UNICEF International Data Consultant Opportunity in Nigeria: Remote Education Data Consultancy for 2026
UNICEF is seeking an experienced International Data Consultant to support Nigeria’s education sector reform and digital education management systems.
The 12-month consultancy, based remotely with regular visits to Abuja, Nigeria, offers professionals the opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s largest education data transformation initiatives.
The consultancy is part of UNICEF Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education management information systems (EMIS) and improve access to quality education data for evidence-based policymaking.
UNICEF’s Education Mission in Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the largest child populations globally, with approximately 206 million people and nearly half under the age of 14. By 2030, the country is expected to have around 126 million children, placing enormous pressure on education systems and service delivery.
Despite recent progress, millions of children remain out of school across primary and junior secondary levels. UNICEF estimates that over 10 million primary school-aged children and more than 8 million junior secondary students are currently out of school. Additionally, many students struggle with foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
To address these challenges, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education launched the Nigeria Education Sector Renew Initiative (NESRI), with education data identified as a key pillar for reform. This led to the development of the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI), aimed at improving education data collection, analysis, and usage nationwide.
Purpose of the International Data Consultant Role
The International Data Consultant will support the operationalization and institutionalization of Nigeria’s Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS). Working under the supervision of UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Education, the consultant will coordinate education data initiatives and strengthen the country’s digital education infrastructure.
The consultancy focuses on ensuring that education data systems are sustainable, effective, and fully integrated into government operations across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Key Responsibilities of the Consultant
The selected consultant will work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and the University of Oslo, which developed the DHIS-based EMIS platform.
Main responsibilities include:
1. Project Coordination
- Coordinate the national education data project
- Organize planning and review meetings with government stakeholders and partners
- Support implementation and monitoring of the EMIS operational plan
2. Education Data Systems Management
- Provide technical oversight on data collection, analysis, dashboards, and reporting systems
- Guide migration of systems into government servers
- Identify areas requiring platform updates and improvements
3. Knowledge Resources and Digital Support
- Assist with updating manuals, SOPs, training videos, and user resources
- Support development of AI-powered user support tools such as chatbot systems
4. Capacity Building and Training
- Assess training needs for government education officers and EMIS users
- Coordinate coaching and technical training sessions with stakeholders across federal and state levels
5. Evidence Generation and Policy Support
- Contribute to policy briefs, investment cases, and evidence products
- Support government and technical teams in evaluating the effectiveness of the DNEMIS system
Expected Deliverables
The consultant will be responsible for producing several key outputs during the assignment, including:
- An updated DNEMIS workplan
- Improved and updated digital EMIS platform functionalities
- Revised and expanded knowledge base resources for system users
These deliverables are intended to strengthen education planning, policy development, and data-driven decision-making within Nigeria’s education sector.
Qualifications and Experience Required
UNICEF is seeking highly experienced education and data management professionals with strong technical expertise.
Minimum qualifications include:
- An advanced university degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field
- At least eight years of experience supporting national education management systems
- Five years of experience in education data capacity building and training
- Expertise in digital platform development and data systems
- Strong experience in data collection, analysis, and evidence-based policymaking
- Previous experience working with UNICEF or international organizations
- Experience working in Nigeria or other African countries
Fluency in English, including strong written and verbal communication skills, is essential.
Remote Work and Travel Requirements
The consultancy is primarily remote but requires regular travel to Nigeria, particularly Abuja, for meetings, coordination activities, and stakeholder engagement.
Consultants are expected to:
- Manage travel arrangements independently
- Maintain valid health insurance and travel documentation
- Comply with UNICEF security and travel regulations
This arrangement provides flexibility while ensuring close collaboration with national education stakeholders.
UNICEF’s Commitment to Inclusion and Child Protection
UNICEF promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in all recruitment processes. The organization encourages applications from individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, nationality, or socio-economic background.
UNICEF also maintains strict safeguarding and child protection standards. All selected candidates will undergo background verification, credential checks, and reference screening before appointment.
Application Deadline and Important Information
The consultancy vacancy was advertised on 13 May 2026, and applications close on 20 May 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Why This Consultancy Is Important
The International Data Consultant role represents a significant opportunity for experienced education and data professionals to contribute to one of Africa’s most important education reform initiatives.
By strengthening Nigeria’s education data systems, the consultant will help improve policymaking, school planning, and educational outcomes for millions of children across the country.
For professionals passionate about education reform, digital systems, and international development, this UNICEF consultancy offers the chance to create meaningful and lasting impact within Nigeria’s education sector.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
