Education Sector Planning and Reform Design Consultant - Global Education Practice (Remote - Internationals only)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Education Sector Planning and Reform Design Consultant - Global Education Practice

Company: UNICEF

Location: Thailand (Remote)

Job Type: Contract

Category: Education Consulting / Policy Reform

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This consultancy focuses on providing expert technical assistance in education sector planning and reform design to support UNICEF's Global Education Practice (GEP).

• The role involves strengthening evidence-based policy and programme development, with a specific emphasis on countries engaged with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

• Key activities include supporting GPE Partnership Compact development, aligning financing strategies, and enhancing the use of evidence in decision-making for education system transformation.

• The consultant will collaborate closely with internal UNICEF teams, including Data, Economics and Assessment for Learning and Skills (DEALS) and Global Policy and Liaison, to ensure integrated approaches to sector planning and reform.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Consultant," the extensive experience required (10+ years) and the nature of the work suggest a senior-level role, akin to a subject matter expert or principal consultant within the operations and policy domain. The "internationals only" and remote nature imply a global talent search for specialized expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical advisory services to UNICEF program countries on education sector planning, policy reform, and systems strengthening, grounded in evidence, equity, and system transformation principles.

• Support the design and refinement of national education sector plans, reform packages, and investment frameworks, particularly for countries engaging with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

• Facilitate the development and implementation of GPE Partnership Compacts, acting as a technical resource for UNICEF country offices and national governments.

• Advise on aligning education financing strategies with reform priorities, utilizing economic analysis and evidence generation to inform decision-making processes.

• Strengthen the capacity of national stakeholders, including government officials and UNICEF staff, in evidence-based policy development, sector analysis, and reform implementation.

• Contribute to the development of policy briefs, technical guidelines, and best practice documents for UNICEF's Global Education Practice.

• Collaborate with internal UNICEF teams (GEP, DEALS, Global Policy and Liaison) to ensure coherence and integration of sector planning, reform design, evidence generation, and financing analysis.

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of education sector reforms, identifying lessons learned and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement within the education sector, aligning with operations-style project management and strategic advisory functions, albeit in a specialized domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Education, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, Social Policy, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in education sector planning, education policy reform, systems strengthening, or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience supporting countries engaged in Global Partnership for Education (GPE) processes, including Partnership Compact development and/or GPE grant implementation.

• Proven experience in education sector analysis, reform design, financing, policy implementation, or learning systems strengthening.

• Strong track record in evidence-based policy and programme design.

• Extensive experience working collaboratively with governments, multilateral organizations, and development partners.

• Familiarity with UNICEF programming and global education priorities is considered an asset. Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Analysis: Ability to conduct in-depth education sector analysis, identify key challenges, and develop strategic reform roadmaps.

• Policy Design & Reform: Expertise in designing and advising on evidence-based education policies and systemic reforms.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation: Proven ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and local partners, and to facilitate complex discussions and consensus-building.

• Technical Writing & Communication: Excellent drafting skills for policy documents, reports, and proposals, and the ability to synthesize complex technical information into clear, actionable recommendations for various audiences.

• Project Management (Consultancy): Experience managing consultancy engagements, delivering on time and to scope, and coordinating inputs from various sources.

• Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Expertise: In-depth understanding of GPE's operational frameworks, grant processes, and strategic objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Education Financing Analysis: Experience in analyzing education budgets, financing mechanisms, and investment strategies.

• Learning Systems Strengthening: Knowledge of approaches to improve learning outcomes through systemic interventions.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to interpret and utilize education data for evidence-based decision-making and reform design.

• Multilingualism: Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic, in addition to English, to enhance cross-cultural communication and engagement.

• UNICEF Programming: Familiarity with UNICEF's operational modalities, global goals, and strategic priorities in the education sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems strengthening," "reform design," and "evidence-based policy" strongly aligns with operations-focused strategic thinking and execution. The requirement for GPE expertise is a critical, specialized skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies on Education Sector Reforms: Demonstrable examples of past successful engagements in designing, planning, or implementing significant education sector reforms at a national or sub-national level. These should highlight the consultant's role, the challenges addressed, the strategies employed, and the outcomes achieved.

• Policy Analysis and Design Examples: Submissions showcasing the ability to analyze complex education policy environments, identify critical issues, and develop coherent, evidence-based policy recommendations or reform packages.

• GPE Engagement Documentation: Evidence of direct involvement in GPE-related processes, such as contributions to Partnership Compacts, grant proposals, or the implementation of GPE-funded projects. This could include anonymized excerpts of plans or reports.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation Outcomes: Examples illustrating successful stakeholder consultation, consensus-building, and capacity-building initiatives related to education sector planning and reform.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow and Strategy Development: Documentation illustrating the consultant's approach to developing strategic plans and reform roadmaps, including methodologies for sector analysis, prioritization, and implementation sequencing.

• Evidence Integration Frameworks: Examples of how the consultant has incorporated data and research into policy and programme design processes, demonstrating a systematic approach to evidence utilization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Models: Demonstration of how the consultant has coordinated efforts across different technical areas or with various stakeholders to achieve reform objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" might not be traditional for a policy consultant, the request for "process documentation" and "case studies" implies a need to demonstrate structured thinking, strategic execution, and measurable impact, akin to operations project portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a consultancy role with UNICEF, compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the developed financial proposal, aligned with UNICEF's consultant fee scales for senior-level expertise in specialized fields. Based on similar senior international development consultancies, a daily rate could range from $400 - $800 USD, leading to an estimated total compensation for the 8.5-month contract of approximately $70,000 - $136,000 USD, excluding potential taxes and local deductions.

Benefits:

• Contract Duration: 8.5 months, offering a defined period for focused project work.

• Remote Work Flexibility: The role is fully remote, allowing for work from any location with reliable internet access.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge global education initiatives and contribute to significant policy reforms.

• Global Impact: Direct contribution to UNICEF's mission of improving children's lives and fulfilling their potential through strengthened education systems.

• Attractive Compensation: Competitive remuneration package commensurate with senior-level expertise and specialized skills.

• Networking Opportunities: Collaboration with a global network of education specialists, government officials, and development partners.

Working Hours: Standard professional working hours, expected to be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate different time zones for international collaboration and potential urgent project needs. The specific schedule will be determined in coordination with the hiring team and relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical rates for senior international consultants in the development sector, particularly with organizations like UNICEF. The benefits package emphasizes the nature of consultancy work and its unique advantages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International Development / Humanitarian Aid / Education

Company Size: UNICEF is a large, global organization with over 13,000 staff members across more than 190 countries and territories. This signifies a robust, established infrastructure and a wide reach.

Founded: 1946, by the United Nations General Assembly. This long history indicates stability, deep-rooted expertise, and a well-established global presence.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will be based within the Global Education Practice (GEP) Policy Reform and Programme Design team.

• This team operates within a larger global structure at UNICEF, coordinating with regional offices and country offices worldwide.

• Close coordination is expected with the Data, Economics and Assessment for Learning and Skills (DEALS) team and the Global Policy and Liaison team, highlighting a matrixed or collaborative reporting and working structure. Methodology:

• Evidence-Based Approach: Strong emphasis on utilizing data, research, and best practices to inform policy design, sector planning, and reform implementation.

• Systems Thinking: Focus on strengthening entire education systems rather than isolated interventions, promoting sustainable and equitable outcomes.

• Partnership and Collaboration: Working closely with national governments, other UN agencies, NGOs, and development partners to achieve shared goals.

• Equity and Inclusion: Core commitment to ensuring that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to quality education.

Company Website: https://www.unicef.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNICEF's culture is deeply rooted in its mandate to serve children. The Global Education Practice operates within this framework, emphasizing data-driven strategies, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to equity. The consultant's role is integral to this mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level consultancy within the specialized field of education policy and sector reform. It is equivalent to a Principal Consultant or Senior Subject Matter Expert, requiring deep domain knowledge and extensive practical experience.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a designated focal point within the GEP Policy Reform and Programme Design team. They will also work in close coordination with other relevant teams and potentially with UNICEF Country Representatives or Education Specialists in supported countries, indicating a multi-faceted reporting and collaboration dynamic.

Operations Impact: The consultant's work will directly influence national education policies and strategies, impacting the learning outcomes and future potential of millions of children. By strengthening education systems and improving planning and reform design, the role contributes significantly to UNICEF's overarching mission and global development goals. The focus on GPE processes also means influencing the direction of significant international education funding and reform agendas.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepen knowledge and practical experience in education sector planning, reform design, and GPE frameworks through hands-on engagement with diverse country contexts.

• Global Network Expansion: Build and strengthen professional relationships with leading education experts, policymakers, and international development professionals within UNICEF and partner organizations.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the development of UNICEF's global knowledge products, potentially leading to opportunities for presenting findings at international forums or contributing to publications.

• Future Consultancy Engagements: Successful performance in this role can lead to further consultancy opportunities with UNICEF or other major international development organizations requiring similar expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional internal career path, this consultancy offers significant growth in specialized expertise, global networking, and potential for future high-level advisory roles in international development and education reform.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. The "office" environment will be the consultant's chosen workspace, requiring a professional and conducive setting for focused work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Thailand for administrative purposes, but the work is performed remotely. This means the consultant can be located anywhere globally, provided they have reliable internet access and can manage time zone differences for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Independent Work: The role requires a high degree of self-discipline, autonomy, and the ability to manage one's own workload and schedule effectively.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Reliance on virtual communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, email) for meetings, document sharing, and team interaction.

• Cross-Cultural Interaction: Frequent engagement with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and professional settings, requiring adaptability and strong cross-cultural communication skills.

• Access to Information: While remote, consultants are expected to leverage UNICEF's internal resources, knowledge bases, and relevant external research portals.

Work Schedule: The consultant is expected to dedicate approximately 40 hours per week to this role. While the work is remote, there will be a need for synchronous collaboration with teams and stakeholders across various time zones, requiring flexibility in scheduling meetings and responding to urgent requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature necessitates strong self-management and digital collaboration skills. The "Thailand" location might be an administrative anchor for the contract rather than a physical work requirement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted CV, cover letter, and financial proposal against the minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Technical Assessment/Interview: Likely to involve a panel interview with members of the GEP Policy Reform and Programme Design team, potentially including representatives from DEALS or other relevant units. This stage will assess technical expertise, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities related to education sector planning and reform. Candidates may be asked to discuss their experience with GPE processes, evidence-based policy design, and experience in specific country contexts.

• Case Study Presentation (Potential): Candidates might be asked to prepare and present a short case study or a response to a hypothetical scenario related to education sector reform challenges, demonstrating their analytical and strategic approach.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a senior leader within the Global Education Practice to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the consultancy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to Requirements: Ensure your CV and cover letter directly address the "Minimum Requirements" and "Knowledge/expertise/Skills" sections, highlighting relevant GPE experience and strategic planning capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your previous work in education sector planning and reform design.

• Showcase GPE Experience: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to GPE processes, such as Partnership Compact development, grant management, or policy alignment.

• Highlight Evidence-Based Approach: Provide concrete examples of how you have used data and research to inform policy recommendations and reform strategies.

• Demonstrate Facilitation Skills: Use your cover letter or interview responses to show how you have effectively engaged diverse stakeholders and facilitated consensus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research UNICEF's Global Education Strategy: Understand UNICEF's current priorities, challenges, and approaches in global education.

• Familiarize Yourself with GPE Frameworks: Review the Global Partnership for Education's strategic goals, operational modalities, and the typical components of Partnership Compacts.

• Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach specific challenges, such as designing a reform package for a country with limited resources or mediating conflicting stakeholder interests.

• Articulate Your Methodology: Be ready to explain your systematic approach to sector analysis, policy design, and reform implementation, emphasizing your evidence-based methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a rigorous assessment of specialized technical expertise, practical experience, and strategic thinking, common for senior-level consultancies in international development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (for report writing, policy briefs), Excel (for data analysis, financial modeling support), PowerPoint (for presentations, stakeholder engagement materials), and Outlook (for communication).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with virtual meeting tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and document-sharing platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive) is essential for remote work.

• Project Management Software (Optional but beneficial): Experience with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira could be beneficial for tracking consultancy tasks and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata): Proficiency may be required for in-depth analysis of education data, though the level of direct usage will depend on the specific tasks. More likely, the ability to interpret outputs from such software will be key.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): Ability to understand and interpret data visualizations, and potentially guide others in their creation, to communicate findings effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• UNICEF Internal Systems: Familiarity with UNICEF's internal systems and platforms for reporting, knowledge management, and communication will be acquired upon engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a remote, high-level consultancy, focusing on communication, document creation, and data interpretation rather than highly specialized operational software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Children's Rights: A fundamental value driving all UNICEF's work, ensuring that decisions and recommendations prioritize the well-being and rights of children.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking responsibility for actions and outcomes, essential for building trust with governments and partners.

• Respect for Diversity: Valuing and respecting different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, crucial for effective collaboration in a global context.

• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for high-quality results and embracing new approaches to address complex educational challenges, fostering continuous improvement.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Believing in the power of working together with governments, communities, and other organizations to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working collaboratively with national governments as primary partners, respecting their ownership and leadership in sector planning and reform.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Engaging effectively with various UNICEF teams (GEP, DEALS, Country Offices) to ensure integrated and coherent support.

• Evidence-Driven Dialogue: Facilitating discussions based on data and research to promote informed decision-making among diverse stakeholders.

• Capacity Building Focus: Empowering national counterparts through knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving, rather than imposing solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with the broader UN system and UNICEF's mandate, emphasizing a child-centric, ethical, and collaborative approach to development work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Political and Institutional Landscapes: Working within diverse national contexts with varying levels of government capacity, political will, and existing reform agendas.

• Balancing Global Agendas with National Realities: Ensuring that international frameworks (like GPE) are adapted effectively to meet specific national needs and contexts.

• Data Availability and Quality: Addressing challenges related to the availability, reliability, and use of education data in some program countries for evidence-based planning.

• Coordination Across Multiple Stakeholders: Managing relationships and aligning efforts among government ministries, UNICEF teams, other development partners, and civil society.

• Remote Work Demands: Maintaining high levels of engagement, productivity, and effective communication while working remotely across different time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Expertise in GPE Mechanisms: Gaining hands-on, in-depth experience with the GPE's strategic and operational frameworks.

• Exposure to Diverse Education Systems: Learning about the unique strengths, challenges, and reform approaches in various national education systems.

• Strengthening Policy Advisory Skills: Enhancing capabilities in strategic planning, policy analysis, and stakeholder facilitation within complex international development settings.

• Contributing to Global Knowledge: Opportunity to shape and contribute to UNICEF's global knowledge base on education sector reform and systems strengthening.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for high-level international development consultancies, requiring adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and strategic problem-solving. The growth opportunities are significant for career development in the education policy and international development fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in supporting countries with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) processes. What specific contributions have you made to Partnership Compact development or grant implementation?" (Focus on specific roles, challenges, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach designing evidence-based education sector reforms? Walk us through your methodology from analysis to recommendation." (Emphasize systematic processes, data utilization, and stakeholder consultation.)

• "Imagine a country is struggling to align its education financing with its strategic reform priorities. What steps would you take to help them address this challenge?" (Demonstrate understanding of education economics, budgeting, and policy alignment.)

• "How do you ensure that education sector planning and reform design processes are inclusive and equitable, particularly for marginalized groups?" (Highlight your commitment to equity and specific strategies to achieve it.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about UNICEF's role in global education and its approach to systems strengthening?" (Show awareness of UNICEF's mandate and operational principles.)

• "How do you see your skills and experience contributing to the GEP Policy Reform and Programme Design team's objectives?" (Connect your expertise directly to the team's goals.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to work with diverse stakeholders with conflicting interests to achieve a common goal. How did you manage it?" (Assess collaboration and negotiation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline the context, the problem, your specific role and actions, the methodology used, the outcomes achieved, and lessons learned.

• Highlight GPE Involvement: If presenting GPE-related work, clearly state your role and specific contributions to the compact or grant process.

• Emphasize Evidence and Data: Show how data and research informed your analysis and recommendations. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the rationale behind your strategic recommendations and how they addressed systemic issues.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present information in an organized and easy-to-understand manner, suitable for a remote presentation format.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep expertise in education sector reform, GPE processes, evidence-based policy, and strong stakeholder management skills, all within the context of UNICEF's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the UNICEF Talent Management System (TMS) portal.

• Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Ensure your CV and cover letter specifically highlight your 10+ years of experience in education sector planning, policy reform, and systems strengthening, with explicit mention of your work with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to design and implement education sector reforms, analyze education financing, and engage diverse stakeholders. Focus on case studies with measurable outcomes.

• Financial Proposal Development: Prepare a detailed financial proposal in the specified format, outlining your proposed daily rate and total fees for the 8.5-month contract. Ensure it reflects your senior-level expertise and aligns with industry standards for international consultants.

• Research UNICEF's Education Strategy: Familiarize yourself with UNICEF's current global education priorities, challenges, and approaches to systems strengthening to better align your application and interview responses with the organization's objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.