Type of contract :Consultancy
Level : Level 3
Hiring Unit : Education Sector
Duty Station : Apia
Work location : Samoa
Duration of contract 3 months
Hiring open to : Open
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+13 Time) : 10th June 2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
The Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) is leading the implementation of the System Transformation Grant Project (STG) – ‘A maua’a Fa’avae o ataata lelei na o ā Taeao: Quality Foundations to Prosperous Futures Project’, with UNESCO serving as the Grant Agent. The Project is a USD 2.5 million education reform initiative funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The Project prioritizes teacher development, gender equality, inclusion, and community participation, ensuring interventions are holistic, evidence-based, and responsive to the diverse and intersecting needs of all Samoan learners. This is a four-year Project that focuses on three key domains: (i) early childhood education (ECE) and transitions to primary, (ii) foundational learning in primary schooling, and (iii) secondary-level technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathways. The Project goals and outcomes align with education priorities identified in international, regional, and national development strategies, including: the United Nations 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goal 4); the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent; the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) 2018–2030; Samoa 2040; the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (2021–22 to 2025–26); and the Samoa Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2025– 2030. The Project involves broad collaboration across the education sector, including the National University of Samoa (NUS), the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA), national education institutions and training providers, and development partners.
The Project aims to build a cohesive, inclusive education system in Samoa, where quality learning pathways are accessible to all learners, founded on quality early childhood education through to vocational training and beyond. The ECE is a core component of the Project, reflecting on the significant challenges faced by the ECE sub-sector. Participation remains low, with data from 2017–2021 showing a Gross Enrollment Rate (GER) of just 25.6% and a Net Enrollment Rate (NER) of 23.8%. In addition, the ECE subsector records 123 centers currently overseen by the National Council for Early Childhood Education (NCECES), while the total number of unregistered ECE Centers remains uncertain.
While all ECE Centers are a key priority of the Project, there is a specific focus on unregistered ECE Centers, hence the need for a comprehensive mapping of all unregistered ECE Centers, as holistic and inclusive data on access, participation, and quality, across all ECE Centers including registered Centers, is essential to build an ECE subsector that is effectively planned and costed, coordination is enhanced, and stakeholders’ capacities to implement and monitor ECE strategies are effectively reinforced. The Project has made provision to enable a comprehensive mapping exercise that engages professional expertise to lead, design a mapping framework, collect and analyse the data, and report on the landscape and profiles of unregistered ECE Centers across Samoa, through a Consultancy mechanism.
Consultancy Objective
Under the guidance and close consultation with the MEC through its Policy, Planning and Research Division (PPRD) this Consultancy Assignment is expected to.
- Conduct a comprehensive mapping of all (ECE Centers with a focus on) unregistered ECE Centers across Samoa
- In alignment with the ECE Minimum Service Standards, document the status, condition and profile of the unregistered ECE Centers, including providers, infrastructure, governance, staffing, enrolment and learning environments.
- Analyse and identify systemic challenges, risks and opportunities for strengthening ECE provisions.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for policy advice and costed planning to enhance access, participation and quality service provision in all ECE Centers across Samoa. T
his Consultancy Assignment is open for Individual Consultants or a Consultancy Firm. The selected applicant will be contracted under UNESCO as the Grant Agent of the Project.
Scope of Comprehensive Mapping Assignment:
The Consultancy Assignment is to undertake the following tasks
a. Design the Comprehensive Mapping framework or workplan that will include the following elements:
i. Outline the methodology and approach for identifying unregistered ECE Centers and their geographical locations.
ii. Outline of mapping dimensions such as providers, infrastructure governance, staffing, enrollments, learning resources and environment.
iii. Outline of mapping tools such as questionnaires, visits, interviews, analysis of reports and others.
iv. Outline mapping principles aligned with MEC research ethics and protocols and community and cultural values.
v. Integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles into all stages of the mapping.
vi. Outline of the mapping implementation schedule
b. Roll out of Comprehensive Mapping through the following steps.
i. Field work planning
ii. Field data collection
iii. Data recording
iv. Data validation
v. Data analysis
vi. Data synthesis, validation (MEC, stakeholder consultation) and reporting
c. Profiling of unregistered ECE Centers will include the following elements.
i. Basic information
ii. Enrollment data
iii. Staff quality and quantity
iv. Teaching and learning resources
v. Governance and Compliance
vi. Parent and Community engagement
d. Report on findings and recommendations from the Comprehensive Mapping that will include the following.
i. Profiles of unregistered ECE Centers
ii. Findings 1. Strengths 2. Opportunities 3. Gaps 4. Risks and Challenges
iii. Recommendations 1. Policy advice 2. Resource mobilization 3. Monitoring and Compliance
Timeline, deliverables and payment schedule: All deliverables must be supported by documented evidence demonstrating that the Individual Consultant or the Consultancy Firm, has undertaken and achieved the work, that outputs are complete, and that they meet the required standards of quality. The key outputs of the Consultancy Assignment and their expected deliveries are as follows:
Deliverables
Outputs
Expected completion date
Percentage Paid
1
ECE Comprehensive Mapping Framework or Work Plan
15 days after contract signature
20%
2
Unregistered ECE Centers Data Synthesis Report
20 days after the submission of first deliverable
20%
3
Unregistered ECE Centers Profile Report
20 days after submission second deliverable
20%
4
Validation of Data
10 days after submission of third deliverable
10%
5
Unregistered ECE Centers Comprehensive Mapping Final Report
15 days, submission of fourth deliverable
30%
The Deliverables will be thoroughly reviewed by the MEC and UNESCO, with success measured against documented evidence of work. Upon meeting satisfactory completion and quality, the report will be approved for payment.
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework
EDUCATION
Advanced qualifications in any of these areas: education planning and management, teacher training and development, programme management, education statistics, early childhood care and education, teacher training and development, education statistics. Post graduate qualifications (Master’s or PhD) preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Proven experience in designing and implementing diagnostic assessments or sectoral evaluations and a deep understanding of early childhood education systems. At least 5 years’ experience in education planning and management Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods (surveys, interviews), data analysis (statistical and thematic) and synthesis into actionable findings Demonstrated knowledge of Samoa education contexts, with sensitivity to cultural protocols, community governance structures, and local values, and the ability to engage respectfully with ECE leaders and communities and parents. Samoan language skills are an advantage. GEDSI compliant and readiness.
Willingness and ability to travel across Samoa, work in remote locations, and manage field teams. Availability to commence within the project timeline and commit to the full duration of the assignment.
Application
Interested Individuals are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal by June 10th 2026. The submission should address how the applicant(s) meets the desirable qualifications and experience. The applicant (s) will need to provide Curriculum Vitae and other necessary documents
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
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