Contract Duration – 6.9 months

Working arrangement: Remote with travel

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

UNICEF Tajikistan seeks to engage a National Research Consultant to provide time-bound, deliverable-based research and analytical support under the GPE-funded Tech4Ed Initiative, implemented jointly by UNICEF Tajikistan and EdTech Hub. The consultancy is temporary in nature, with clearly defined outputs to be completed within a specified period.

The purpose of this assignment is to support the Lead International Consultant in generating high-quality analytical evidence across two priority research areas under the Tech4Ed Initiative: (1) the development of an investment case and cost model for a Cluster School Approach (CSA) to school digitalization, and (2) an analysis of innovative connectivity solutions — including mobile and satellite technologies — for internet and intranet access in Tajikistan's schools.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: TMC0004605 External ToR.pdf

Minimum requirements:

Education:

Advanced degree (Masters or higher) in Social Studies, Statistics, Education Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Computer Science, Telecommunications Development Studies and/or other related fields.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in digital learning, EdTech, education research, connectivity initiatives, or education sector policy and planning.
Demonstrated experience in conducting research, data analysis, policy reviews, and preparation of analytical reports.
Experience working with government institutions, telecommunication service providers, development partners, and international organizations is required.
Experience supporting education digitalization (e.g., school connectivity, digital content, digital literacy) is an asset.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:

Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
Knowledge of EdTech, school connectivity, digital learning ecosystems, and ICT in education.
Familiarity with the education sector and digital transformation priorities in Tajikistan.
Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government and telecom providers.
Proficiency in data analysis tools.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Tajik is required.
Working knowledge of Russian is required.

Desirables:

Previous experience with UNICEF, GPE, EdTech Hub, and/or other international development organizations.
Knowledge of school connectivity technologies, PPP models, and AI curriculum frameworks.
Experience supporting policy dialogue and evidence-based education planning in Tajikistan or Central Asia.

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 promote 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 the 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, TMS (Talent Management System):

An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
Cover letter
A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template) TMC0004605 financial proposal template.xlsx

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.

National Consultancy to support the research on Technology for Education (Tech4Ed Initiative, Tajikistan) 6,9 month, Remote with travel