UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026 in Kenya | 6-Month Consultancy Opportunity
Table of Contents
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026 is an international development consultancy opportunity based at the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. The consultancy focuses on strengthening higher education, research capacity, gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence (AI) in education, student entrepreneurship, and the recognition of academic qualifications across Eastern Africa.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking a qualified individual consultant to support the implementation of its Campus Africa Programme during the 2026–2027 biennium. The successful candidate will contribute to regional research projects, programme coordination, partnership development, resource mobilisation, policy analysis, and knowledge-sharing activities.
This UNESCO consultant opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals with experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, education policy, gender-responsive development, and international cooperation.
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant position offers a six-month consultancy contract, providing an opportunity to contribute to regional education initiatives and collaborate with universities, government institutions, development partners, and international organisations.
Important: The official application deadline is 23 October 2026. Applicants should check the official UNESCO recruitment portal immediately to confirm whether the application remains open before submitting their documents.
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UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026: Key Details
- Job Title: 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
- Contract Level: Level 2 – Middle
- Duration: Six months
- Recruitment Category: External candidates
- Academic Requirement: Advanced university degree at Master’s level or equivalent
- Minimum Experience: Five years of relevant professional experience
- Application Deadline: 23 October 2026
- Remuneration: Overall consultancy cost to be proposed by the applicant as a lump sum in USD
- Official Application Portal: UNESCO Careers
No fixed salary or consultancy fee is specified in the supplied vacancy announcement. Applicants must therefore indicate their proposed overall cost for completing the assignment in their application.
About UNESCO and the Campus Africa Programme
UNESCO is a United Nations specialised agency that promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. Its programmes support inclusive development, knowledge exchange, institutional capacity-building, and cooperation between countries.
Through its Regional Office for Eastern Africa, UNESCO implements the Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative designed to transform higher education across Africa and strengthen its contribution to sustainable development.
The Campus Africa Programme aims to improve higher education systems through research partnerships, stronger links between universities and employers, better quality assurance, recognition of academic qualifications, and improved institutional governance.
In Eastern Africa, the programme supports initiatives addressing gender equality in STEM, AI integration in higher education, social entrepreneurship among student innovators, and regional cooperation on the recognition of qualifications.
The selected Campus Africa Consultant will help turn these programme priorities into practical activities, research outputs, funding proposals, partnerships, and policy recommendations.
What Is the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job About?
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant will provide technical, research, and programme coordination support to the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
Working under the supervision of the Education Sector leadership and the Campus Africa programme team, the consultant will support the implementation of the 2026–2027 workplan across several interconnected areas.
These include completing research on women in applied STEM, publishing existing research findings, supporting AI and digital skills initiatives, developing student entrepreneurship programmes, promoting the recognition of qualifications, and coordinating partnerships across Eastern Africa.
The consultant will also help prepare reports, policy briefs, concept notes, funding proposals, consultation documents, and other knowledge products needed to advance UNESCO’s higher education priorities.
The role requires strong analytical skills, professional writing ability, stakeholder engagement experience, and the capacity to manage several assignments simultaneously.
Main Responsibilities of the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant
1. Research on Women in Applied STEM
One of the main responsibilities of the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant is supporting the completion of the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project.
The research examines gender gaps in STEM participation, transitions into employment, institutional career services, and structural barriers affecting women in agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.
The extended research project covers selected Anglophone Eastern African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Seychelles, and Somalia.
The consultant will:
- Prepare two-page resource mobilisation briefs tailored to potential donors.
- Support the development of a consolidated regional research report.
- Analyse policy gaps, regional trends, and barriers affecting women in STEM.
- Coordinate knowledge-sharing webinars involving policymakers, universities, and development partners.
- Support at least one least developed country in Eastern Africa in implementing research recommendations.
- Facilitate engagement with UNESCO Chairs and relevant research partners.
This responsibility requires research coordination, policy analysis, report writing, and a sound understanding of gender-responsive development.
2. Publication and Dissemination of STEM Research
The consultant will also support the publication of the pilot phase of the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project, covering Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Working in collaboration with UNESCO’s International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC), the consultant will help finalise and disseminate research findings.
Responsibilities include coordinating editorial reviews, proofreading, copy-editing, graphic design arrangements, and publication processes.
The consultant will also support regional webinars, identify possible follow-up interventions, and help develop proposals to improve mentoring, networking, career development, and access to opportunities for female researchers, doctoral candidates, and early-career STEM professionals.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education
Another major component of the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026 involves supporting the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation, known as AI for EAC.
The consultant will contribute to efforts to strengthen AI integration in higher education and digital skills development across countries covered by the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
Key responsibilities include:
- Documenting outcomes and lessons from the AI for EAC Innovation Challenge.
- Assessing regional needs and capacity gaps related to artificial intelligence in higher education.
- Supporting the development of strategic programme priorities and potential interventions.
- Mapping potential donors, development partners, and institutional stakeholders.
- Preparing concept notes, funding proposals, and donor-specific project materials.
- Supporting consultations, workshops, webinars, and regional knowledge-exchange activities.
Applicants with experience in digital transformation, AI in education, higher education policy, or digital skills development may find this assignment particularly relevant.
4. Social Entrepreneurship for Student Innovators
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant will help strengthen social entrepreneurship skills among student innovators in Eastern Africa.
This component builds on an earlier training programme and seeks to support promising student-led prototypes, solutions, and social innovation projects.
The consultant will document successful initiatives, identify opportunities to expand the programme to additional countries, and help develop funding proposals for future implementation.
The role also involves mapping potential donors, universities, incubators, private-sector organisations, mentors, and development partners.
Professionals with experience in entrepreneurship education, innovation programmes, youth development, project design, and partnership management may be well suited to this workstream.
5. Quality Assurance and Recognition of Qualifications
The consultant will support regional dialogue and capacity-building on the recognition of higher education qualifications.
This work includes promoting awareness of the Addis Ababa Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in Africa and supporting relevant activities connected with the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.
The consultant will:
- Map national focal institutions and authorities responsible for qualification recognition.
- Support the preparation of country-level quality assurance information.
- Coordinate regional consultations involving government officials and relevant institutions.
- Facilitate dialogue between Eastern and Southern African stakeholders.
- Provide technical support to at least three countries advancing ratification processes.
- Support capacity-building on the UNESCO Qualifications Passport methodology.
- Contribute to training on labour market intelligence and the use of responsive education data.
Knowledge of regional higher education policies, qualification frameworks, and institutional quality assurance systems will be valuable for this assignment.
6. Programme Coordination and Partnership Development
In addition to the technical workstreams, the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant will provide general programme coordination and management support.
This includes drafting reports, concept notes, proposals, briefing papers, and other documents required for programme implementation.
The consultant will participate in regional workshops, forums, and technical meetings, prepare briefing materials, document discussions, and follow up on agreed actions.
Partnership development is also a significant responsibility. The consultant is expected to support the development of at least three partnership arrangements, written expressions of interest, or draft memoranda of understanding.
Other responsibilities include supporting a functional multi-stakeholder collaboration platform, facilitating joint initiatives, identifying funding opportunities, and contributing to resource mobilisation.
Expected Deliverables During the Six-Month Consultancy
The consultancy is results-oriented, with seven groups of deliverables and indicative deadlines outlined in the vacancy announcement.
Deliverable 1 – Applied STEM Research: A publication-ready consolidated report on women in applied STEM across selected Anglophone Eastern African countries.
Deliverable 2 – Pilot Research Publication: A publication-ready consolidated report covering the pilot-phase research countries.
Deliverable 3 – Research Dissemination and Resource Mobilisation: Donor mapping, at least three tailored resource mobilisation briefs, documentation of two regional webinars, and at least one concept note or funding proposal.
Deliverable 4 – AI and Higher Education: A regional assessment of AI-related needs and priorities, donor and partner mapping, refinement of an existing proposal, and at least three donor-tailored funding packages.
Deliverable 5 – Social Entrepreneurship: A portfolio and follow-up plan for promising student innovations, partner mapping, and a refined proposal adapted to the requirements of at least three potential donors.
Deliverable 6 – Recognition of Qualifications: A regional consultation report, country support notes for at least three countries, a report on national qualification recognition structures, and documentation of capacity-building and labour market intelligence training.
Deliverable 7 – Programme Coordination: A final report covering programme implementation, proposals, networking outcomes, workshops, resource mobilisation, and mission reports.
All deliverables must be submitted in English and follow formats approved by the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
The vacancy lists indicative deadlines from September 2026 to February 2027. Candidates should consult the official vacancy announcement for the complete assignment requirements and timelines.
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UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026: Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree at Master’s level or an equivalent qualification in one of the following fields:
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Gender Studies
- Public Policy
- A related discipline
Candidates should clearly state their qualifications in their CV and demonstrate how their academic background relates to higher education, research, policy development, or international development.
Professional Experience Requirements
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant position requires a minimum of 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 and multi-country programmes.
- Managing partnerships involving multiple institutions or stakeholders.
- Producing policy-relevant research and knowledge products.
- Preparing reports, briefs, proposals, and analytical documents.
- Supporting programme implementation and monitoring deliverables.
Experience working on gender equality in higher education or STEM is highly desirable.
Familiarity with Eastern Africa’s higher education landscape, regional institutions such as the East African Community (EAC), African Union (AU), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as relevant regional policy frameworks, will be an advantage.
Experience with AI integration in education, digital skills development, UNESCO, other United Nations agencies, or international development organisations is also an asset.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English, particularly the ability to produce high-quality reports, research briefs, proposals, and policy documents.
Other important competencies include:
- Strong research, analytical, and evidence-synthesis skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
- The ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience collaborating with governments, universities, civil society, and development partners.
- The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in standard office software.
- Knowledge of knowledge-management platforms or databases as an advantage.
Knowledge of French is considered an asset because of the multilingual nature of the Eastern African region.
UNESCO also identifies communication, accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, planning and organising, results focus, and teamwork as core competencies.
Who Should Apply for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job?
This consultancy is suitable for experienced professionals seeking international development consultancy opportunities in Africa, particularly those working at the intersection of higher education, research, public policy, and regional cooperation.
Potentially suitable candidates include:
- Higher education programme coordinators.
- Research managers and research project consultants.
- Education policy analysts.
- Gender equality and STEM programme specialists.
- International development consultants.
- AI and digital education programme professionals.
- Social entrepreneurship and innovation programme specialists.
- Higher education quality assurance professionals.
- Qualification recognition and education policy experts.
- Resource mobilisation and partnership development specialists.
Applicants should assess their suitability against the complete vacancy requirements. A relevant Master’s degree alone is not sufficient; candidates must also demonstrate the required professional experience and the ability to deliver the assignment’s outputs.
Salary and Benefits: What Does the UNESCO Consultant Job Offer?
The official vacancy announcement does not state a fixed monthly salary, annual salary, or predetermined consultancy fee.
Instead, applicants must submit the overall cost of the assignment as a lump sum in US dollars.
Candidates should carefully calculate their proposed fee based on the six-month duration, the scope of work, the expected deliverables, the time required for research and coordination, and any applicable costs they would be responsible for.
The consultancy offers the opportunity to contribute to UNESCO’s regional higher education agenda and collaborate with universities, government authorities, development partners, and education specialists.
Other potential professional advantages include:
- Experience contributing to a regional UNESCO programme.
- Exposure to international education policy and research initiatives.
- Opportunities to strengthen professional partnerships across Eastern Africa.
- Experience preparing policy briefs, research reports, and funding proposals.
- Professional engagement with higher education, AI, gender equality, and innovation initiatives.
These are professional opportunities associated with the assignment, not a guarantee of additional financial or employment benefits. Applicants should not assume that the consultancy includes employee benefits, relocation support, accommodation, or travel allowances unless confirmed by UNESCO.
Duty Station and Work Arrangement
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant will be based at the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
The position is classified as on-site. However, the consultant may be required to undertake authorised missions to other locations in Kenya, East African Community partner states, and other countries in Eastern Africa, depending on programme requirements.
Any official travel will be subject to UNESCO authorisation and the applicable provisions.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to work in Nairobi and undertake regional travel when required by the assignment.
How to Apply for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026
Applicants must submit their applications online through the official UNESCO recruitment portal.
The application must include all required documents and accurate information demonstrating the candidate’s suitability for the consultancy.
Required Application Documents
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:
1. Updated CV or résumé
Include your academic qualifications, relevant professional experience, research projects, programme coordination responsibilities, policy work, publications, and partnership development experience.
2. Cover letter of no more than two pages
Explain why you are suitable for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant position. Connect your experience directly to the research, AI in education, entrepreneurship, qualification recognition, and programme coordination responsibilities.
3. Proposed approach to the assignment
Describe how you would organise and deliver the consultancy. Explain your approach to work planning, stakeholder engagement, research coordination, report preparation, partnership development, and resource mobilisation. Identify any inputs you would require from UNESCO.
4. Contact details for two professional referees
Provide accurate contact details for two professional referees who can verify your qualifications and relevant work experience.
5. Relevant writing sample
Submit a policy brief, research report, or comparable knowledge product that demonstrates your analytical ability, writing quality, and familiarity with the subject matter.
6. Proposed consultancy cost
State the overall cost of completing the assignment as a lump sum in USD.
Application Deadline
The official application deadline is 23 October 2026, at midnight UTC+3.
As the stated deadline is today, applicants should act immediately and verify the vacancy status on the official recruitment portal. If the application window has closed, do not assume late applications will be accepted.
Official Application Link
Apply through the official UNESCO vacancy page:
Applicants can also visit the official UNESCO Careers website:
UNESCO advises that applications cannot be modified after submission. Candidates should therefore review every field and attachment carefully before finalising their application.
How to Prepare a Strong Application for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Position
Competition for international consultancy assignments can be substantial. Applicants should prepare a focused application that demonstrates their ability to deliver the specific outputs required by UNESCO.
Tailor Your CV to the Terms of Reference
Highlight relevant experience in research coordination, higher education programmes, regional policy analysis, programme implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
Use clear descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements. Where possible, explain the number of countries or institutions involved, the types of reports produced, and the outcomes of projects you supported.
Demonstrate Research and Writing Ability
Because the assignment requires several research reports, donor briefs, policy documents, and proposals, your writing sample is an important part of the application.
Choose a sample that demonstrates structured analysis, evidence-based recommendations, clear communication, and the ability to address policy or programme challenges.
Explain Your Technical Approach
The proposed approach should show how you would manage the consultancy’s multiple workstreams within six months.
Consider explaining how you would prioritise deliverables, coordinate with UNESCO and partner institutions, monitor deadlines, validate research findings, and ensure that reports meet the required standards.
Show Your Knowledge of Eastern Africa
Demonstrate your familiarity with regional higher education systems, relevant institutions, and qualification recognition frameworks.
If you have worked with universities, governments, regional organisations, development partners, or international agencies in Eastern Africa, clearly explain your contribution.
Prepare a Realistic Financial Proposal
Your proposed lump sum should reflect the full scope of work and the time required to complete the assignment.
Review the deliverables carefully before calculating your fee. Ensure that your proposed cost is clear, internally consistent, and presented in USD as requested.
Check Every Required Attachment
Before submitting, confirm that your CV, cover letter, technical approach, referees, writing sample, and financial proposal are included. Follow the instructions on the recruitment portal and ensure all information is accurate.
Selection and Recruitment Process
UNESCO will assess applications against the requirements of the consultancy and the professional competencies needed to complete the assignment.
The recruitment process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, panel interviews, and reference checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be asked to provide additional information relevant to their qualifications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted at the initial selection stage, although UNESCO states that candidates will be informed of the outcome in due course.
Shortlisted candidates may also be considered for talent pools, subject to their consent and the applicable data privacy provisions.
UNESCO is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from women, underrepresented groups, minority and Indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.
Important recruitment notice: UNESCO does not charge applicants a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should use official UNESCO channels and remain alert to recruitment scams.
Final Thoughts: Apply for the UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026
The UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Job 2026 is an opportunity for experienced higher education, research, policy, and international development professionals to contribute to regional education transformation in Eastern Africa.
Through its focus on applied STEM research, gender-responsive career development, artificial intelligence in higher education, social entrepreneurship, and the recognition of qualifications, the assignment brings together several important priorities for the region’s education systems.
Candidates with a relevant Master’s degree, at least five years of professional experience, strong research and writing skills, and experience coordinating complex programmes should carefully review the official vacancy requirements.
The application requires more than a CV and cover letter. Candidates must also provide a technical approach, a relevant writing sample, professional referees, and a proposed consultancy cost in USD.
The deadline is 23 October 2026.
