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Consultancy: Consultant (South Africa, Learning and Scaling)

Duty Station: UNICEF Hosted Funds, Education Outcomes Fund

Duration: 01 February 2026 – 30 September 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote

 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

In partnership with the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE), The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) launched  the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund (“Fund 1.0”) in December 2025. Over three years, five implementing partners (IPs) will open around 1.4k new Early learning programmes (ELPs) and support around 600 existing ones throughout the country. The Outcomes fund is a form of outcomes-based financing, wherein payment to IPs is dependent on their progress towards pre-specified target outcomes. Under this model, EOF, IPs, and pre-financers providing working capital and performance management to the IPs, will frequently collect monitoring and evaluation data related to the interventions.

Fund 1.0 was developed as a way to learn about how to improve ECCE quality, to provide space for innovation, and as an opportunity for the DBE to broaden partnerships with non-state ECCE providers. Towards the scaling objectives of the 2030 ECD strategy and as outlined in the Bana Pele Blueprint, the DBE and EOF are interested in surfacing learnings from Fund 1.0 to inform the design of a future outcomes fund (“ELP Fund 2.0”). To support that effort, EOF is looking to collaborate with a consultant who will serve as a full-time member of the South Africa country team, to lead the learning, scaling, and evidence synthesis agenda for Fund 1.0.

EOF will transition out of UNICEF on or before 30th September 2026 to an another host. The successful candidate is expected to be transitioned to the new host to continue supporting with the ongoing implementation of this program. Further details will be provided in the recruitment process

Scope of Work:

The consultant will work with the EOF’s South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund during Fund 1.0,. The objectives of the consultancy are to:
(i) shaping Fund 2.0 by engaging with the DBE and national partners to determine key learning priorities and questions needed to launch Fund 2.0, including an analysis of the ECD market and opportunities for sector-wide value addition.

(ii) collaborate with IPs and their pre-financers to surface learnings by leveraging IPs data collection throughout implementation; and through peer-learning engagement.

(iii) synthesize findings across all learning agenda pillars into coherent evidence and insights that can inform strategic decisions for the DBE and EOF during and after implementation.

(iv) disseminate key learnings and influence the broader ECD ecosystem by sharing evidence with sector stakeholders, contributing to public dialogues, and strengthening coordination and collaboration across complementary initiatives.

These objectives make up the learning, scaling and evidence synthesis agenda, which is one component of a two-pillar learning agenda accompanying Fund 1.0. External research partners will be simultaneously conducting research on the ECCE interventions delivered through Fund 1.0 and on the effects of outcome-based financing on programme stakeholders. The consultant will be expected to synthesize findings from all learning agenda pillars, thus serving as the primary liaison between the program’s learning partners, stakeholders in the ECCE ecosystem and the DBE..

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

1. Learning & Scaling Agenda Co-design

Facilitate a high-level co-design process with DBE, EOF and national stakeholders to finalize the Learning & Scaling Agenda that will orient Fund 1.0 learnings and provide strategic evidence inputs for Fund 2.0.

This includes surfacing priority learning questions, specifying decision cycles and timing aligned to DBE policy windows, and identifying roles for validation and use. The consultant will prepare background materials, convene the primary multi-stakeholder launch workshop, and produce a short implementation roadmap for Year 1  learning activities. The deliverable must explicitly preserve peer-learning mechanisms and show how findings will feed into DBE decision-making.

• Workshop background note (4–6 pages) and workshop agenda.
• Participant list and stakeholder engagement log.
• Workshop report (5–7 pages) with agreed learning priorities, research questions, and decision cycles
• Short Year-1 learning roadmap (estimated 2-3 pages)
  
  

30 Jul 2026

2. Desk Research & Landscape
While provider monitoring data are not yet available, produce an actionable evidence package to inform Fund 2.0 concept development. The consultant will conduct a structured desk review and ~20 targeted stakeholder interviews (government, IPs,  potential pre-financers, NGOs, CSR/impact investors, outcome donors), synthesize lessons from prior initiatives (e.g., Catalyze, GROW ECD, faith-based and CSR partnerships) and surface financing/partnership options for scale, including risks and mitigation strategies. This work fills Year-1 evidence needs and supports the Fund 2.0 concept development.

• 15–20 page analytical report: landscape & financing models, interview summaries (annex), risks & mitigation, and 3–5 concrete Fund 2.0 options (with high-level pros/cons and data needs).
• 2-page executive summary for DBE/EOF leadership.

30 Sept 2026

3. Data & Reporting Framework Co-development (with IPs, pre-financers, DBE) 

Co - develop a practical Data & Reporting Framework that standardized the learning outputs required across Implementing Partners and pre-financers, aligns with DBE's National Data Observatory, and clarifies governance, roles and sharing protocols. The consultant will produce templates, a shared data dictionary and governance note. The consultant is expected to make recommendations about the appropriate platform to use, and collaborate with the country team to set up and maintain up to date data from IPs through this platform 

• Draft reporting templates, shared data dictionary and draft governance note (for consultation). — Draft due 31 March 2026.
• Final Data & Reporting Framework (5–7 pages) including reporting cadence, roles, validation checklist, operational guidance for IPs & pre-financers, and annex mapping to DBE National Data Observatory requirements.
• Validation notes/acknowledgements from representative IPs and pre-financers (documented responses).

Draft by 31.04.2026

Final framework

30.07.2026

Final Data platform system by 30.03.2026

Data platform updated

30.06.2026

30.09.2026

4. Market-for-Scale & System Readiness Diagnostic (access, workforce, registration, finance) 

Deliver a rapid but robust diagnostic of the ELP market and system readiness for scale. This will assess registration barriers, workforce capacity and training needs, provider business models and affordability/inclusion risks, and the feasibility of potential financing and partnership models at scale. Methods include desk evidence, up to ~10 field visits or site case studies, and key informant interviews to ensure recommendations are grounded and actionable for Fund 2.0 and DBE policy discussions

• Short diagnostic plan & methodology and rapid evidence map.
• Market-for-Scale Diagnostic report (up to 20 pages) with prioritized, actionable policy & program options and stated data needs for Fund 2.0.
• Annex: provider case summaries and an action road-map for Fund 2.0 uptake

30 Sept 2026

5.  Annual Learning & Scaling Reports, 12 Peer-Learning Exchanges and Final Synthesis

Work assignment overview:
Convene and sustain cross-partner peer learning and produce annual synthesis reports that aggregate cross-pillar findings and recommend system actions for DBE and national fora. The consultant will organize peer-learning sessions across 2026 (one per quarter), each with an agenda, short preparatory brief, facilitation and summary notes. Annual reports will consolidate evidence from all workstreams and the final contract deliverable will be an integrative synthesis for dissemination at national events.

• 3 peer-learning sessions (quarterly across 2026): session packages (agenda, 2-page brief) and summary notes.
• An integrative synthesis

30 Sept 2026

Travel: 3 site visits within South Africa, each of 4 working days 

Qualifications

Education:   

• A degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field, is required.  
• A Master's degree is preferred but not required. 

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in education, international development, the nonprofit sector, management consultancy, public policy, government.
• ECD experience is required through policy, research or academic work, or direct implementation. This could include experience collaborating closely with key ECD stakeholders.
• Experience in government engagement, particularly with South Africa’s DBE (Department of Basic Education).
• Understanding of education policy (preferably ECCE) and systems strengthening, including pathways for scale-up and sustainability.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality analytical reports and policy briefs.
• Strong analytical and synthesis abilities to feed operational insights into broader knowledge-generation and policy agendas.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with a solution-oriented mindset
• Excellent written, verbal communication and facilitation skills

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.