UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Education

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? 

Background

The "Smarter Safer Schools" initiative in Papua New Guinea is a key component of the broader education sector assistance program funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This four-year project, with the potential for a two-year extension, will be implemented by UNICEF in close collaboration with the National Department of Education (NDoE).

The project is structured around four key intermediate outcomes:

1. Intermediate Outcome 1: Focuses on improving skills acquisition, promoting student well-being, and ensuring safety in schools. A special emphasis will be placed on preventing violence, particularly with targeted support for adolescent girls.
2. Immediate Outcome 2: Aims to build resilience within the education system to better withstand natural disasters, human-induced crises, and the impacts of climate change.
3. Immediate Outcome 3: Concentrates on strengthening education systems, particularly in the areas of planning, data management, and performance review, in coordination with development partners.
4. Intermediate Outcome 4: Supports ongoing teacher upskilling initiatives and enhances school inspection and leadership programs, complementing existing DFAT-funded efforts.

Purpose:

The purpose of the consultancy is to lead the implementation of the inception phase for the Smarter Safer School initiative in line with the funding Proposal for the DFAT-UNICEF Cooperation in Education in Papua New Guinea.

The specific objectives are:

1. Develop an Inception Phase Plan and implementation timeline aligned with DFAT and UNICEF requirements.
2. Establish stakeholder engagement strategies and coordination protocols, including updated Terms of Reference.
3. Design a framework for selecting target provinces and districts based on defined criteria.
4. Prepare baseline survey methodology and support the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan.
5. Produce strategic planning documents, including a project workplan, Results Framework, and Communication and Visibility Plan.
6. Submit a final Inception Phase Report and provide a complete handover package of all developed materials.

Scope of the consultancy:

The Technical Consultant will support the inception phase of the Smarter, Safer Schools initiative in close collaboration with UNICEF’s Education, Health, Child Protection and WASH teams and NDoE, CSO/NGO and development partners and relevant stakeholder and experts. The consultant will be responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and foundational technical work required to ensure a successful transition into the full implementation phase of the project.

The scope of work includes the following key areas:

1. Inception Planning and Timeline Development

The consultant will lead the development of a comprehensive Inception Phase Plan that clearly articulates the strategic direction and operational roadmap for the Smarter Safer Schools (SSS) initiative. This plan will define the project’s objectives, expected results, key activities, and the roles and responsibilities of implementing partners and stakeholders. It will also include a detailed milestone tracker and implementation timeline that aligns with DFAT and UNICEF planning cycles and reporting requirements. The timeline will serve as a foundational tool for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability throughout the inception phase.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Protocols

The consultant will design and implement a Stakeholder Mobilization Plan that outlines structured engagement strategies for key actors, including the National Department of Education (NDoE), Provincial Depart of Education (PDoEs), development partners, and service providers. This will involve mapping stakeholders, identifying engagement entry points, and proposing mechanisms for inclusive participation. The consultant will also review and revise the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for existing coordination structures—namely the Joint Coordination Committees (JCCs), Technical Working Groups (TWGs), and sub-national coordination bodies—to ensure they are fit for purpose. Initial coordination meetings will be facilitated to establish shared understanding, clarify roles, and document agreed actions to support effective governance and collaboration.

3. Target Area Selection Framework

The consultant will develop a robust and transparent framework for selecting target provinces and districts for project implementation. This will involve defining selection criteria based on equity, vulnerability, education indicators, and logistical feasibility. The consultant will analyze relevant data sources and consult with stakeholders to ensure the framework is evidence-based and contextually appropriate. The outcome will be a Target Area Selection Report that provides a clear rationale for the selected areas, ensuring alignment with the project’s strategic priorities and DFAT’s equity and inclusion principles.

4. Baseline and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Preparations

The consultant will design the baseline survey methodology, including the development of data collection tools, sampling strategies, and quality assurance protocols. This will ensure that the project has a strong evidence base for measuring progress and impact. The consultant will also draft Terms of Reference (ToRs) or supporting documentation for engaging a third-party firm or SSA to conduct the baseline data collection. In parallel, the consultant will support the development of a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan. This plan will define key indicators, data sources, data collection frequency, and roles and responsibilities for data management. It will be aligned with both DFAT and UNICEF Program Monitoring frameworks and will serve as a critical tool for adaptive management and accountability.

5. Strategic Frameworks and Planning Documents

The consultant will prepare a detailed project workplan for the full implementation phase, outlining activities, timelines, resource requirements, and responsible parties. This will be complemented by a Results Framework that clearly defines the project’s outputs, outcomes, indicators, and targets, ensuring alignment with the theory of change and donor expectations. Additionally, the consultant will finalize a Communication and Visibility Plan that adheres to DFAT branding guidelines and UNICEF communication standards. This plan will outline strategies for promoting project visibility, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Reporting and Handover

At the conclusion of the inception phase, the consultant will compile and submit a Final Inception Phase Report that synthesizes all deliverables, key decisions, challenges encountered, and strategic recommendations for the implementation phase. The report will serve as a reference document for all stakeholders. The consultant will also prepare a comprehensive handover package, including editable versions of all tools, plans, frameworks, and documentation developed during the consultancy. This will ensure continuity and facilitate smooth transition to the next phase of the project. In addition, consultant will contribute to the first progress report of the Safer Smarter School to report inception phase achievements including coordination and operational activities carried out during the inception phase.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education An advanced university degree in the fields of education/education planning, economy, sociology, social sciences and any related fields.

Years of experience: at least 5 years of relevant work experience

Specific Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Experience in programme management and coordination for major projects at national and international levels 
• Professional experience in data management, monitoring, evaluation and planning at a high scale level.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy development for government and/or international development organizations in the social sector.
• Professional Experience of working with DFAT, World Bank, GPE grants management and proposal development including the quality assurance process
• Fluency in English is a must.
• Experience in PNG and the Pacific is considered an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate… our core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

This position is a short-term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long-term permanent post with the organization.

Applicants are required to include in their applications a financial proposal which includes a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation and other miscellaneous costs. Breakdown or details of the fee will be much appreciated.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract 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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply.

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.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or orientation). 

 Remarks:  

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract 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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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 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.