Foundational Learning in Humanitarian Settings Consultant

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a senior consultant to provide specialized technical expertise on foundational learning in humanitarian and crisis‑affected contexts. This 12‑month remote consultancy reports to the Senior Advisor, Education in Emergencies and works closely with the Foundational Learning team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and disseminate technical guidance, operational frameworks, tools and standards for foundational learning, literacy, numeracy and learning recovery in humanitarian settings.
• Support governments, UN agencies, NGOs and donors in designing, implementing and quality‑assuring education programmes that are risk‑informed, crisis‑sensitive and resilience‑focused.
• Generate, synthesize and translate evidence, operational learning and research findings into actionable recommendations and knowledge products for practitioners and policymakers.
• Provide technical advice on teacher qualifications, training, accelerated learning and continuity of learning during emergencies.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education, International Development, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in education sector planning, policy development, systems strengthening and Education in Emergencies.
• Proven experience integrating risk‑informed, crisis‑sensitive and resilience‑focused approaches into education planning and policy.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing or evaluating foundational learning programmes in humanitarian, fragile or protracted emergency settings.

Required skills

• Education planning and policy development
• Systems strengthening in education
• Risk‑informed and crisis‑sensitive approaches
• Evidence synthesis and knowledge product development

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence global education strategies for children in crisis.
• Collaboration with a diverse, mission‑driven team at UNICEF.
• Competitive consultancy remuneration and professional development support.