Support research for Higher Education/ Campus Africa

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

As approved in the 41 C/4, Campus Africa's overall objective is to build integrated, inclusive, and quality tertiary education systems and institutions, for the development of inclusive and equitable societies on the continent. Practically all actions on higher education in Africa by UNESCO, HQs, Field Offices in Africa, and category 1 Institutes in the 2024-2025 biennium (42 C/5 ED Output 4), are expected to deliver on and contribute closely to the objectives of the Programme Campus Africa “Reinforcing higher education in Africa, within the implementation of the Operational Strategy Africa 2022-2029”.

Therefore, within the key global and regional framework documents (such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and specifically the Sustainable Development Goal 4, UNESCO Strategy on Technological Innovation in Education (2022–2025), African Union Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016-2025), Transforming Education Calls to Action, and the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Regional Support Strategy’s), UNESCO Education Sector is seeking a consultancy to build on the work done in the region on improving access to quality higher education, and in particular the flagship 1 on Campus Africa. To achieve the Campus Africa objective, UNESCO is working with its networks and partners to pool expertise and resources and ensure synergies in action for sustainable impact.

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Education Sector, the following tasks will be carried out in close collaboration with the Education Programme Specialist for Higher Education:

1.Study the UNESCO global Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029 Programme 1: Campus Africa – Reinforcing Higher Education in Africa and related publications for clear understanding.

2.Follow up with participating universities on their respective assignments in the implementation of ongoing and planned studies and research of the Education Unit by providing feedback and comments received from stakeholders from eastern Africa.

3. Collate comments and reviews received and consolidate for action by the Programme Specialist.

4. Support the process of stakeholder engagement from universities, UNESCO Chairs, UNITIN, Nobel prize winners, and researchers in Higher Education among others to improve understanding of the aim and expected outcome on Campus Africa.

5. Provide and review inputs for communication and visibility materials such as fliers, kakemonos, policy briefs etc. as required by different stakeholders on Campus Africa.

6. Support the organization of online and in-person workshops on Campus Africa targeting stakeholders of higher education in Eastern Africa in particular, and Africa in general, inviting key governments, educational institutions, development partners, quality assurance council/agencies, NGOs, funding agencies, and institutions, including UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs working in Higher Education.

7. Support the creation and management of platforms and consortiums for engaging stakeholders in discussions and key actions required.

8. Contribute to the Education Unit resource mobilization strategy for Campus Africa implementation by proposing funding models, sustainability plans, and partnerships and networks among universities and entities to establish synergistic collaborations.

1.Education: Advanced university degree in education, Higher Education, or any related fields.

2.Language: Excellent written and spoken English. Good knowledge of French is an asset.

3.Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, research, and advisory capacity in the field of Higher Education, and university processes.

4.Good skills in research and report writing.

5.Previous work experience in a UN organization and knowledge of Eastern African countries is highly desirable.