International Consultant – OOSC Policy, Strategy & Implementation (Remote, 5.5 months)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking an International Consultant to lead the development of a comprehensive Out‑of‑School Children (OOSC) policy, strategy and implementation plan for Nigeria. The consultant will work remotely, travel as needed, and collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments and partners to map non‑formal learning centres and integrate emerging evidence into the policy framework.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and update the OOSC policy and strategic framework, building on the 2022 OOSC Framework and recent evidence.
• Coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Education, state authorities and partners to map the location and capacity of non‑formal learning centres.
• Produce policy documents, implementation plans and guidance notes aligned with UNICEF’s country programme for 2026‑2027.
• Provide technical advice and evidence‑based recommendations to government stakeholders on out‑of‑school programming.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Education Development, Sustainable Development, Education Policy or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in education sector planning, policy development and supporting government‑led reforms in Sub‑Saharan Africa, preferably Nigeria.
• Proven experience designing initiatives to improve enrolment, retention, completion and transition for school‑aged children.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to translate evidence for diverse audiences, including government officials.