The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting applications for the Campus Africa Consultant position based at its Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. The consultancy offers an opportunity for experienced professionals in higher education, research management, policy development, gender equality, and international development to contribute to regional education initiatives across Eastern Africa. The consultant will support the implementation of UNESCO’s Campus Africa Programme for the 2026–2027 biennium. The programme seeks to strengthen research capacity, improve graduate employability, support innovation, promote quality assurance, and advance the recognition of higher education qualifications across the region. Applications are open to external candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications and at least five years of professional experience. The successful candidate will work with governments, universities, regional institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance evidence-based education policies and programmes. UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant 2026: Overview Position: Campus Africa Consultant Organisation: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Hiring unit: Education Sector Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya Work arrangement: On-site Contract type: Individual consultant contract Level: Level 2 – Middle Contract duration: Six months Application deadline: 23 October 2026 Remuneration: Applicants must propose an overall lump-sum consultancy cost in USD; a fixed fee is not specified in the announcement. About the UNESCO Campus Africa Programme UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa coordinates the Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative designed to transform higher education as a driver of inclusive development, innovation, and regional integration. The programme focuses on strengthening research networks, aligning higher education with labour-market needs, improving quality assurance, supporting the recognition of qualifications, and enhancing institutional leadership and governance. During the 2026–2027 biennium, the programme prioritises gender-responsive research in applied science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence integration in higher education, social entrepreneurship for student innovators, and implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention on the recognition of qualifications in higher education. The consultant will provide technical, research, programme coordination, partnership development, and resource mobilisation support across these areas. Key Responsibilities of the Campus Africa Consultant 1. Advance gender equality in applied STEM research The consultant will support the completion and dissemination of the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Seychelles, and Somalia. Responsibilities include preparing donor-specific resource mobilisation briefs, contributing to a regional synthesis report, coordinating knowledge-sharing webinars, and supporting the implementation of research recommendations. The consultant will also assist with the publication of pilot-phase research covering Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Tanzania, including editorial coordination, report clearance, dissemination, and the development of follow-up interventions for female researchers and early-career STEM professionals. 2. Support artificial intelligence and digital skills development The successful candidate will provide technical and programme support to the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation (AI for EAC). Tasks include documenting innovation challenge outcomes, assessing AI-related needs in higher education, identifying capacity gaps, developing programme proposals, mapping potential donors, and coordinating regional consultations and knowledge-exchange activities. 3. Strengthen social entrepreneurship among student innovators The consultant will help document promising student-led innovations, develop follow-up support plans, and identify opportunities to expand social entrepreneurship training to additional countries in Eastern Africa. The role also involves refining project proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and building partnerships with universities, incubators, private-sector organisations, development partners, and potential mentors. 4. Promote qualification recognition and quality assurance The consultant will support regional cooperation on the recognition of higher education qualifications and implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention. Responsibilities include mapping national qualification-recognition authorities, preparing country action plans, coordinating regional consultations, supporting ratification efforts, and facilitating capacity-building on the UNESCO Qualifications Passport methodology and labour-market intelligence. 5. Coordinate programmes and develop partnerships Additional duties include preparing concept notes, policy briefs, funding proposals, reports, and workshop documentation. The consultant will also help establish collaborative partnerships, support joint initiatives, facilitate regional networking, and contribute to resource mobilisation for Campus Africa activities. Expected Deliverables The consultancy includes a structured set of outputs covering research, AI in education, social entrepreneurship, qualification recognition, and programme coordination. Expected deliverables include: Publication-ready reports on applied STEM research and the pilot research phase. Donor mapping, resource mobilisation briefs, and funding proposals. Regional webinars and documented stakeholder consultations. An assessment of regional AI and higher education priorities, alongside donor and partner mapping. A portfolio and follow-up support plan for promising student innovations. Qualification-recognition consultation reports and action plans for at least three countries. Documentation of capacity-building activities and labour-market intelligence training. A final programme coordination report covering partnerships, workshops, resource mobilisation, and consultancy activities. All deliverables must be submitted in English using formats approved by UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following essential requirements: Education A master’s degree or equivalent advanced university qualification in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or a related discipline. Professional experience Candidates must have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis, or a closely related field. Applicants should demonstrate experience in coordinating research projects, managing multi-country or multi-partner programmes, and producing policy-relevant research outputs. The following experience and knowledge are advantageous: Work involving gender equality in higher education or STEM. Familiarity with Eastern African higher education systems and regional institutions, including the East African Community, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Knowledge of the Addis Ababa Convention and the EAC AI Strategy. Experience in AI integration in education or digital skills development. Previous work with UNESCO, other United Nations agencies, or international development organisations. Technical and professional skills Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and spoken English, strong analytical and research abilities, and the capacity to prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and proposals. They should be able to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, work independently, and engage effectively with governments, universities, civil society organisations, and development partners. Proficiency in standard office software is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage. Benefits of the Consultancy This assignment offers an opportunity to contribute to regional education policy and institutional development through UNESCO’s international mandate. The consultant will gain professional exposure to multi-country research coordination, higher education reform, gender-responsive STEM initiatives, AI and digital skills development, social entrepreneurship, and international cooperation on qualification recognition. The role may also help strengthen professional networks with universities, government institutions, regional bodies, development partners, and international education stakeholders. However, the announcement does not specify a fixed salary, employee benefits, or relocation assistance. Applicants must indicate their proposed total consultancy cost in USD. Required Application Documents Applicants must complete the online application and attach all required documents by 23 October 2026: Current CV or résumé: Clearly outline relevant qualifications, professional experience, and achievements. Cover letter: Maximum two pages, explaining suitability for the consultancy and demonstrating how previous experience matches the assignment. Proposed approach: Describe how the candidate would deliver the assignment, including any support or inputs required from UNESCO. Two professional referees: Provide their contact details. Writing sample: Submit a relevant policy brief, research report, or comparable knowledge product. Financial proposal: State the overall consultancy cost as a lump sum in US dollars. How to Apply for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Position Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNESCO recruitment portal. Step 1: Review the vacancy details and confirm that the education and professional experience requirements are met. Step 2: Prepare a targeted CV highlighting research coordination, policy analysis, higher education, gender equality, stakeholder engagement, and regional programme experience. Step 3: Write a concise cover letter connecting relevant achievements to the five main work areas. Where possible, demonstrate measurable results from previous research projects, partnerships, funding proposals, or regional initiatives. Step 4: Develop a clear implementation approach and a realistic lump-sum financial proposal in USD. Ensure that the proposed approach addresses the assignment’s deliverables and indicative deadlines. Step 5: Attach the two professional referees’ contact details and a strong writing sample relevant to the consultancy. Step 6: Submit the complete online application before the deadline. UNESCO states that applications cannot be modified after submission, so candidates should carefully review all information and attachments before finalising the application. Shortlisted applicants may undergo written assessments, pre-recorded video interviews, panel interviews, and reference checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the selection process. Application Deadline The deadline for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant position is 23 October 2026, at midnight UTC+3. Applicants should submit their documents well before the closing time to avoid last-minute technical problems. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY UNESCO is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, underrepresented groups, Indigenous and minority communities, and persons with disabilities. UNESCO does not charge application or recruitment fees. 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