Campus Africa Consultant

The Individual Consultant will provide technical and programmatic support to UNESCO ROEA for the implementation of the 2026-2027 Campus Africa workplan in Eastern Africa. The role involves supporting research projects, publication, AI integration in higher education, social entrepreneurship skills development, and qualification recognition initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support completion of the extended research project “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” in selected Anglophone Eastern African countries.
• Produce resource mobilisation briefs analysing gender gaps in STEM participation and transition to employment.
• Support publication and dissemination of the pilot phase of the “Empowering Women in Applied STEM” research project.
• Provide technical and programmatic support to the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation (AI for EAC).
• Support social entrepreneurship skills development for student innovators in Eastern Africa.
• Promote awareness, regional dialogue, and capacity building on recognition of qualifications and the implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention.
• Draft proposals, concept notes, briefing papers, and reports in support of Campus Africa programme implementation.
• Support participation in regional workshops, forums, and technical meetings including preparation and facilitation.
• Network and develop partnerships with universities, regional bodies, development partners, governments, and the private sector.
• Support resource mobilisation including identification of funding opportunities and development of funding proposals.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating research projects, managing multi-country or multi-partner programmes, and producing policy-relevant knowledge products.
• Experience working on gender equality in higher education and/or STEM is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the higher education landscape in Eastern Africa, including knowledge of relevant regional bodies (EAC, AU, IGAD) and policy frameworks (Addis Ababa Convention, EAC AI Strategy).
• Experience with AI integration in education or digital skills development is an asset.
• Prior experience working with UNESCO, other UN agencies, or international development organisations is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce high-quality reports, briefs, and proposals for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information and generate evidence-based recommendations.

Skills

• Higher Education Coordination
• Research Management
• Policy Analysis
• Multi-country Programme Management
• Gender Equality in Education
• STEM Education
• Higher Education Policy Analysis
• AI Integration
• Digital Skills
• Research Study Coordination
• Knowledge Product Development
• Report Writing
• Policy Brief Writing
• Proposal Writing
• Analytical Research
• Evidence-Based Recommendations
• Social Entrepreneurship Skills Development
• Qualifications Recognition
• Experience with UNESCO and UN Agencies

Languages

English