TERMS OF REFERENCE
Since its establishment in 2019, the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development (PRC4ECD) has convened Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from finance, education, health, and social sectors to strengthen political leadership and accountability for ECD across the region. The Council has gained global recognition as a pioneering model for coordinated, multi-sectoral ECD action—mobilizing capacity-building, technical assistance, south–south cooperation, and financing (including emerging climate-related opportunities), while driving regional initiatives that enhance collaboration and accelerate country-level implementation.
At the same time, Pacific Ministers of Education have reaffirmed their commitment to Inclusive Education (IE) through the Pacific Regional Inclusive Education Framework (PRIEF) and have elevated IE as a standing agenda item for the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES). The Regional IE Taskforce, recognised as part of the regional education architecture in 2020 and elevated to ministerial level at that time requires additional strategic and secretarial support to improve momentum of the implementation of the PRIEF and the PHES endorsed Joint Statement of Priorities for Inclusive Education Due to its remote-operating modality, the Taskforce has faced challenges sustaining engagement. Strengthened coordination and technical guidance are urgently needed in the lead-up to the 2026 PHES Meeting and the 2027 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM).
The Pacific Technical Consultant or Strategy and Coordination of ECD and Inclusive Education will therefore play a strategic role in:
- Ensuring UNICEF fulfills its PRC4ECD secretariat responsibilities, including policy coordination, strategic planning, and reporting;
- Supporting the organization of the 2027 Pacific ECD Forum and completion of outstanding PRC4ECD commitments;
- Strengthening coherence between ECD, IE, and regional education priorities such as PacREF and the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent; Reinforcing the Regional IE Taskforce, including its monitoring, technical advisory role, and contributions to PHES and CPEM; and
- Providing continuity of trusted, regionally grounded technical expertise essential for sustaining momentum on two flagship regional priorities—ECD and Inclusive Education.
Through this consultancy UNICEF Pacific will be able to maintain high-quality, coordinated, and strategic secretariat support across both ECD and Inclusive Education, ensuring that regional commitments are translated into meaningful action for children and families across the Blue Pacific.
Scope Work
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic, technical, and coordination support to UNICEF Pacific in its role as Secretariat to both the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development (PRC4ECD) and the Pacific Regional Inclusive Education Framework (PRIEF). The consultant will strengthen regional mechanisms that advance ECD and Inclusive Education, ensure continuity across upcoming high-level milestones, and help translate political commitments into practical, country-level action.
The consultant will provide technical and operational guidance to the PRC4ECD, including the implementation of its workplan, strategic coordination with PIFS under the emerging co-secretariat modality, and facilitation of effective engagement with incoming co-chairs. A core responsibility will be supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of the 2027 Pacific ECD Forum, as well as the delivery of actionable guidance, tools, and resources that enable governments to accelerate ECD commitments across sectors.
The consultancy will also provide technical and operational support to the Pacific IE Taskforce, including implementing its workplan, strengthening follow-up to ministerial decisions, and monitoring progress on PRIEF implementation through PacREF and related initiatives. This includes developing technical inputs and background papers for the PHES and CPEM meetings, coordinating with the PacREF Facilitating Unit, and ensuring alignment with broader regional education priorities. The Pacific Disability Forum will serve as a key partner in the convening and follow-up of IE Taskforce activities.
The consultant is expected to work closely with Pacific Island governments, promoting participation from relevant ministries and ensuring clear communication and alignment with national priorities. Close collaboration with regional organizations—including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the Pacific Community (SPC), and the University of the South Pacific (USP)—as well as other development partners and international organizations will be essential to strengthen coherence, avoid duplication, and support coordinated regional action.
Education
- Advanced diploma in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Early Childhood Development, Education, Family Health, or a relevant field.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in social development planning and management including education, early childhood development, inclusion and/or other related areas at the international level.
- Experience designing and implementing participatory processes engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-level senior government officials.
- Work experience in the Pacific Islands region, including experience with the Pacific regional architecture, is required, with strong preference for experience with PRC4ECD and/or CPEM/PHES.
Language Requirements
Fluent in spoken and written English
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
- Experience working with UNICEF, a UN system agency or a CROP agency is an asset.
- Experience in a secretariat or equivalent role, including protocols for high-level engagement as well as standard practice for effective functioning of regional bodies and consultation and decision-making processes.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills required.
Desirable
- Candidate resides in any Pacific Island country.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
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.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
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.