The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals for the position of National Data Consultant for the ACCESS Lagos Programme (DNEMIS Implementation Support) in Nigeria. The consultancy is for an initial period of 12 months and will be based in Lagos, with field travel required.
The successful candidate will support the implementation of UNICEF’s education programme in Lagos State, particularly activities involving the Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS). The consultant will work closely with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), UNICEF, implementing partners and relevant education stakeholders to strengthen data systems, improve reporting and support the effective use of education information.
This opportunity is suitable for experienced professionals with backgrounds in education, social sciences, public policy, development studies, project management, information management, Education Management Information Systems (EMIS), monitoring and evaluation, or related disciplines.
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official UNICEF recruitment portal before the closing date of 11 November 2026.
About the UNICEF National Data Consultant Opportunity
UNICEF is a United Nations agency responsible for promoting and protecting children’s rights, supporting their development and improving access to essential services, including education, healthcare, nutrition and protection.
Through its ACCESS programme in Lagos, UNICEF is supporting efforts to improve education delivery and strengthen systems that help children access quality learning opportunities. Reliable education data is important for identifying gaps, monitoring progress and helping government institutions and development partners make informed decisions.
The National Data Consultant will provide practical and coordination support to the ACCESS Education Manager in Lagos. The consultant will be embedded within LASUBEB and will help translate agreed programme priorities into timely activities and results.
The assignment will primarily support UNICEF’s programme delivery across seven ACCESS Local Government Areas (LGAs), while also helping other implementing partners in Lagos obtain and use authorised DNEMIS access.
Job Details
- Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Position: National Data Consultant for ACCESS Lagos Programme (DNEMIS Implementation Support)
- Job Number: 596822
- Job Type: Consultancy
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Work Arrangement: Office-based with field travel
- Duration: 12 months
- Functional Area: Education
- Experience Required: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
- Deadline: 11 November 2026
Responsibilities of the National Data Consultant
The selected consultant will provide technical, operational and coordination support to strengthen education data management and programme implementation under UNICEF’s ACCESS Lagos Programme.
Although the detailed Terms of Reference should be reviewed before applying, UNICEF’s vacancy announcement identifies the following key areas of responsibility:
1. Support DNEMIS Implementation
The consultant will support the practical implementation and use of the Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS). This will involve helping relevant education stakeholders understand and use authorised digital reporting systems to support programme monitoring and decision-making.
2. Coordinate with Government and Development Partners
The successful candidate will maintain productive working relationships with LASUBEB, UNICEF, the University of Oslo (UiO) and implementing partners. The consultant will serve as an important link between these stakeholders, helping ensure that agreed activities are followed through and implementation challenges are addressed.
3. Provide Field Support to Education Stakeholders
The consultant will support implementing partners, Local Government Area teams and schools across UNICEF’s seven ACCESS LGAs. This may include practical assistance with programme tools, reporting processes and the use of education information systems.
4. Strengthen Data Reporting and Monitoring
The role will involve helping partners use programme information and reporting systems effectively. The consultant will support the identification of data gaps, follow-up on outstanding activities and preparation of progress updates for programme decision-making.
5. Organise Training and Practical Guidance
The consultant will help school personnel, LGA teams and implementing partners adopt relevant digital systems and reporting processes. Strong practical training, coaching and communication skills will therefore be important.
6. Track Programme Activities and Follow Up on Actions
The successful candidate will maintain clear workplans, monitor deadlines, follow up on agreed actions and help ensure that programme activities are delivered within the expected timelines.
Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications
UNICEF has outlined specific academic, professional and technical requirements for applicants interested in this consultancy.
Educational Requirements
Applicants should have an academic qualification in any of the following fields or a related discipline:
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Public Policy
- Development Studies
- Project Management
- Information Management
- Education Management Information Systems
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Other relevant fields
Work Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Education programme implementation.
- Government and implementing-partner engagement.
- Education information-system support.
- Working with government institutions and development partners to deliver programme activities.
- Supporting digital systems for programme monitoring and reporting.
- Organising field support and practical training for education stakeholders.
- Helping schools, LGA teams and partners adopt reporting tools and programme processes.
Experience working with government education institutions in Nigeria is important. Familiarity with LASUBEB, Lagos LGAs or comparable state-level education structures will be an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
UNICEF is looking for a proactive and resourceful professional who can work independently, maintain effective relationships and ensure that agreed activities are completed.
Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Strong communication and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with government institutions and implementing partners.
- Good planning, organisation and time-management skills.
- Ability to track deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Practical experience using spreadsheets and reporting systems.
- Ability to identify information gaps and support follow-up actions.
- Strong training, coaching and stakeholder-support skills.
- Understanding of out-of-school children (OOSC) programming.
- Understanding of school-level information needs and education programme monitoring.
- Knowledge of child safeguarding and responsible handling of learner data.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy.
Experience supporting outcomes-based education programmes, evidence-informed school improvement and familiarity with UNICEF or other development partners will be an added advantage.
Documents Required for Application
Qualified candidates are required to submit the following documents through UNICEF’s online recruitment portal, known as the Talent Management System (TMS):
- An up-to-date TMS profile and Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should clearly explain your education, relevant professional experience, technical skills and previous responsibilities.
- Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the consultancy and demonstrate how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements.
- Financial Proposal: Submit a separate financial proposal using the specific template provided by UNICEF. The organisation states that only proposals submitted in the prescribed format will be accepted.
Important: Do not overlook the financial proposal. It is a specifically requested application document, and applicants should download and use the official template rather than submit an unrelated financial statement.
How to Apply for the UNICEF National Data Consultant Job
Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official UNICEF vacancy page using the application link below.
- Read the complete job description and Terms of Reference carefully.
- Prepare an updated CV and cover letter that demonstrate your relevant experience.
- Download the financial proposal template provided in the vacancy announcement.
- Complete the financial proposal using the required format.
- Access the UNICEF recruitment portal and update your TMS profile.
- Upload the required documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for the UNICEF National Data Consultant Position.
Applicants should also review the downloadable Terms of Reference and financial proposal template on the official vacancy page before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the UNICEF National Data Consultant for ACCESS Lagos Programme is 11 November 2026 at 11:55 PM West Central Africa Time.
Interested candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications early. Do not wait until the final hours, particularly because the application requires multiple documents, including a separate financial proposal.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
- This is a 12-month consultancy, not a permanent UNICEF staff appointment.
- The position is based in Lagos and requires field travel.
- Applicants must have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- A financial proposal using UNICEF’s prescribed template is required.
- Applicants should carefully review the Terms of Reference before applying.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
- UNICEF does not charge application, processing, interview, selection or training fees.
Beware of Recruitment Scams
Applicants should be careful of individuals or websites claiming they can guarantee employment with UNICEF in exchange for money. UNICEF has clearly stated that it does not request payment at any stage of its recruitment and selection process.
Do not pay anyone for an application form, interview invitation, recruitment processing or job placement. Submit your application only through the official UNICEF careers website.
Conclusion
The UNICEF National Data Consultant opportunity offers experienced education and data professionals the chance to contribute to education programme implementation and strengthen the use of digital information systems in Lagos State.
Professionals with at least five years of relevant experience in education programme implementation, government engagement, information management, monitoring and evaluation or education data systems may find this consultancy particularly relevant.
Before applying, ensure that you meet the stated requirements, review the complete Terms of Reference and prepare all three required application documents. The deadline is 11 November 2026.