Consultancy to provide technical and related support to the Department of Basic Education’s ECD Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa/Education, Early Childhood Development, 13.5 months (NATIONAL ONLY, home and office based with trip)

Contract Duration – 13.5 months

Working arrangement: Hybrid (home and office based) with trip

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical and related support to the Department of Basic Education’s ECD Directorate in the development, strengthening, and maintenance of knowledge and professional development support systems within the early learning sector which include the expansion and content management of the ECD Information Hub as a dynamic knowledge and advocacy platform; the migration, implementation, content development, and sustainability of digital ECD platforms such and ECDmobi and the P.L.A.Y. online in-service training; and the identification and sharing of key knowledge products on early learning through play in an accessible and effective manner to all stakeholders.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy on the detailed deliverables and expected outcomes, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Ext ToR TMC0002019.docx

• Minimum requirements:
• Education: A Bachelor`s degree or equivalent in education, early childhood development, basic education, social sciences or related technical fields is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of the of ICT is an added advantage.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as digital content development, knowledge management, communications, or management of online platforms.
• Skills:
• Strong background in information or knowledge management, digital media, or information systems/ICT.
• Sound knowledge of content management systems (CMS), website management, and digital analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics or similar platforms).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, content development, and reporting skills.
• Language Requirements: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including strong writing, editing, and the ability to translate technical information into user-friendly formats.
• Desirables:
• Understanding of early childhood development (ECD) and the education sector in South Africa will be an added advantage.
• Experience in content creation, report writing, and digital platform management.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Only South African citizens will be considered for this assignment.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal Financial proposal TMC0002019.docx

Remarks:

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.