Consultant - Senior Psychometrician for the Foundational Learning Study

UNICEF Pakistan is seeking a highly skilled consultant to provide specialized technical support to the National Assessment Wing (NAW) of the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE). The consultant will play a critical role in advancing key activities related to the National Achievement Test (NAT) and the Foundational Learning Study (FLS). This consultancy is focused on completing, benchmarking, and reporting Pakistan’s inaugural national foundational learning evidence base following the large-scale administration of FLS-2026. The position is primarily home-based, with required travel to Islamabad, and the assignment duration is four months.

Key Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct psychometric analysis, including calibration, scaling, and pilot-to-scale equating of assessment data across multiple languages—English, Urdu, and Sindhi. They will extend the large-scale administration to English-medium schools and complete benchmarking aligned with the Global Proficiency Framework (GPF) and Minimum Proficiency Levels (MPLs). Preparation of documentation for SDG 4.1.1 reporting will be required, ensuring compliance with international standards and the UIS/GAML technical criteria. Additionally, the consultant will provide capacity building and knowledge transfer to NAW/PIE staff to enhance government assessment capabilities. A detailed work plan must be developed and implemented, which includes two trips to Islamabad to ensure timely delivery of all outputs.

Required Qualifications
Candidates must hold an advanced PhD degree in psychometrics, educational measurement, statistics, or a closely related discipline. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in large-scale learning assessments is essential, with demonstrated expertise in item response theory (IRT), item calibration, equating, and scaling. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are mandatory to effectively engage with stakeholders and prepare technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
Experience in setting foundational learning benchmarks aligned with the GPF/MPL framework is highly desirable. Familiarity with SDG 4.1.1 reporting requirements and UIS/GAML technical standards will be an advantage. The ideal candidate will have experience designing and analyzing multilingual assessments across various languages of instruction. Regional experience in South Asia, particularly working with national assessment bodies and ministries, is preferred. Proven success in capacity building for government assessment teams will strengthen the application. Direct involvement with the FLS-2026 instrument design, pilot analysis, or large-scale administration is considered a strong asset.

UNICEF upholds the values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) and is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child. The organization encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and ensures reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be subject to thorough reference and background checks.

Applicants are invited to submit a technical proposal (maximum five pages) that outlines their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, capacity building approach, and relevant experience. A detailed CV and a separate financial proposal specifying daily fees and travel costs must also be included. Applications should be submitted through UNICEF’s online recruitment portal by the deadline of 29 October 2026.

This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s educational assessment framework and support the generation of credible, internationally comparable learning data to inform education policy and practice. The position is home-based with required travel to Islamabad and is contracted for a period of four months.