• Under the guidance and general supervision of the Research Manager, Education (Level 4), the Research Specialist – Education will support implementation and coordination of research activities in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• The research specialist will provide technical research support to countries in Eastern and Southern Africa region in close collaboration with the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) including in the development and uptake of research and evidence into programming, planning and policy.
• support coordination and research activities for ongoing research programmes active in the region including the Data Must Speak research, Women in Learning Leadership and the new large scale implementation research programme
• act as a focal point for UNICEF Innocenti in the region and as a key resource person for the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE) strategic partnership, engaging with evidence in education partners at the regional and country levels, and supporting the Research Manager, Education (Systems Strengthening) with partnership engagement at the global level.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Research Planning and Coordination
• Oversight of Research Designs, Methods and Analysis
• Research Technical Support and Capacity Building
• Knowledge Management, Evidence Uptake and Partnerships.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, economics, psychology, sociology or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in education research, social science research, education programming or related fields.
• Strong experience in statistical analysis utilizing large data sets, is required.
• Demonstrated people management skills and the ability to forge and manage partnerships.
• Proven experience drafting quality research outputs for different stakeholders and audiences is required.
• Experience working in a development setting, managing programmes and / or research is required.
• Knowledge of econometric models and identification strategies to test impact of programmes required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill.

Develop and Implement Regional Private Sector Strategies:

• Guide the development, implementation, and regular updating of a comprehensive regional framework for private sector fundraising and non-financial engagement strategies, aligning with global and Africa-wide strategies.
• Collaborate with Country Offices (COs) to ensure strategies are in sync with programmatic priorities and integrated into Country Program Documents (CPDs).
• Regularly update the situation analysis impacting private sector engagement, focusing on trends in sustainability, and priority industries affecting children’s rights and well-being.

Strategic Partnerships and Regional Fundraising Initiatives:

• Lead the identification, development, and management of high-value regional and multi-country partnerships, including Public-Private Partnerships, with major donors, foundations, and businesses.
• Guide research on prospects and ensure a continuously updated list of high-priority regional partnerships, including those that bring increased financial resources and non-financial benefits to COs.
• Explore and develop new regional or sub-region-wide fundraising initiatives to enhance resource mobilization efforts including for emergencies.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for some of the high-priority regional partnerships, ensuring proper stewardship, renewal, and expansion of these partnerships.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Provide strategic and technical support to COs, particularly those in earlier stages of private sector engagement, on the development and implementation of private sector plans and holistic partnerships.
• Share global and regional best practices, provide direct technical support on key processes like due diligence and agreements, and guide the integration of child rights into business operations.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and learning across the region, including the organization of webinars, workshops, and sharing of best practices to build CO capacity.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify risks associated with private sector engagement and guide COs in implementing risk mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with internal reporting and operational processes, particularly in the development of new fundraising channels and partnerships.

Support to Broader Partnership and Resource Mobilization Efforts:

• Contribute to broader regional and global partnership objectives by supporting related tasks and ensuring an integrated approach across the partnership team.
• Guide the transition of COs through different stages of private sector engagement, coordinating with PFP and other relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate support and accountabilities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree in social sciences, business administration, management, Corporate Social Responsibility marketing, fundraising or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 8 years relevant and progressively responsible professional work experience including private sector fundraising, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility /sustainability.
• Knowledge of private sector fundraising, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility /sustainability is required.
• Experience working or living in Africa is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in French is highly desirable.

Key functions and accountabilities:

• Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action
• Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children
• Partnership, capacity building and coordination.
• Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy
• UNICEF Programme Management

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A university degree in one of the fields: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant professional work experience. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency contexts is desirable.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.