Consultant - Situation Analysis on Alternative Pathways and Distance Learning in Nigeria at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Consultancy for Situation Analysis on Alternative Pathways and Distance Learning in Nigeria

Job Number: 561993
Location: Abuja
Contract Type: Consultant
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Education

Scope of Work

• Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Education and the guidance from Education Specialist (Access and Equity), the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks over the course of the contract:
• Organize a kick-off meeting with UNICEF and the counterpart governments (i.e., the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the steering Committee to agree on the project scope and plan.
• Conduct initial regional mapping of successful global practices on alternative learning pathways and distance learning opportunities, which include policies, frameworks, models (types and modalities), curriculum and guidance, in the sub-Saharan African region (primary focus on anglophone countries). The mapping should cover alternative learning pathways for the following groups:
  • Primary school-aged children, both inside and outside of schools.
  • Junior secondary school-aged children, both inside and outside of schools.
  • Senior secondary school-aged adolescents, both inside and outside of schools.
  • Gender, disability, and emergency/conflict considerations should also apply across all identified groups.
• In collaboration with and consultation with key stakeholders including the FME and UBEC, conduct mapping of alternative learning pathways and distance learning opportunities in Nigeria, for both in-school and out-of-school children from primary to senior secondary level. The mapping should include types and forms, operational modalities, providers, target groups,pedagogical content,learning content, teaching and learning methodologies, design and mechanisms to facilitate transition to formal education, and evidence/evaluation of impact on learning and transition to formal education.
• Using available data and the information collected though the mapping exercises, analyze the existing gaps in practices and knowledge of alternative learning pathways and distance learning opportunities in Nigeria, identify challenges and bottlenecks in provision and delivery of alternative learning pathways and distance learning for different categories of learners, and develop a set of policy recommendations to expand quality, inclusive alternative learning pathways and distance learning in Nigeria. The consultant will develop a report and PPT presentation on the analysis, findings and recommendations.
• Support UNICEF to organize a meeting with the governments and development partners to present the study findings and recommendations and facilitate discusions and policy dialogue on strategies to strengthen alternative learning pathways and distance learning in Nigeria.
• Please refer to the attached detailed job description for more information…Download File TOR Situation Analysis of Alternative Learning.docx

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, implementing and/or evaluating education programs related to alternative learning pathways (e.g., non-formal education, remote learning).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in conducting studies and surveys on education and developing policy recommendations and strategy papers.
• Strong understanding of the current issues and phenomenon on out-of-school children in the sub-Saharan Africa is required.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

Other Skills and Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of the Nigerian education context around OOSC and alternative learning pathways is an asset.
• Ability to present ideas and communicate evidence and advice concisely to diverse audiences (including government) is an asset.
• Experience working with UN agencies, particularly with a good understanding of UNICEF’s programmes, is an asset.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

Application Closing Date
25th May, 2023, W. Central Africa Standard Time.