Consultant : KEMIS Strengthening Technical Advisor

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 3 - Senior

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Kiribati

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 3 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+12 Time) : 09/08/2026

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

OVERVIEW

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Kiribati ICT Transformation of Education Systems (KITES) Project, funded through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Transformation Grant (STG), aims to improve equitable access to quality education and strengthen teaching and learning through strategic investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project responds to key challenges facing the education sector, including geographic isolation, infrastructure limitations, disparities in access across remote and outer islands, and the limited availability of quality learning resources. Aligned with the Kiribati Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2024–2027) and the ICT in Education Master Plan, KITES is led by the Ministry of Education, with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States serving as the Grant Agent and providing technical oversight, coordination, and implementation support throughout the project.

The STG Programme is structured around three interconnected components: Component 1: Access – Expanding access to quality learning through ICT infrastructure and inclusive pedagogies; Component 2: Teaching Quality – Improving teaching quality and inclusion through digital resources and ICT integration; and Component 3: Systems Reform – Strengthening data systems and evidence-based decision-making through the Kiribati Education Management Information System (KEMIS).

This assignment will support the implementation of Component 3: Systems Reform by assessing the current status of KEMIS and the broader education data management ecosystem. Building on the findings of the 2024 EMIS Readiness Assessment for Transformation (RATT), the assignment will provide the evidence base and implementation roadmap required to guide future KEMIS enhancement and education data systems strengthening under the KITES Project.

OBJECTIVE
The consultant will support the Ministry of Education to: Assess the current operational status of KEMIS and related education data systems, deepening the RATT findings with specific focus on functional gaps, dataset gaps, and ICT-related data requirements; Map existing education datasets and identify priorities for integration into KEMIS, with attention to ICT infrastructure, teacher development, gender equality, disability inclusion, and other priority sector indicators; Review and map existing initiatives, support mechanisms, and stakeholder contributions relevant to KEMIS, to inform coordination mechanisms; Develop a phased implementation roadmap to guide KEMIS enhancement activities.

Long Description

ASSIGNMENTS

SCOPE OF WORK

1. KEMIS Operational Diagnostic: Review the findings and recommendations of the 2024 EMIS Readiness Assessment for Transformation (RATT) and assess progress made to date; Review the KEMIS architecture, functionality, system modules, integration arrangements, and reporting capabilities; Assess education data collection, validation, management, analysis, and reporting processes, including associated data flows and information management practices;Assess the availability, quality, completeness, accessibility, and use of education data across relevant MoE departments and stakeholders; Review current governance arrangements, institutional structures, and roles and responsibilities related to KEMIS and education data management; Identify key technical, data, institutional, and governance gaps, risks, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening KEMIS and the broader education data ecosystem.

2. Dataset Mapping and Gap Analysis: Develop an inventory of existing education datasets and data sources across MoE and relevant partner agencies; Assess current integration status of datasets within KEMIS and identify datasets that are collected but not yet integrated; Review datasets related to ICT infrastructure, teacher development, school performance, and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); Assess data quality, accessibility, frequency of collection, and reporting value of existing datasets; Identify gaps, duplication, interoperability issues, and opportunities for future integration;Develop recommendations on priority datasets for integration.

3. Stakeholder and Coordination Mapping: Map existing and planned KEMIS-related initiatives, development partner programmes, and technical support mechanisms; Identify key stakeholders, their roles, data contributions, and coordination arrangements; Assess existing coordination structures, including the ICT Task Force, the Data Working Group, and relevant LEG subgroups; Identify gaps in coordination and data sharing arrangements and recommend structures and processes to address them.

4. KEMIS Enhancement Roadmap Development: Identify functional, technical, and institutional requirements for KEMIS enhancement, grounded in the diagnostic and dataset mapping findings; Identify opportunities and requirements for improving reporting, dashboards, data visualisation, and analytics, including ICT infrastructure monitoring; Assess opportunities for strengthening school-level data collection, including the potential use of mobile-based data collection and data entry solutions; Identify capacity development requirements for MoE staff and other stakeholders; Develop recommendations for strengthening data governance, data quality assurance, and reporting protocols; Develop a phased implementation roadmap outlining priority enhancements, implementation sequencing, indicative timelines, resource requirements, and sustainability considerations, aligned with the KITES programme phases and budget.

5. Stakeholder Consultation and Validation: Conduct consultations with relevant MoE departments, KEMIS focal points, education officers, and other stakeholders in accordance with the MoE’s formal government reporting and communication protocols; Facilitate a stakeholder validation workshop and validate draft findings and recommendations through the programme’s established governance structures; Incorporate stakeholder feedback into final deliverables and present the final report and roadmap to the MoE and UNESCO.

Long Description

METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH

The consultant will adopt a participatory, evidence-based, and systems-oriented approach.

The methodology will include:

• Desk review of relevant documentation.
• Key informant interviews and stakeholder consultations.
• Analysis of KEMIS functionality, data management processes, governance arrangements, and coordination mechanisms.
• Assessment of education datasets and data flows.
• Validation of findings and recommendations through stakeholder consultations and workshops.

DELIVERABLES

Deliverable
Description
Timeline
Payment
Inception Report
Detailed methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement plan, and assessment framework.
Within 2 weeks of contract commencement
20%
Draft KEMIS Assessment Report
Draft comprehensive assessment report covering the current KEMIS operational status (building on RATT), dataset inventory and gap analysis, stakeholder and coordination mapping, and a draft phased implementation roadmap with preliminary recommendations.
Month 2
40%

Final KEMIS Assessment Report

(Validation workshop summary note attached as an annex to the final report) Final validated assessment report incorporating stakeholder feedback, including a comprehensive dataset mapping and gap analysis, identification of priority datasets for KEMIS integration, a phased implementation roadmap, and recommendations for governance, institutional strengthening, and capacity development. The consultant will present the final findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Education and UNESCO. Month 3 40%

CONTRACT DURATION

The consultancy is expected to be implemented over approximately three (3) months from the date of contract commencement. The assignment will be undertaken primarily through home-based work with consultations with relevant stakeholders. Travel to Kiribati may be required, subject to programme needs and UNESCO approval.

Long Description

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The consultant will be supervised by the UNESCO Education Programme Specialist, who will provide overall technical guidance, coordination, quality assurance, and oversight throughout the consultancy. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education (MoE), including designated technical focal points and relevant departments responsible for ICT, planning, and programme implementation.

UNESCO and the Ministry of Education will facilitate access to relevant documents, schools, technical teams, stakeholders, and other key counterparts required for the successful implementation of the assignment. Any travel required under the consultancy will be coordinated and approved by UNESCO.

Long Description

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

The consultant will be responsible for managing their own workspace, equipment, and communication tools required to carry out the assignment. The consultant is expected to maintain regular communication with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, providing updates on progress, risks, challenges, and emerging issues, and incorporating feedback into deliverables and technical recommendations.

All deliverables produced under the consultancy will be subject to technical review and approval by UNESCO, in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Education Planning, Education Management Information Systems (EMIS), Statistics, Information Systems, Data Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, ICT, Public Administration, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in education management information systems (EMIS), information systems development and management, education planning, monitoring and evaluation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience conducting EMIS assessments, diagnostics, systems analysis, or education data systems strengthening initiatives.
• Experience assessing information systems, data flows, reporting processes, and functional requirements, and translating findings into practical recommendations, implementation plans, or system improvement roadmaps.
• Experience working with Ministries of Education, government institutions, and development partner-funded programmes.
• Experience working in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Pacific Island Countries, or other developing country contexts is desirable.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and education data management.
• Knowledge of ICT systems and technologies relevant to EMIS environments.
• Knowledge of education sector planning, monitoring, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making processes.
• Understanding of data quality assurance, data management, and reporting systems.
• Strong analytical, report writing, facilitation, consultation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent written and spoken English.

APPLICATION PROCESS

UNESCO invites qualified individual consultants to submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers Website.

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment
• Technical Proposal outlining the proposed methodology and workplan
• Financial Proposal

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.