About the opportunity
UNESCO, in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, and other key stakeholders, is seeking a National Consultant to provide technical assistance in the development of Liberia’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy. The consultant will facilitate a participatory and evidence-based policy development process, including a review of existing legislation and research, stakeholder consultations at national and sub-national levels, analysis of challenges within the ECE sub-sector, and the preparation of policy drafts, simulation models, and validation materials. The assignment aims to establish strategic frameworks for quality early learning, governance, financing, and monitoring to ensure every Liberian child benefits from quality early learning experiences.
Salary and benefits
- Contract duration of 4 months spanning 55 working days between November 2026 and February 2027.
- Stated fee-based deliverables tied to contract milestones: 10% for inception report, 30% for ECE analysis report, 20% for framing document and scenarios, and 40% for draft policy and implementation plan.
- Professional collaboration and guidance from UNESCO's technical team, regional office, and Liberia's Ministry of Education.
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Planning, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the education sector with demonstrated experience in policy development, education planning, research, or sector reform.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting education policy analysis, policy dialogue, and developing policy documents and action plans (at least five examples).
- Demonstrated experience working with Ministries of Education on education programmes and reforms (at least two examples).
- Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research, data processing and analysis, and proficiency in developing or adapting spreadsheet-based simulation models.
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Required documents
- Complete online application via the UNESCO Careers website.
- Detailed curriculum vitae and professional qualifications.
When to apply
- Application deadline is 15 November 2026 at Midnight UTC±0.
- Deliverable milestones are scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027, with the assignment taking place across November 2026 to February 2027.
How to apply
- Visit the UNESCO Careers website to access the vacancy posting.
- Complete the online application form and provide complete and accurate information before the application deadline.
Additional information
- The assignment is a Level 2 – Middle consultant contract within UNESCO's Education Sector (ED).
- The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, panel interviews, and reference checks.
- UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Extensive background in educational planning, public policy, or early childhood education with a strong portfolio of completed national policy documents.
- Proven expertise in quantitative data analysis and spreadsheet-based cost simulation modelling for the education sector.
- Familiarity with Liberia's education system, post-conflict or developing country contexts, and stakeholder facilitation in West Africa.
What should you think carefully about?
- The consultancy requires an intensive commitment of 55 working days compressed over a short 4-month period from November 2026 to February 2027.
- The duty station is on-site in Liberia, which requires local presence or relocation for the duration of the assignment.
- Deliverables are tightly tied to strict scheduled submission dates ranging from December 2026 through February 2027.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy is well-suited for senior education specialists, researchers, or policy consultants looking to make a high-level systemic impact on national early childhood education frameworks in West Africa. It offers a prominent institutional engagement with UNESCO and UNICEF to shape national sector reforms and cost-simulation models.
Our take
Experienced education policy experts and researchers with strong quantitative simulation skills and a track record of ministry-level collaboration in developing contexts should seriously consider applying. Candidates lacking formal experience in ECE policy formulation or education sector cost modeling may find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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