Consultant

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant

Level : Senior

Hiring Unit : Education

Duty Station : Lilongwe

Work location : Lilongwe

Duration of contract : One Month

Hiring open to : Externals Only

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25/09/2026

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

OVERVIEW

Summary:

UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) is seeking the services of an individual consultant to assess the implementation of the Readmission Policy in three education divisions: Central East Education Division (CEED); South West Education Division and Shire Highlands Education Division (SHED). The Readmission Policy was finalised in 2018 and launched in 2019. It is now in the 7th year of implementation.

Background and objectives

The gross and net enrolment rates in primary schools are higher for girls than boys, which nominally can be translated to mean more girls have access to education than boys. Traditionally, progression within the primary school favoured boys than girls with more girls dropping out of school, for example, EMIS 2022 gave boys’ dropout rate at 3.3 versus 3.5 for girls and survival rate to Standard 8 at 37 for boys and 35 for girls. Similar picture is shown for secondary school with dropout rate for boys being at 7.3 and for girls 12.1. Reasons for these dropouts vary with poverty being the biggest factor but pregnancy and marriage feature highly as being the top 6th and 5th factors (EMIS 2023).

Long Description

The 2018 policy guidelines set up four (4) policy priorities to help address issues that affected readmission of learners to schools. These four areas are as follows:

1. Readmission procedures and conducive learning environment
2. Strengthen and establish school based preventive measures to address school dropout amongst learners
3. Strengthen community support mechanisms and services to retain readmitted learners in school
4. Coordination, collaboration and networking of stakeholders in provision of various services in relation to readmission policy

In 2025, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted a study to assess the implementation of the readmission policy since 2019 in 3 education divisions namely, Northern Education Division (NED); Central West Education Division (CWED) and South East Education Division (SEED). In each of the divisions, two districts were selected where the Safeguarding Young People (SYP) project under UNFPA was being implemented. One of the limitations identified in the report of the study was that the study did not reach all six education divisions which affected the sample size for the study.

Based on this limitation, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development is collaborating with UNESCO to conduct a similar assessment exercise in the remaining 3 education divisions: Central East Education Division (CEED); South West Education Division and Shire Highlands Education Division (SHED). UNESCO is seeking services of an individual consultant to undertake this study.

Long Description

Scope of Consultancy

The assignment requires the consultant to undertake an assessment of the implementation of the Readmission Policy to establish the extent to which the ministry and its district functionaries, the schools and communities supported and implemented the policy as guided under the four Policy Priority Areas.

Specifically, the consultant will assess the extent to which:

1. The Readmission Policy was disseminated to relevant stakeholders – School Management Teams; Teachers; Learners; Community and Faith Leaders; Mother Groups; Parents and Guardians.
2. Readmission procedures and a conducive learning environment were implemented at school level as outlined under Policy Priority Area 1.
3. The Ministry of Education was able to strengthen and establish school-based preventive measures to address school dropout among learners as outlined under Policy Priority Area 2.
4. Community support mechanisms and services to retain readmitted learners in school were strengthened as outlined under Policy Priority Area 3.
5. Coordination, collaboration and networking amongst stakeholders at national, district and school level policy implementation was done as outlined under Policy Priority Area 4.

Long Description

Methodology:

Desk Review:

1. Ministry of Education policy documents related to early and unintended pregnancy including the Readmission Policy.
2. Policy briefs on the Readmission Policy targeting different stakeholders developed with support from UNESCO.
3. EMIS Annual School Census Reports focusing on school dropouts and readmissions.

Qualitative Data:

Participants:

Key Informant Interviews: Government officials from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, School Managers and Teachers

Focus group discussions: Learners, Community leaders, Mother Groups and Parents and guardians

Sampling:

The assessment of the Readmission Policy will adopt a purposive and pragmatic sampling approach with the following guidance:

Schools:

The assessment will be done in 3 Education Divisions: Central East Education Division (CEED); South West Education Division and Shire Highlands Education Division (SHED).

1. In each of the divisions, two schools should be sampled – one primary and the other secondary making a total of six (6) schools.

2. Schools should be sampled from areas with high pregnancy rates with a mix of high readmission rates and low readmission rates as well as high and poor retention rates for readmitted learners.

CONTRACT DURATION

CONTRACT DURATION

The assignment will be for a maximum of 20-person days.

Long Description

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

The individual consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Minimum of Masters Degree in Education, Development, Public Health or other relevant discipline
2. Five (5) years of practical experience in conducting assessment or research studies in public health, adolescent sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education or life skills education
3. Strong qualitative data collection and analysis skills demonstrated by two relevant research study samples.
4. Excellent writing skills

Desirable Requirements:

1. Experience in girls’ education-related issues in the context of the Keeping Girls in School in Malawi.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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.