant will support completion of the extended research project “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” in the selected Anglophone Eastern African countries (Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Seychelles, and Somalia), in collaboration with UNESCO IESALC. The Consultant will contribute to overall regional consistency and coordination. Tasks include:

• Producing two-page resource mobilisation briefs analysing gender gaps in STEM participation and transition to employment, institutional career and employability services, and key structural, socio-cultural, and labour market barriers for women in STEM, and tailored to the priorities and requirements of identified potential donors.
• Supporting the production of one synthesis report providing comparative analysis, trends, policy gaps, and actionable recommendations for governments and higher education institutions across Anglophone Eastern Africa.
• Coordinating one regional knowledge-sharing webinar to disseminate findings, facilitate peer learning, and engage policymakers, higher education institutions, and partners.
• Supporting at least one LDC in the Eastern Africa region to implement recommendations emerging from the applied STEM research.
• Support the effective mobilization, coordination, and engagement of UNESCO Chairs in the design and implementation of the applied STEM research activities in Eastern Africa region.

Long Description

Pillar 1 – Research Capacity: Publication of the Pilot Phase of the “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” Research Project

The Consultant will support proofreading, copy-editing, graphic design coordination, and publication of the ongoing pilot-phase research “Empowering Women in Applied STEM”, covering Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, and the United Republic of Tanzania, in collaboration with UNESCO IESALC. The consultant will provide complementary editorial, publication, and dissemination support. Tasks include:

• Supporting coordination of the final review and clearance process and incorporation of editorial revisions
• Facilitating communication between the report consultant and UNESCO.
• Coordinating one regional webinar to disseminate the study findings, engage policymakers, higher education institutions, and partners, and facilitate regional dialogue and peer learning.
• Based on the findings and recommendations of the research, supporting the identification and design of potential follow-up interventions to strengthen mentoring, networking, career development, and access to opportunities for female researchers, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers in STEM, including possible digital and low-tech platforms and databases.
• Contributing to the development of concept notes and funding proposals for selected follow-up interventions, the identification and engagement with potential donors.

Relevance and Employability: Support to AI for EAC and AI-related Work in Other ROEA Countries

Relevance and Employability: Support to AI for EAC and AI-related Work in Other ROEA Countries

The Consultant will provide technical and programmatic support to the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation (AI4EAC), while also supporting AI-related higher education initiatives in other countries covered by UNESCO ROEA that are not part of EAC. Tasks include:

• Supporting the review and documentation of the outcomes, lessons learned, and potential follow-up opportunities emerging from the AI4EAC Innovation Challenge.
• Supporting the assessment and mapping of emerging needs, priorities, and capacity gaps related to AI in higher education across countries covered by UNESCO ROEA, and working closely with other sectors within ROEA to ensure coordination and coherence of AI-related work.
• Contributing to the identification and development of strategic programme directions and potential interventions on AI and higher education, building on regional needs, country priorities, UNESCO’s mandate and comparative advantage, and existing initiatives and partnerships.
• Supporting the identification and mapping of potential donors and partners, the development of concept notes, project proposals, and other funding materials for selected AI and higher education initiatives.
• Supporting knowledge exchange and regional dialogue on AI in higher education, including the preparation and facilitation of relevant consultations, workshops, webinars, or technical meetings, as assigned.

Pillar 3 – Relevance and Employability: Social Entrepreneurship Skills for Student Innovators

Building on the achievements and lessons of the first phase of the social entrepreneurship training programme for student innovators in Eastern Africa, the Consultant will support UNESCO ROEA in further advancing this area of work through two complementary approaches: (i) providing follow-up support to participating student innovators to strengthen and further develop promising prototypes and solutions; and (ii) exploring opportunities to expand the programme to countries within UNESCO ROEA’s geographical coverage that were not included in the first phase. Tasks include:

• Supporting the documentation and dissemination of promising student innovation projects, lessons learned, and good practices emerging from the first phase of the programme.
• Supporting the assessment of opportunities to expand social entrepreneurship training and support to additional countries within UNESCO ROEA’s geographical coverage that were not included in the first phase.
• Supporting the refinement and donor-specific adaptation of existing concept notes and project proposals for the follow-up and expansion of the social entrepreneurship programme.
• Supporting the identification and mapping of potential donors, development partners, universities, private-sector actors, incubators, and other stakeholders that could provide financial, technical, mentorship, or in-kind support for the continuation and expansion of the programme.

Transversal Axis 1 – Quality Assurance and Recognition of Qualifications

The Consultant will support activities to promote awareness and regional dialogue on the Recognition of Qualifications in Eastern Africa, build capacity on the UNESCO Qualification Passport (UQP), and strengthen institutional capacity for labour market intelligence. Tasks include:

• Mapping national focal institutions and authorities responsible for qualification recognition in Eastern Africa, and drafting a quality assurance structure for each country.
• Supporting the organization of one regional consultation convening government officials and national authorities responsible for recognition of qualifications in Eastern African countries.
• Facilitating dialogue between Eastern and Southern Africa to share experiences and good practices on the Addis Ababa Convention ratification processes and on qualification recognition and regional cooperation.
• Providing technical and strategic support to at least three countries to advance the ratification of the Addis Convention (2014) and the Global Convention (2019) on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.
• Supporting the delivery of capacity-building activities to strengthen national competencies on the UQP methodology, evaluation, and recommendations for placements into learning institutions.
• Supporting the training of university management and qualification authorities on skills for generating real-time data and information on labour market intelligence, supporting a shift from static data toward dynamic, responsive, and forward-looking education systems.

Long Description

Programme Coordination and Management

The Consultant will provide implementation, coordination, and partnership support to Campus Africa in Eastern Africa under the overall programme coordination of the responsible UNESCO ROEA Campus Africa programme staff and strategic guidance of the Education Sector Head. Tasks include:

• Drafting of proposals, concept notes, briefing papers, and reports in support of Campus Africa programme implementation.
• Supporting UNESCO ROEA participation in relevant regional workshops, forums, and technical meetings, including preparation of briefing materials, documentation of discussions, facilitation of assigned sessions, and follow-up actions.
• Networking and developing partnership with universities, regional bodies, development partners, governments, and the private sector across the Eastern Africa region, resulting in (i) facilitating the development of at least three partnership arrangements, written expressions of interest or draft MoUs, (ii) the creation of a functional multi-stakeholder collaboration platform, (iii) the co-design and implementation of joint programmes or initiatives, and (iv) increased resource mobilization and knowledge exchange to support CAMPUS Africa objectives.
• Supporting resource mobilisation for Campus Africa activities, including contributing to the identification of funding opportunities and the development of funding proposals.

CONTRACT DURATION

6 Months

DELIVERABLES

Deliverable 1 (Workplan Reference: Pillar 1 – Applied STEM Research, Indicative Deadline: September 2026): One publication-ready consolidated report on Empowering Women in Applied STEM across selected Anglophone Eastern African countries.

Deliverable 2 (Workplan Reference: Pillar 1 – Publication of Pilot Research, Indicative Deadline: September 2026): One publication-ready consolidated report on Empowering Women in Applied STEM report for the pilot-phase countries.

Deliverable 3 (Workplan Reference: Pillar 1 – Applied STEM Research, Indicative Deadline: October 2026):

D3.1 A donor mapping and at least three two-page resource mobilisation briefs, each tailored to the priorities and requirements of an identified potential donor;

D3.2 Coordination and documentation of two regional webinars, including participant records, key outcomes and agreed follow-up actions;

D3.3 At least one concept note or funding proposal for a selected follow-up intervention based on study findings and donor analysis.

Long Description

Deliverable 4 (Workplan Reference: Pillar 3 – AI for EAC Education Track, Indicative Deadline: November 2026):

D4.1 A validated regional AI and higher education needs and priorities assessment;

D4.2 Donor and partner mapping on AI in higher education;

D4.3 Refinement of the existing AI integration in higher education proposal;

D4.4 Preparation of at least three donor-tailored funding packages (i.e. a two-pager proposal).

Deliverable 5 (Workplan Reference: Pillar 3 – Social Entrepreneurship, Indicative Deadline: December 2026):

D5.1 A portfolio and follow-up support plan for selected high-potential student innovations emerging from the first phase of the programme;

D5.2 Mapping of potential donors and implementation partners for social entrepreneurship education;

D5.3 Refinement of the existing project proposal for the continuation and/or expansion of the programme, adapting the proposals to at least three potential donors’ requirements and partners’ needs.

Deliverable 6 (Workplan Reference: Transversal Axis 1 – QA and Recognition, Indicative Deadline: January 2027):

Long Description

D6.1 A regional qualification recognition consultation report;

D6.2 Country support notes or action plans for at least three countries advancing the ratification process;

D6.3 A report on national focal institutions and existing quality assurance and qualification recognition structures;

D6.4 Delivery and documentation of UQP capacity-building and labour market intelligence training report.

Deliverable 7 (Workplan Reference: Programme Coordination, Indicative Deadline: February 2027): Final programme coordination report covering all Campus Africa activities during the consultancy period, including proposal drafts, networking outcomes, workshop participation reports, resource mobilisation update and mission reports

Note: All deliverables must be submitted in English in formats approved by UNESCO ROEA.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Professional Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating research projects, managing multi-country or multi-partner programmes, and producing policy-relevant knowledge products.
• Experience working on gender equality in higher education and/or STEM is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the higher education landscape in Eastern Africa, including knowledge of relevant regional bodies (EAC, AU, IGAD) and policy frameworks (Addis Ababa Convention, EAC AI Strategy).
• Experience with AI integration in education or digital skills development is an asset.
• Prior experience working with UNESCO, other UN agencies, or international development organisations is an asset.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce high-quality reports, briefs, and proposals for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information and generate evidence-based recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with governments, universities, civil society, and development partners.
• Proficiency in standard office software; experience with knowledge management platforms or databases is an advantage.
• Knowledge of French is an asset given the multilingual nature of the Eastern African region.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All candidates must complete an on-line application through this portal and provide complete and accurate information.

In addition, candidates should submit all the following documents by 23/10/2026 in the portal as attachment:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé clearly detailing relevant qualifications and experience;
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining their suitability for the assignment and how their experience addresses the specific areas of work outlined in Main Tasks and Services;
• An indication of the approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO;
• Contact details for two professional referees;
• A writing sample (policy brief, research report, or similar knowledge product) relevant to the scope of work.
• The overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lump sum in USD.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UNESCO is an equal opportunities employer. Applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.