About the opportunity
The UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) is implementing the Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative to transform higher education for inclusive development. The Consultant will provide technical and programmatic support to the ROEA Campus Africa team, working under the supervision of the Education Sector Head. The role involves managing research projects on women in STEM, supporting the East African Alliance for Digital Skills and AI Research and Innovation (AI4EAC), fostering social entrepreneurship for student innovators, and promoting the implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention on the recognition of qualifications. The Consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with potential travel within the region.
Salary and benefits
- Professional engagement with a leading international organization
- Opportunity to contribute to high-impact regional higher education initiatives
- Exposure to policy development and multi-stakeholder coordination in Eastern Africa
- Remuneration based on a lump sum contract
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or a related field
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, or policy analysis
- Demonstrated experience in coordinating research projects and managing multi-country or multi-partner programmes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Required documents
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining suitability and addressing specific areas of work
- Proposed approach to the assignment, including required inputs from UNESCO
- Contact details for two professional referees
- Writing sample (policy brief, research report, or similar)
- Overall cost of the assignment expressed as a lump sum in USD
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-23 (Midnight UTC+3)
How to apply
- Complete the online application through the UNESCO Careers portal
- Upload all required documents as attachments in the portal
- Ensure all information provided is complete and accurate
Additional information
- Contract duration: 6 months
- Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Work mode: On-site
- Knowledge of French is considered an asset
- Experience with AI integration in education or digital skills development is an asset
- UNESCO is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups
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…
- Professionals with a background in higher education policy or research management in the Eastern Africa region
- Candidates with proven experience in gender-responsive research or STEM-related advocacy
- Individuals skilled in donor mapping, proposal writing, and multi-stakeholder partnership development
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is strictly on-site in Nairobi, requiring physical presence for the duration of the 6-month contract
- The position requires managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, necessitating strong organizational and time-management skills
- Applicants must be prepared to provide a comprehensive lump-sum financial proposal that covers all costs associated with the assignment
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy offers a significant opportunity for mid-career professionals to deepen their expertise in regional higher education policy and international development. It is an ideal role for someone looking to build a track record in managing high-level UNESCO initiatives, expanding their professional network across Eastern African government and academic institutions, and contributing to tangible policy outcomes in STEM and AI integration.
Our take
This is an excellent opportunity for experienced education consultants or policy analysts with a strong grasp of the Eastern African higher education landscape. It is particularly well-suited for those who thrive in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments and have a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, donor-ready knowledge products.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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