UNICEF in Abuja is looking for an International Consultant – Development of National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2027–2036 @Development of National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2027–2036

UNICEF International Consultant – Development of National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2027–2036, Abuja, Nigeria

UNICEF is seeking an International Consultant to support the development of Nigeria’s National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) for 2027–2036.

This 12-month consultancy, based in Abuja, is ideal for experts in education planning, sector analysis, and government advisory services who are passionate about advancing children’s right to quality education.

About UNICEF Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, with a population exceeding 227 million in 2023, over half of whom are under 18. UNICEF operates in a complex development and humanitarian environment to advocate for and protect the rights of children.

In Nigeria, it collaborates with government, civil society, and communities to improve access, quality, and equity in education.

Despite progress in recent years, significant challenges remain. Millions of children are out of school, and foundational literacy and numeracy skills are not achieved by most children. This strategic plan aims to address these gaps and ensure that Nigeria capitalizes on its youth population to achieve long-term development outcomes.

Scope of Work

The consultant will provide technical support in two primary areas:

1. Education Sector Analysis (ESA)

The ESA provides evidence of key issues and bottlenecks in Nigeria’s education sector. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting the ESA framework, including analytical dimensions, data collection methods, and analysis approaches
• Moderating technical working group (TWG) meetings to finalize the framework
• Reviewing available data and identifying additional data needs
• Facilitating workshops to analyze data and draft ESA chapters
• Guiding revisions and compiling the ESA for submission
• Leading stakeholder consultations and finalizing the ESA report

Deliverables for this activity include:

• ESA framework
• Data collection plan
• Draft ESA report
• Final ESA report

2. National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) Development

Building on ESA results, the consultant will support the creation of NESSP 2027–2036 to guide Nigeria’s education sector. Tasks include:

• Drafting the NESSP framework, including key goals, operational plans, and performance targets
• Facilitating TWG workshops to develop NESSP chapters
• Reviewing draft submissions and guiding revisions
• Leading consultations with stakeholders for feedback incorporation
• Finalizing the NESSP document

Deliverables for this activity include:

• NESSP framework
• Draft NESSP
• Final NESSP

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• Advanced degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in education sector analysis and strategic planning
• Proven experience supporting governments in low- and middle-income countries on education planning
• Expertise in training and coaching government officers in education management
• Experience in emergency contexts and education sector coordination
• Previous work with UNICEF or other international organizations
• Experience in development projects funded by international donors
• Knowledge of Nigeria or other sub-Saharan African countries

Competencies

UNICEF values and competencies required include:

• Building and maintaining partnerships
• Ethical and self-aware leadership
• Drive for results and innovation
• Strategic thinking and managing complexity
• Collaborative working across diverse teams

Contract and Benefits

• Type: Consultancy (individual contract)
• Duration: 12 months
• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Deadline for Applications: 20 April 2026
• Consultants are not considered UN staff and will not receive standard UN staff benefits; conditions are governed by the consultancy contract.

Why Apply?

This consultancy offers an opportunity to shape Nigeria’s education policy landscape for the next decade. By supporting the ESA and NESSP development, the consultant will have a direct impact on improving access, equity, and quality in education for millions of Nigerian children.

The role also provides exposure to high-level policy engagement, inter-agency collaboration, and strategic planning in a dynamic development context.

UNICEF Commitment

UNICEF promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and adheres to a strict zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All candidates are expected to comply with UNICEF’s ethical standards and undergo background and reference checks.

UNICEF encourages flexible working arrangements and provides accommodations for staff with disabilities. Consultants must ensure valid visas and health insurance for the duration of the assignment and may be required to provide proof of full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Apply Now

The International Consultant role with UNICEF Nigeria is a high-impact opportunity for experienced education planners to influence strategic policies and contribute to sustainable development outcomes for children.

With responsibilities spanning sector analysis, strategic plan development, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, the position is central to UNICEF’s mission to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.