UNICEF
Consultancy: Senior Consultant - South Africa - Ref.# 582287
UNICEF, New York, New York, us, 10261
Overview
UNICEF, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, works together with partners in 190 countries and territories to promote and advocate for the protection of the rights of every child. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. Vacancy Announcement
Consultancy Title:
Senior Consultant – South Africa Section/Division/Duty Station:
Education Outcomes Fund, Pretoria South Africa Duration:
September 1, 2025 to August 30, 2028 Home/Office Based:
REMOTE Background
The consultant will provide strategic guidance on the implementation of the EOF’s South Africa Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Outcomes Fund. The consultant will provide strategic guidance, work to ensure timely delivery of key programme milestones, support stakeholder engagement (DBE, provincial departments, evaluators, donors), support implementation of outcomes-based financing, and work to enable sustainability and evidence uptake into public systems. Scope of Work
The consultant will support EOF’s team in relation to its ECCE outcomes fund in South Africa, which is expected to launch in November 2025 and continue implementing until 2029. Terms of Reference / Deliverables
Deliverable 1:
Develop and maintain implementation oversight tools, including milestone tracking reports (procurement, contracting, delivery, evaluation), risk registers (Excel), and performance summaries highlighting delays, mitigation actions, and delivery gaps. Reporting schedule for Deliverable 1: 8 milestone tracking reports, each 2 pages. 18 risk register updates. 6 summary reports (8–10 pages each). Monthly reporting: 4 tracking reports by 30.08.2026, final 4 by 30.08.2025 Risk log updates: 6 by 01.09.2026, 6 by 01.09.2027, final 6 by 30.08.2028 Summary reports: 2 per year due 30.12.2026, 30.12.2027, 30.08.2028. Deliverable 2:
Facilitate 12 governance meetings between 2026–2028 with government, evaluator, and grantees. For each, prepare a 15-slide technical guidance pack. Monthly meeting schedule: 3 meetings by 30.08.2026, 3 by 30.08.2027, 3 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 3:
Produce 100 contact and engagement reports (1–2 pages each). 30 by 30.08.2026; remainder by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 4:
Facilitate 16 capacity‑building workshops with DBE, provinces, and service providers, estimated 2 days per workshop. At least 6 by 30.12.2026; remaining 6 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 5:
Conduct 12 site visits, each estimated 5 days; produce 12 visit reports, 5 pages each. 4 visits by 30.12.2026, 4 by 30.12.2027, 4 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 6:
Draft a 30‑page Strategic Intelligence Report analyzing ECCE policy shifts, local government dynamics, opportunities for scaling outcomes‑based finance, and EOF’s strategic visibility (draft by 01.12.2026, final by 01.04.2027). Deliverable 7:
Co‑develop a long‑term sustainability proposal for EOF Phase 2, including scale‑up scenarios, integration into DBE systems, and costing frameworks (20‑slide proposal, 2 stakeholder workshops; draft by 01.09.2026, final by 01.12.2026). Deliverable 8:
Produce 6 visibility briefs (2 pages each), 5‑page end‑year summary, 8–10‑page events report, 12 social media/digital content pieces (estimated 1 page each). At least 2 briefs and 3 content pieces by 30.12.2026; remaining outputs by 30.03.2028. Deliverable 9:
Join an estimated 36 workshops, each 0.5 days, providing strategic and operational guidance on implementation challenges. 12 workshops by 30.08.2026, 12 by 30.08.2027, 12 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 10:
Year‑end reports: 3 reports, 15–20 pages each (30.08.2026, 30.08.2027, 30.08.2027). Notes: 1 report by 30.08.2026 1 report by 30.08.2027 1 report by 30.08.2027. Qualifications
Education:
A university degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred but not required. Experience:
At least 10 years’ experience in leading and managing strategic development programmes in South Africa, ideally in the education sector. Direct experience working with the Government of South Africa, ideally in the education sector. Experience leading a team and managing multiple stakeholders across complicated projects. Fluency in English is required. Desirable Requirements
Prior experience working with international organisations in development and donors in South Africa is desirable. Experience with innovative finance, particularly outcomes funds, is desirable. Fluency in Sepedi, IsiZulu or IsiXhosa is desirable. Requirements
Complete profile in UNICEF’s e‑Recruitment system and upload copy of academic credentials. Financial proposal that will include/ reflect: the costs per each deliverable and the total lump‑sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference. Travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR. Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable. Indicate your availability. Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF. At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage. Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. U.S. Visa Information
With the exception of the U.S. Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
UNICEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status in accordance with U.S. law and applicable local law. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
to create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long‑term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
in its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022‑2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030.
at UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work‑related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities.
Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility.
If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
UNICEF, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, works together with partners in 190 countries and territories to promote and advocate for the protection of the rights of every child. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. Vacancy Announcement
Consultancy Title:
Senior Consultant – South Africa Section/Division/Duty Station:
Education Outcomes Fund, Pretoria South Africa Duration:
September 1, 2025 to August 30, 2028 Home/Office Based:
REMOTE Background
The consultant will provide strategic guidance on the implementation of the EOF’s South Africa Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Outcomes Fund. The consultant will provide strategic guidance, work to ensure timely delivery of key programme milestones, support stakeholder engagement (DBE, provincial departments, evaluators, donors), support implementation of outcomes-based financing, and work to enable sustainability and evidence uptake into public systems. Scope of Work
The consultant will support EOF’s team in relation to its ECCE outcomes fund in South Africa, which is expected to launch in November 2025 and continue implementing until 2029. Terms of Reference / Deliverables
Deliverable 1:
Develop and maintain implementation oversight tools, including milestone tracking reports (procurement, contracting, delivery, evaluation), risk registers (Excel), and performance summaries highlighting delays, mitigation actions, and delivery gaps. Reporting schedule for Deliverable 1: 8 milestone tracking reports, each 2 pages. 18 risk register updates. 6 summary reports (8–10 pages each). Monthly reporting: 4 tracking reports by 30.08.2026, final 4 by 30.08.2025 Risk log updates: 6 by 01.09.2026, 6 by 01.09.2027, final 6 by 30.08.2028 Summary reports: 2 per year due 30.12.2026, 30.12.2027, 30.08.2028. Deliverable 2:
Facilitate 12 governance meetings between 2026–2028 with government, evaluator, and grantees. For each, prepare a 15-slide technical guidance pack. Monthly meeting schedule: 3 meetings by 30.08.2026, 3 by 30.08.2027, 3 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 3:
Produce 100 contact and engagement reports (1–2 pages each). 30 by 30.08.2026; remainder by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 4:
Facilitate 16 capacity‑building workshops with DBE, provinces, and service providers, estimated 2 days per workshop. At least 6 by 30.12.2026; remaining 6 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 5:
Conduct 12 site visits, each estimated 5 days; produce 12 visit reports, 5 pages each. 4 visits by 30.12.2026, 4 by 30.12.2027, 4 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 6:
Draft a 30‑page Strategic Intelligence Report analyzing ECCE policy shifts, local government dynamics, opportunities for scaling outcomes‑based finance, and EOF’s strategic visibility (draft by 01.12.2026, final by 01.04.2027). Deliverable 7:
Co‑develop a long‑term sustainability proposal for EOF Phase 2, including scale‑up scenarios, integration into DBE systems, and costing frameworks (20‑slide proposal, 2 stakeholder workshops; draft by 01.09.2026, final by 01.12.2026). Deliverable 8:
Produce 6 visibility briefs (2 pages each), 5‑page end‑year summary, 8–10‑page events report, 12 social media/digital content pieces (estimated 1 page each). At least 2 briefs and 3 content pieces by 30.12.2026; remaining outputs by 30.03.2028. Deliverable 9:
Join an estimated 36 workshops, each 0.5 days, providing strategic and operational guidance on implementation challenges. 12 workshops by 30.08.2026, 12 by 30.08.2027, 12 by 30.08.2028. Deliverable 10:
Year‑end reports: 3 reports, 15–20 pages each (30.08.2026, 30.08.2027, 30.08.2027). Notes: 1 report by 30.08.2026 1 report by 30.08.2027 1 report by 30.08.2027. Qualifications
Education:
A university degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred but not required. Experience:
At least 10 years’ experience in leading and managing strategic development programmes in South Africa, ideally in the education sector. Direct experience working with the Government of South Africa, ideally in the education sector. Experience leading a team and managing multiple stakeholders across complicated projects. Fluency in English is required. Desirable Requirements
Prior experience working with international organisations in development and donors in South Africa is desirable. Experience with innovative finance, particularly outcomes funds, is desirable. Fluency in Sepedi, IsiZulu or IsiXhosa is desirable. Requirements
Complete profile in UNICEF’s e‑Recruitment system and upload copy of academic credentials. Financial proposal that will include/ reflect: the costs per each deliverable and the total lump‑sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference. Travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR. Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable. Indicate your availability. Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF. At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage. Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant. U.S. Visa Information
With the exception of the U.S. Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
UNICEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status in accordance with U.S. law and applicable local law. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
to create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long‑term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
in its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022‑2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030.
at UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work‑related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities.
Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility.
If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
#J-18808-Ljbffr