UNESCO is offering an opportunity for African professionals through its Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. The current vacancy is for an Individual Consultant – Campus Africa Programme Implementation Support, a six-month consultancy supporting UNESCO’s Campus Africa Programme and its work to transform higher education across Africa.
The position is classified as a Level 2 – Middle Consultant Contract, is open to external candidates and has a duty station in Nairobi. The role is on site, meaning applicants should not treat it as a remote UNESCO job. The application deadline is 3 September 2026 at midnight UTC+3.
The consultancy is particularly relevant to professionals with experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis, gender equality in STEM, AI integration in education, digital skills development and multi-country programme management. UNESCO requires an advanced university degree at Master’s level or equivalent and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field.
This guide explains the current UNESCO opportunity for African professionals, who can apply, the required qualifications, responsibilities, application documents, deadline and what candidates should know before submitting an application.
UNESCO Jobs for Africans 2026 Overview
| Job detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNESCO |
| Position | Individual Consultant – Campus Africa Programme Implementation Support |
| Hiring unit | Education Sector |
| Programme | Campus Africa |
| Duty station | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work location | On site |
| Contract type | Consultant Contract |
| Level | Level 2 – Middle |
| Contract duration | 6 months |
| Applicants | External candidates |
| Deadline | 3 September 2026 |
| Deadline time | Midnight UTC+3 |
| Minimum qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Minimum experience | 5 years |
| Primary language | English |
| French | An advantage |
| Regional focus | Eastern Africa |
| Travel | Possible missions in Kenya, EAC Partner States and other Eastern African countries |
| Application | Online UNESCO application plus supporting documents |
RELATED ARTICLE
UNESCO Young Professionals Programme 2026 — Career Opportunities for University Graduates
UNESCO Fellowships 2026 — International Research and Professional Development Opportunities
UNESCO Scholarships 2026 — Study and Training Opportunities for International Students
UNESCO Training Programmes 2026 — Professional Development Opportunities
UNESCO Remote Jobs 2026 — International Opportunities for Professionals
UNESCO Jobs for Africans 2026 — Career Opportunities for African Professionals
UNESCO Consultancy Jobs 2026 — International Consulting Opportunities
UNESCO Salary and Benefits 2026 — Pay and Career Benefits Explained
UNESCO Internship Requirements 2026 — Eligibility and Qualifications
How to Apply for UNESCO Jobs and Internships in 2026
The vacancy details, including its Nairobi duty station, six-month duration, external-candidate status and deadline, are specified in the official UNESCO vacancy announcement.
What Is the UNESCO Campus Africa Opportunity?
The vacancy is connected to UNESCO’s Campus Africa Programme, a continental initiative focused on transforming higher education across Africa to support inclusive development, innovation and regional integration.
UNESCO’s Eastern Africa Regional Office identifies four interconnected pillars for the programme:
- Enhancing research capacity through networking and partnerships
- Improving relevance through employer links and skills development
- Building robust quality-assurance systems and fair recognition of qualifications
- Strengthening institutional governance and leadership
The selected consultant will provide technical and programme support to help implement the 2026–2027 Campus Africa workplan in Eastern Africa.
Why This UNESCO Job Is Important for African Professionals
Unlike a generic international consultancy, this position is directly connected to an Africa-focused UNESCO programme.
The work addresses issues affecting higher education systems across Eastern Africa, including:
- Research capacity
- Women’s participation in STEM
- Artificial intelligence in higher education
- Digital skills
- Student entrepreneurship
- Recognition of qualifications
- Quality assurance
- Labour-market intelligence
- Regional partnerships
- Resource mobilization
This makes the vacancy particularly relevant to professionals who have worked across African higher education or development programmes.
Who Can Apply?
The vacancy is open to external candidates.
UNESCO’s stated minimum requirements include:
- An advanced university degree at Master’s level or equivalent
- A relevant field such as Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Public Policy or a related discipline
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience
- Experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis or a closely related area
The candidate should also demonstrate relevant experience in research coordination, multi-country or multi-partner programmes and development of policy-relevant knowledge products.
Educational Requirements
Applicants need an advanced university degree at Master’s level or equivalent.
UNESCO identifies the preferred academic backgrounds as:
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Gender Studies
- Public Policy
- Related fields
A Bachelor’s degree alone would therefore not meet the stated minimum education requirement for this particular consultancy.
Work Experience Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis or a closely related field.
UNESCO also wants candidates with demonstrated experience in:
- Coordinating research projects
- Managing multi-country programmes
- Managing multi-partner programmes
- Producing policy-relevant knowledge products
This means the position is aimed at experienced professionals rather than recent graduates.
Additional Experience That Can Strengthen an Application
UNESCO identifies several areas as desirable or advantageous.
Gender equality and STEM
Experience working on gender equality in higher education and/or STEM is highly desirable.
Eastern African higher education
Familiarity with the higher education landscape in Eastern Africa is important.
UNESCO specifically mentions knowledge of regional bodies and policy frameworks, including:
- East African Community
- African Union
- IGAD
- Addis Ababa Convention
- EAC AI Strategy
AI and digital skills
Experience with AI integration in education or digital skills development is an asset.
UN or international development experience
Previous experience with UNESCO, another UN agency or an international development organization is also listed as an asset.
UNESCO Campus Africa Consultant Responsibilities
The selected consultant will provide technical and programme support for UNESCO’s Campus Africa workplan.
The assignment covers five major areas.
1. Women in Applied STEM Research
The consultant will support completion of the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project in selected Anglophone Eastern African countries.
The countries identified in the vacancy are:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- South Sudan
- Seychelles
- Somalia
The work includes analysing gender gaps in STEM participation and transition to employment, career services and employability support, as well as structural, social and labour-market barriers affecting women in STEM.
2. Research Publication and Dissemination
The consultant will also support publication and dissemination of the pilot phase of the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project.
The pilot countries identified are:
- Ethiopia
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- United Republic of Tanzania
Responsibilities include supporting editorial review, coordinating communications and organizing regional webinars to disseminate findings.
3. AI and Higher Education
The consultant will provide technical and programme support to the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation.
The work includes assessing emerging needs and capacity gaps around AI in higher education and helping develop strategic programme directions.
The consultant may also contribute to:
- AI research
- Digital skills development
- Funding proposals
- Donor mapping
- Regional consultations
- Workshops
- Webinars
- Technical meetings
4. Social Entrepreneurship for Student Innovators
Another component involves strengthening social entrepreneurship among student innovators in Eastern Africa.
The consultant will help document promising student innovation projects, assess opportunities to expand training and support and identify potential donors and implementation partners.
5. Recognition of Qualifications
The consultant will support regional activities related to recognition of qualifications and the implementation of the Addis Ababa Convention.
Tasks include:
- Mapping national institutions responsible for qualification recognition
- Supporting regional consultations
- Facilitating dialogue between Eastern and Southern Africa
- Supporting countries working toward ratification
- Supporting capacity building around the UNESCO Qualification Passport
- Strengthening labour-market intelligence capabilities
Programme Coordination Responsibilities
The consultant will also contribute to general Campus Africa programme coordination.
This includes:
- Drafting proposals
- Developing concept notes
- Preparing briefing papers
- Preparing reports
- Supporting regional workshops and technical meetings
- Building partnerships
- Supporting resource mobilization
- Identifying funding opportunities
The consultant will work with universities, regional bodies, governments, development partners and private-sector stakeholders across Eastern Africa.
Is This a Remote UNESCO Job?
No.
The official vacancy explicitly states:
Work location: On site.
The duty station is Nairobi, Kenya.
Therefore, African professionals interested in this position should be prepared to work from Nairobi rather than assuming that the consultancy can be performed remotely.
The vacancy also states that the consultant may be required to undertake missions in Kenya, EAC Partner States and other countries in Eastern Africa as required by the programme and subject to UNESCO travel authorization.
How Long Is the UNESCO Contract?
The consultancy is for six months.
UNESCO provides a series of deliverables throughout the consultancy period, with indicative deadlines extending from September 2026 through February 2027.
Key Deliverables
The successful consultant is expected to produce a number of significant outputs.
Applied STEM research
A publication-ready consolidated report covering selected Anglophone Eastern African countries.
Donor and resource mobilization work
The consultant will produce donor mapping, resource-mobilization briefs, regional webinar documentation and at least one concept note or funding proposal.
AI and higher education
Expected outputs include:
- Regional AI and higher-education needs assessment
- Donor and partner mapping
- Refinement of an AI integration proposal
- Donor-tailored funding packages
Social entrepreneurship
Expected outputs include a portfolio and follow-up support plan for promising student innovations and mapping of donors and implementation partners.
Qualification recognition
The consultant will produce reports and support materials related to qualification recognition, ratification processes, quality assurance and the UNESCO Qualification Passport.
Final programme report
A final programme coordination report will cover the consultancy’s Campus Africa activities, including proposals, networking, workshops, resource mobilization and mission reports.
Important Language Requirement
The primary language requirement is English, while French is listed as an added advantage.
UNESCO expects excellent written and verbal English communication skills, particularly the ability to produce high-quality reports, briefs and proposals for different audiences.
Knowledge of French may strengthen an applicant’s profile because of the multilingual environment of the Eastern African region.
Skills UNESCO Is Looking For
The vacancy emphasizes several important professional competencies.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information
- Evidence-based recommendation skills
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently
- Strong stakeholder-engagement skills
- Experience working with governments and universities
- Experience working with civil society and development partners
- Proficiency with standard office software
Experience with knowledge-management platforms or databases is an advantage.
UNESCO Core Competencies
The vacancy identifies several UNESCO core competencies:
- Communication
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
- Planning and organizing
- Results focus
- Teamwork
Applicants should reflect these competencies through evidence in their CV and cover letter rather than simply listing them.
How to Apply for the UNESCO Africa Consultant Job
Candidates must complete an online application through the UNESCO careers portal and provide complete and accurate information.
In addition, applicants must send the requested documents to the UNESCO Nairobi recruitment email using the subject:
Campus Africa Consultant
The documents must be submitted by 3 September 2026.
Documents Required
Applicants are asked to provide:
1. Current CV or résumé
The CV should clearly detail relevant qualifications and professional experience.
2. Cover letter
The cover letter must be no more than two pages and should explain why the candidate is suitable for the assignment and how their experience addresses the specified areas of work.
3. Proposed approach
Applicants must provide an indication of the approach they would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs they would require from UNESCO.
4. Two professional referees
Applicants must provide contact details for two professional referees.
5. Writing sample
Candidates must provide a writing sample relevant to the assignment.
UNESCO gives examples such as:
- Policy brief
- Research report
- Similar knowledge product
6. Overall consultancy cost
Applicants must provide the overall cost of the assignment as a lump sum in USD.
UNESCO Jobs for Women in Africa
This particular vacancy has a strong gender and STEM component.
One of its major workstreams is the Empowering Women in Applied STEM research project, which examines barriers affecting women’s participation and transition into employment in STEM-related fields.
UNESCO also states that experience working on gender equality in higher education and/or STEM is highly desirable.
The vacancy therefore has particular relevance for professionals working in:
- Gender equality
- STEM education
- Women’s employment
- Higher education
- Research
- Career development
- Skills development
UNESCO Jobs in AI and Digital Skills
AI is another significant component of this consultancy.
The successful candidate will support the Education Track of the East African Alliance for Digital Skills, AI Research and Innovation and help assess AI-related needs and capacity gaps in higher education.
Experience with AI integration in education or digital skills development is specifically identified as an asset.
This makes the vacancy potentially attractive to professionals combining education, policy, technology and programme-management experience.
UNESCO Jobs in Higher Education
Higher education is at the centre of the assignment.
The consultant will support Campus Africa activities involving:
- Research capacity
- Higher education policy
- AI integration
- Student innovation
- Social entrepreneurship
- Qualification recognition
- Quality assurance
- Institutional capacity
- Labour-market intelligence
Professionals with a strong higher-education background should therefore consider whether their experience aligns with these areas.
UNESCO Jobs for East African Professionals
The position is based in Nairobi and focuses on UNESCO’s Eastern Africa Regional Office.
The research activities cover multiple countries in the region, while the consultant may undertake missions to EAC Partner States and other Eastern African countries.
Knowledge of the Eastern African higher-education landscape is specifically identified as an important qualification.
Can Professionals From Outside Kenya Apply?
The vacancy is explicitly open to external candidates.
However, the supplied vacancy does not state that applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
The role is based in Nairobi, and UNESCO states that the consultant will be based there.
Professionals from other African countries should therefore review the complete vacancy and any applicable work authorization or residency requirements before applying.
Is Previous UNESCO Experience Required?
No.
Previous experience working with UNESCO, another UN agency or an international development organization is listed as an asset, rather than as one of the mandatory minimum qualifications.
This means candidates without previous UNESCO experience may still be eligible if they meet the required academic, professional and technical criteria.
Does the Job Require Five Years of Experience?
Yes.
The stated requirement is a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education programme coordination, research management, policy analysis or a closely related field.
Candidates should demonstrate not only the number of years worked but also increasing responsibility and relevant achievements.
UNESCO Application Deadline
The deadline is:
3 September 2026
The vacancy specifies the deadline as midnight UTC+3.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because they need to complete the online application and submit the additional requested documents.
What Happens After Applying?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The selection process may include:
- Pre-recorded video interviews
- Written assessments
- Panel interviews
- Reference checks
- Requests for additional information
Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their experience beyond the information included in their CV.
Shortlisted candidates may also be added to UNESCO Talent Pools with their consent.
UNESCO Equal Opportunity Statement
UNESCO states that it is an equal-opportunities employer.
The vacancy specifically encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups. It also states that individuals from minority and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
UNESCO Recruitment Fees
Applicants should be aware that UNESCO states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
Anyone claiming to represent UNESCO and requesting payment in exchange for an application, interview, recruitment or appointment should therefore be treated with caution.
How to Make Your Application Stronger
Tailor your CV to Campus Africa
Do not submit a generic CV.
Prioritize experience connected to:
- Higher education
- Research
- Education policy
- STEM
- Gender equality
- AI
- Digital skills
- Programme coordination
- Regional partnerships
- Resource mobilization
Demonstrate regional experience
If you have worked across several African countries, clearly show this in your CV.
The position involves multi-country and regional work, making regional experience particularly relevant.
Quantify your achievements
Instead of saying you “managed research projects,” explain the scale and results.
For example, identify:
- Number of countries
- Number of institutions
- Number of stakeholders
- Number of programmes
- Funding mobilized
- Reports produced
- Policy recommendations developed
Prepare a strong writing sample
The writing sample is an explicit application requirement.
Choose a piece that demonstrates your ability to analyse information and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
Make your proposed approach practical
The vacancy specifically asks candidates to indicate the approach they would use to carry out the assignment.
Use this opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the assignment and can translate the terms of reference into a practical workplan.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
Opportunities Feed Verdict: This is a strong UNESCO opportunity for experienced African professionals working in higher education, research, policy, STEM, gender equality, AI, digital skills or international development. The position directly supports the Campus Africa Programme, giving the successful consultant the opportunity to work on regional initiatives across Eastern Africa.
The position is a six-month Level 2 consultancy based in Nairobi, and the official vacancy confirms that the work is on site.
The strongest candidates are likely to be professionals who can demonstrate at least five years of relevant experience, a Master’s-level qualification, strong research and analytical abilities, experience managing multi-country or multi-partner programmes and familiarity with the Eastern African higher-education environment.
The vacancy is especially interesting for professionals with experience in women in STEM, AI and higher education, social entrepreneurship, qualification recognition and education-sector programme development.
With the deadline set for 3 September 2026, eligible candidates should prepare and submit their applications as early as possible.
Final Application Checklist
Before applying, confirm that you:
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Have experience in higher education, research management, policy analysis or a closely related field.
- Have experience coordinating research or multi-country programmes.
- Can produce policy-relevant knowledge products.
- Have strong English communication skills.
- Understand the Eastern African higher-education environment.
- Have relevant experience in STEM, gender, AI, digital skills or development where applicable.
- Have an updated CV.
- Have prepared a maximum two-page cover letter.
- Have prepared your proposed approach to the assignment.
- Have identified two professional referees.
- Have selected a relevant writing sample.
- Have calculated your overall consultancy cost in USD.
- Can work from Nairobi because the position is on site.
- Are prepared for possible regional travel.
- Complete the UNESCO online application.
- Submit the additional requested documents by 3 September 2026.
- Do not pay anyone claiming to guarantee UNESCO employment.
Official UNESCO Application
The official vacancy requires candidates to complete an online application through the UNESCO careers portal and submit the additional requested documents for the Campus Africa Consultant position.
Apply through the official UNESCO Careers website
Applicants should search for Individual Consultant – Campus Africa Programme Implementation Support and review the complete official vacancy before submitting their application.
RELATED ARTICLE
UNESCO Young Professionals Programme 2026 — Career Opportunities for University Graduates
UNESCO Fellowships 2026 — International Research and Professional Development Opportunities
UNESCO Scholarships 2026 — Study and Training Opportunities for International Students
UNESCO Training Programmes 2026 — Professional Development Opportunities
UNESCO Remote Jobs 2026 — International Opportunities for Professionals
UNESCO Jobs for Africans 2026 — Career Opportunities for African Professionals
UNESCO Consultancy Jobs 2026 — International Consulting Opportunities
UNESCO Salary and Benefits 2026 — Pay and Career Benefits Explained
UNESCO Internship Requirements 2026 — Eligibility and Qualifications
How to Apply for UNESCO Jobs and Internships in 2026
SEO Keywords
UNESCO Jobs for Africans 2026, UNESCO jobs 2026, UNESCO jobs for African professionals, UNESCO Africa jobs 2026, UNESCO vacancies Africa 2026, UNESCO jobs Kenya 2026, UNESCO Nairobi jobs 2026, UNESCO consultant jobs 2026, UNESCO consultant jobs Africa, UNESCO careers Africa, UNESCO careers 2026, UNESCO jobs for graduates, UNESCO international development jobs Africa, UNESCO education jobs Africa, UNESCO higher education jobs Africa, UNESCO research jobs Africa, UNESCO policy jobs Africa, UNESCO AI jobs Africa, UNESCO STEM jobs Africa, UNESCO gender jobs Africa, UNESCO digital skills jobs Africa, UNESCO Campus Africa jobs, UNESCO Campus Africa consultant, UNESCO Eastern Africa jobs, UNESCO jobs for Zimbabweans, UNESCO jobs for Kenyans, UNESCO jobs for Ugandans, UNESCO jobs for South Africans, UNESCO jobs for Africans with Masters, UN jobs in Africa 2026, United Nations jobs Africa 2026
