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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Education  

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to ensure that all of our children survive, thrive and fulfill their vast potential.

In a world that is rapidly changing, children are faced with complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities. UNICEF’s programs are designed to reach and benefit all children so that they can withstand these challenges, leverage these opportunities and be the drivers of their own destiny.

UNICEF is committed to creating a country in which every child is free to learn, play and grow. Our programs work towards providing all children in Sri Lanka with shelter, nutrition, protection and education, wherever they may be. We strive to create communities in which children can live with dignity and hope, free from discrimination, violence and fear.

We make every effort to create and maintain environments that will enable and empower children to be the very best that they can be.

In this way, all children will not only benefit from economic and social growth but will become the driving force behind sustainable national development.

For over 50 years, with the help of our vast network of partners, UNICEF has made significant strides in raising health, education and protection standards for children in Sri Lanka. From achieving Universal Child Immunization (1989) to establishing The National Child Protection Authority (1998) to providing decades of crucial relief in the wake of devastating conflict and natural disaster, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in creating an environment in which children have the best chance to survive and thrive.

Yet, many challenges still exist, especially for the most vulnerable. Some national and regional bodies require resources and reinvigoration. Individuals and institutions need to be strengthened, coordinated and aligned with global standards so that children enjoy support in their schools, communities and homes to help them overcome challenges and unleash their full potential into the world.

Due to our long-standing reputation as an experienced, neutral and collaborative partner, UNICEF is ideally suited to drive these efforts. Our history of success in Sri Lanka is built on our ability to tap into a wide network of national and international partners which, in turn, is bolstered by our own far-reaching presence in the field. In working closely with these government, non-government and private entities, UNICEF takes a leadership role, drawing on our technical expertise to accurately assess existing challenges and develop, execute and coordinate solutions that are relevant and scalable on the ground.  For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka

How can you make a difference? 

PURPOSE:

The local consultant will work closely with and support the international consultant in assisting Sri Lanka’s national Digital Transformation in Education Task Force to develop the National Policy Framework for Digital Transformation in Education.

 

BACKGROUND:

In line with Sri Lanka’s ongoing national education reform agenda, the Prime Minister established the Digital Transformation of Education Task Force in June 2025 to accelerate the integration of digital technology across the education system. The Task Force serves as the central coordinating body to guide and oversee the country’s digital education transition. One of its primary mandates is the development of a National Policy Framework for Digital Transformation of Education, which will articulate a clear national vision, strategic direction, and implementation guidelines to ensure coherence and sustainability in reform efforts.

To operationalize its work effectively, the Task Force is organized into four specialized teams, each focusing on a critical dimension of digital transformation: Policy and Strategy, Infrastructure and Platforms, Content and Pedagogy, and Implementation and Change Management. Together, these teams ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach that aligns policy formulation with practical implementation, capacity building, and system-wide change.

The tasks of the Task Force include:

• Addressing teacher shortages

• ICT preparedness

• Digital preparedness for any disaster situations

• Online safety and digital well-being

• Revitalization of co-curricular activities

• Modernizing digital content and pedagogy

• Policy for digital transformation of education

 

Its expected impacts are:

• Reduced educational inequality and improved performance in underserved areas

• A tech-enabled school system equipped to blended and online learning sustainably

• A digitally skilled teaching workforce, improving the effectiveness of hybrid education delivery

• Improved student mental health, safer online behaviour, and responsible digital citizenship

• Highly competent citizens

 

The expected tangible results include:

• Reduced dependence on physical textbooks

• More time for co-curricular activities

• Reduced teacher workload and stress

• Creation of simplified and smarter assessments

• Enhanced student motivation and engagement

Given the strategic importance and technical complexity of developing the National Policy Framework for Digital Transformation of Education, an international consultant will be engaged to provide global expertise, ensure alignment with international best practices, and guide the Task Force in formulating a robust, future-ready framework for Sri Lanka. To complement this effort, a local consultant will be onboarded to provide contextual expertise and operational support to the international consultant throughout the process.

 

WORK ASSIGNMENT:

Under the overall guidance of the international consultant, UNICEF and in close collaboration with the Policy and Strategy Team, the local consultant will provide technical and coordination support to the Digital Transformation of Education Task Force and the international consultant in developing the National Policy Framework for Digital Transformation of Education.

Subsequent technical support in coordinating the development of a costed action plan with the leadership of the Policy and Strategy Team and in consultation of all the teams in the task force and relevant stakeholders will need to be provided. The final draft is to be quality assured by the international consultant.

The local consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• Assist the international consultant in the Desk Review of existing related policy/strategy documents and the development of a policy structure

• Support the day-to-day management and coordination of activities related to the policy development process, including scheduling, documentation, follow-up actions, and communication among sub-committees.

• Coordinate and ensure accurate translation of key documents, including draft policy versions, summaries, and consultation materials, into Sinhala and Tamil to facilitate inclusive engagement and review.

• Work with the sub-committees to coordinate inputs and compile a practical, costed action plan to support the implementation of the policy framework.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

Minimum Qualifications required:

• Master’s in education/ technology/policy / any other related

Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

•At least 5 - 10 years of professional experience in education and ed-tech

•Experience cooperating with the Sri Lanka government, MOE, and NIE to develop policies, curricula, teacher guides, training manuals

•Experience working with UNICEF an asset.

Language Requirements: fluency in English and local language

 

Duration of the consultancy: Nov 2025 – March 2026 (4 months)

Duty station – Colombo (Home based)

 

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a resume and other relevant documents

Please complete your profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system. 

Please indicate your ability, availability and fee/rate in LKR to undertake the terms of reference above. (Indicate an all-inclusive fee (including lump sum travel, IT accessories, Internet and subsistence costs, as applicable) to undertake the tasks in the Terms of reference. Office 365 license will be provided by UNICEF, as applicable) 

Applications submitted without a fee/rate will not be considered  

 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable  candidates  are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can be a team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.