Program Quality Assurance Consultant

UNICEF, operating in over 190 countries and territories, is dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization fosters a passionate and committed workforce, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth while serving children and communities worldwide. UNICEF values inclusion and diversity, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package within a culture that promotes belonging and purpose.

In partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNICEF is supporting the implementation of the Multi-Year Work Plan (MYWP) 2025-2027 through the Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED). This initiative aims to strengthen the education sector’s capacity to deliver equitable, inclusive, and quality education by aligning national and provincial strategies. The plan addresses systemic challenges through evidence-based planning, cross-sector coordination, and sustainable implementation models. Given the complexity of MYWP, dedicated technical support is essential to ensure effective operationalization, including aligning operational plans with sector priorities, supporting policy development, facilitating stakeholder coordination, and ensuring quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and technical support to E&SED for the implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of the MYWP 2025-2027.
- Facilitate sector coordination and strengthen planning and review processes to align UNICEF-supported interventions with government priorities.
- Conduct sector analysis and ensure quality assurance across program components.
- Support the Education Sector Reform Unit (ESRU) in convening technical working groups, Local Education Group meetings, and donor engagements.
- Maintain robust documentation and follow-up mechanisms.
- Engage in policy dialogue, data management, and risk assessment related to education sector reforms.

Required Qualifications:
- First university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in Education, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
- Minimum of one year of progressive experience in education innovation, early childhood education, or program coordination within government or development sectors.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-sectoral initiatives involving multiple stakeholders such as government entities, donors, and NGOs.
- Proven ability to introduce and scale innovative solutions in resource-constrained or complex education settings.
- Familiarity with UN systems, donor-funded programs, and public-private partnerships.
- Experience in project management, coordination, and implementation of education or early learning initiatives.
- Strong coordination, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.
- Technical knowledge of early learning systems, education reform, teacher training, and integration of technology into education.
- Proficiency in digital tools for project management, research, and communication.
- Familiarity with the education landscape and policy environment in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- Familiarity with UNICEF operations and procedures.
- Knowledge of Pashto language.
- Previous experience working in UN or donor-funded education programs in Pakistan.
- Commitment to UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
- Strong dedication to diversity and inclusion, with encouragement for applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
- The consultant will be based in Peshawar with required travel within the country.
- The assignment duration is 12 months.
- Applicants must submit a financial quotation indicating the consultant fee against monthly deliverables.
- Health insurance coverage is required at contract award.
- UNICEF offers a supportive work environment with benefits such as paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations.
- UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
- All appointments are subject to medical clearance, visa issuance, and inoculation requirements.

This consultancy presents a unique opportunity to contribute strategically to education sector reform in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supporting equitable and quality education for every child. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.