Consultant – Education Cost and Finance (Paris, France) contract Temporary

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 3-APR-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

About the Team

Within the Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (ED/PLS), the Section of Education Policy (EDP) works to strengthen the resilience, quality, and equity of Member States’ education systems, helping them to respond effectively to the evolving needs of society and learners. EDP adopts a systems- and sector-wide approach to education and lifelong learning, offering a broad range of support to Member States including data analysis, technical advice, and the development of tools and guidelines for policy review, sector planning, monitoring and evaluation, among others.
 

Context and Purpose of the Consultancy

Achieving the SDG4 – Education 2030 agenda requires sustained, innovative and strategically targeted financing, along with efficient implementation, particularly in countries that are furthest from achieving quality basic education for all, or in emergency contexts. Countries are also facing the twin transitions of digital and green transformations. Closing the funding gap must start with domestic funding, while international public finance plays an important role in complementing national efforts to mobilize public resources, especially in low-income and lower to middle-income countries. In addition, alternative and innovative funding approaches will be key in addressing these challenges. 

The consultant will support the Education Finance work stream, located within the Section of Education Policy. The purpose is to help stimulate reflection, debate and the development of options at both the global and national levels regarding the cost and financing of education policy, in alignment with national education development goals and the broader global development agenda. The outputs of this programme will provide stakeholders with insights into global trends, best practices, and innovations in education finance. They will also help improve methodologies for costing and projecting funding requirements in the context of digital transformation, identify funding gaps, and assess the level of international readiness for supporting policy objectives. The programme will address country-specific needs, facilitate knowledge exchange among experts and stakeholders within and outside  UNESCO, and provide technical support to Member States through collaboration with various actors and institutions both inside and outside UNESCO. 
 

Main Duties and Tasks  

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, the guidance of the Chief of the Section of Education Policy, and the direct supervision of the Education Policies and Reforms Team Lead, the Consultant will perform the following tasks: 

1. Conceptualize and develop options and methodologies for costing and financing of education policy and reform in the era of digital transformation at both the global and national levels. 

This will include, but is not limited to, the following: 
•    Conduct a rapid literature review of contemporary education finance policies and practices, with a focus on the potential of technology for education development; 
•    Develop a mixed-methods approach for data collection, cleaning and integration;
•    Organize a series of expert meetings on education finance and innovative approaches, considering different geographic and income levels in the contemporary context; 
•    Provide analytical inputs and/or reports related to education finance;
•    Map global trends, best practices and innovations in education financing, highlighting their relevance to current policy discussions in formal committees, working groups, and coordination bodies at both global and national level;
•    Prepare recommendations to improve education financing at the country level, considering both the challenges of international and national financial contexts, and  the potential and prospect of technology in education to address increasing financial constraints.  

2. Support policy dialogue, technical assistance and capacity development in areas of education finance at the country level, with a focus on reviewing, costing and assessing financial implications of education policy priorities and strategies, including through the use  of simulation models.

This will include, but is not limited to the following:
•    Develop or adapt a simulation model to build scenarios for policy discussion and dialogue tailored to specific countries or contexts. 
•    Advise on policy options to ensure the sufficiency and sustainability of financial resources required to achieve national education development goals. 
•    Suggest partnerships arrangements and mechanisms for innovative financing to address financing gaps in the education sector. 
 
 

Deliverables
1.    An analytical report on the cost estimates of education development in the era of digital transformation (at least 15 pages excluding technical annexes) comprised of i) a summary of the rapid literature review; ii) a methodology for data collection, cleaning and integration, iii) a methodology for data analysis, (iv) mapping of promising country practices, (v) rough estimate of the financial implications. 

2.    A report (10 pages excluding annexes) summarizing the tasks performed to support policy dialogue, technical assistance and capacity development in areas of education finance at the country level – results, challenges, and lessons learnt.  

Intellectual Property
All materials produced under this consultancy will become the property of UNESCO. The consultant will ensure proper attribution of all sources and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Condition of Work  
The consultant shall be reporting to the Education Policies and Reforms Team Lead at the Section of Education Policy, UNESCO HQ, Paris. S/he is not required to be physically present in the office. 

Official Travel  
The consultant is not expected to travel on mission in pursue of the work assignment.  

•    Advanced degree (Master’s minimum) in education planning, economics, statistics, or related field;
•    Minimum 5 years of experience in international development, with a focus on low and middle income countries; 
•    Experience working with simulation model; ability to use or develop software solutions for projection and analysis modelling is a plus;  
•    Demonstrate understanding of education sector planning and budgeting processes 
•    Experience working with both Ministries of Education and Finance is a plus  
•    Strong policy research and analytical skills, including quantitative analysis, demonstrated through substantive contributions to policy reports and/or academic publications.
•    Fluency in English is required; fluency in French is an asset 
•    Excellent drafting skills, with ability to translate data insights into non technical narrative or papers.

Application including an updated CV, samples of work and/or list of publications, and contact details should be sent to h.le-thu@unesco.org by 3 April 2025