Consultant -Senior Psychometrician for the Foundational Learning Study, Education section, Islamabad, Pakistan, 4 months (Remote with trip)

UNICEF is seeking a highly skilled expert to provide targeted technical assistance to the Pakistan Institute of Education’s National Assessment Wing (NAW/PIE) for critical activities related to the National Achievement Test (NAT) and Foundational Learning Study (FLS). This consultancy supports the completion, benchmarking, and international reporting of Pakistan’s first national foundational learning evidence base, following the large-scale administration of FLS-2026. The assignment is home-based with required travel to Islamabad and spans four months. The role involves psychometric analysis, scaling, benchmarking, and capacity building to ensure the data collected meets global standards, particularly for SDG indicator 4.1.1.

Key Responsibilities
- Conduct psychometric analysis, item calibration, equating, and scaling of FLS-2026 data across English, Urdu, and Sindhi languages.
- Extend large-scale administration to English-medium schools and complete benchmarking aligned with the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) and Minimum Proficiency Levels (MPLs).
- Prepare documentation for SDG 4.1.1 reporting in accordance with UIS/GAML technical criteria.
- Develop and implement a work plan that meets the deliverables and deadlines outlined in the Terms of Reference, including two planned trips to Islamabad.
- Provide capacity building and knowledge transfer to NAW/PIE staff to strengthen national assessment capabilities.
- Collaborate closely with UNICEF Pakistan, NAW/PIE, and other stakeholders to ensure methodological continuity and timely completion of the assignment.

Required Qualifications
- An advanced PhD degree in psychometrics, educational measurement, statistics, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years’ experience in large-scale learning assessments, with expertise in item response theory (IRT), item calibration, equating, and scaling.
- Proven ability to set foundational learning benchmarks aligned with GPF/MPL frameworks.
- Working knowledge of SDG 4.1.1 reporting requirements and UIS/GAML technical standards.
- Experience designing and analyzing multilingual assessments.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- Experience working in South Asia and collaborating with national assessment bodies or ministries is highly desirable.
- A track record of building capacity within government assessment teams.
- Direct involvement with the FLS-2026 instrument design, pilot analysis, or large-scale administration is a strong asset.
- UNICEF offers a diverse and inclusive work environment committed to professional and personal development, supported by an attractive compensation and benefits package.
- The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or other status, and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants are required to submit a technical proposal (maximum five pages) detailing their understanding of the assignment, methodology for psychometric analysis and benchmarking, a work plan including travel, capacity-building approach, and relevant experience with examples of similar assignments. A CV and a separate financial proposal outlining the all-inclusive daily fee for 100 input days and lump-sum costs for two trips must also be provided.

UNICEF upholds the highest standards of integrity and child protection. All candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF strictly prohibits any form of exploitation, harassment, or discrimination and promotes a safe and inclusive workplace for all.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through UNICEF’s official recruitment portal, ensuring all requested documents are submitted. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Further information about working with UNICEF and the organization’s core values can be found on the official UNICEF careers website.