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TERMS OF REFERENCE

The purpose of this assignment is to develop comprehensive, practical, and nationally endorsed Safe Schools Guidelines that will guide education authorities, school leaders, teachers, learners, parents, and communities in establishing and sustaining safe, inclusive, gender-responsive, and child-centered learning environments.

The International Consultant will provide overall technical leadership and will be responsible for the design, conceptualization, drafting, and finalization of the National Safe Schools Guidelines.

Responsibilities or duties

1. Literature and Policy Review

2. Data Consolidation and Synthesis

3. Analytical Framework and Situational Analysis

4. Technical Design and Drafting of Guidelines

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Validation

6. Development of Implementation and Roll-out Framework

7. Guidelines Writing, Presentation, and Finalization

The assignment will use a participatory, inclusive, and evidence-based approach, including:

• Desk review of policies and existing guidance
• Review of international and regional best practices
• Stakeholder consultations and workshops
• Iterative drafting and validation with the Technical Working Group

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Download File TMC0001214 ToR.pdf

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Minimum requirements:

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education/Economics/Social Sciences or related field.

Work Experience:

At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in school safety, child protection, safeguarding, education in emergencies, and/or development of national education policies and frameworks.

International work experience, including engagement with government institutions, development partners, civil society, and/or private sector actors; expertise in international development and humanitarian response contexts is a strong asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.

Skills:

• Demonstrated excellent writing skills, with specific experience drafting national guidelines, policy documents, technical frameworks, and knowledge products related to education, protection, or gender-responsive programming.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within international, multicultural, and interdisciplinary teams, and to establish effective and professional working relationships with government counterparts and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with diverse audiences, including government officials, educators, communities, and development partners.
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and manage deliverables efficiently.

Desirables:

• Prior experience working with UNICEF, Ministries of Education, or UN agencies on children’s rights, safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusive education is an advantage.
• Experience working within international organizations, UN agencies, or similar institutions is desirable; familiarity with UNICEF systems and procedures is an asset.
• Experience in fragile, conflict-affected, or developing country contexts, with a strong understanding of field-level education and protection challenges, is desirable.
• Knowledge of UN/UNICEF systems, safeguarding standards, and education sector coordination mechanisms is an asset.

• Literature and Policy Review
• Data Consolidation and Synthesis
• Analytical Framework and Situational Analysis
• Technical Design and Drafting of Guidelines
• Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Validation
• Development of Implementation and Roll-out Framework
• Guidelines Writing, Presentation, and Finalization

• Demonstrated excellent writing skills, with specific experience drafting national guidelines, policy documents, technical frameworks, and knowledge products related to education, protection, or gender-responsive programming.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within international, multicultural, and interdisciplinary teams, and to establish effective and professional working relationships with government counterparts and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with diverse audiences, including government officials, educators, communities, and development partners.
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and manage deliverables efficiently.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education/Economics/Social Sciences or related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in school safety, child protection, safeguarding, education in emergencies, and/or development of national education policies and frameworks.
• International work experience, including engagement with government institutions, development partners, civil society, and/or private sector actors; expertise in international development and humanitarian response contexts is a strong asset.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.