Early Learning Consultant – ECED & Grade 1 Transition (Remote, Travel)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a senior consultant to design, develop, test and refine a Structured Pedagogy‑Informed Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) package and a Grade 1 transition package aligned with Nepal’s Integrated Curriculum and Early Learning and Development Standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop an integrated package that strengthens children’s learning and development in ECED and prepares them for Grade 1.
• Create structured daily activity plans (192 days for ECED and at least the first 90 days for Grade 1 teachers).
• Design formative assessment tools, coaching guidance, school‑readiness resources and parent‑engagement materials.
• Provide practical implementation guidance for teachers, schools and local governments.
• Support testing and refinement of materials, tools and approaches based on emerging evidence and stakeholder feedback.
• Ensure the package is developmentally appropriate, inclusive, scalable, affordable and adaptable to diverse contexts across Nepal.
• Deliver a technically validated ECED package and Grade 1 transition package ready for integration into existing government training, coaching and quality‑assurance systems.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Teacher Education or related field.
• Minimum 10 years professional experience in ECED, foundational learning, curriculum development or teacher professional development.
• Proven experience developing teaching‑learning materials, teacher guidebooks or curriculum resources for ECED or early primary education.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement programmes focused on school readiness, early grade learning, transition to primary education or structured pedagogy.
• Experience conducting technical consultations and facilitating collaboration with government, development partners and education stakeholders.
• Excellent command of Nepali and English, with proven writing ability in Nepali.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early learning, school readiness and effective pedagogical practices.
• Familiarity with evidence‑based structured pedagogy, formative assessment, coaching, mentoring and teacher support systems.