Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Capacity Development Specialist for a education, governance consultancy assignment financed by UNICEF in Sudan.
Aninver Development Partners SL is preparing a proposal for an upcoming institutional technical assistance initiative funded by UNICEF in Sudan. The overarching goal of the assignment is to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of the national education authorities to effectively plan, coordinate, and monitor education service delivery amidst challenging operational contexts.
We are seeking an expert Capacity Development Specialist to lead institutional strengthening efforts, design and implement structured capacity development programmes, and provide continuous technical support through coaching and on-the-job training. This role is pivotal for restoring core system functions and establishing resilient educational governance structures across federal and decentralized levels.
Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.
Objectives of the assignment
- Strengthen the technical capacities of education planning teams at both federal and state levels to develop prioritized, costed, and implementable education plans.
- Support improved coordination, coherence, and alignment among key education stakeholders to enhance overall implementation effectiveness.
- Promote the integration of cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience, within education planning frameworks.
- Contribute to strengthening the use of data and evidence in planning, monitoring, and decision-making processes.
- Enhance institutional efficiency, accountability, preparedness, and system resilience across the education sector.
Scope of work
- Conduct a rapid assessment of planning capacities at federal and state levels.
- Translate sector priorities into costed operational plans aligned with annual work plans and partner frameworks.
- Establish or strengthen federal–state coordination platforms and facilitate structured engagement between ministry departments, development partners, and humanitarian actors.
- Integrate gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience into planning processes and develop contingency plans for disrupted environments.
- Improve internal workflows, planning cycles, standard operating procedures, and transparency mechanisms.
- Provide targeted technical support in priority areas such as accelerated learning pathways, social and emotional learning, education financing, and textbook policy.
Your role as Capacity Development Specialist
- Design and implement a comprehensive, structured capacity development programme for ministry personnel.
- Provide continuous technical support, coaching, and on-the-job training to build competencies in sector analysis, planning methodologies, and results-based management.
- Lead strategic institutional strengthening initiatives and policy reform activities in coordination with key stakeholders.
- Manage multidisciplinary technical assistance components and ensure high-quality, practical deliverables.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and participatory workshops across federal and decentralized levels.
- Collaborate with national counterparts to institutionalize data use and evidence-based decision-making within regular planning cycles.
Requirements
- Education: Advanced university degree in Education, Education Planning, Public Policy, Development Studies, Organizational Development, or related field
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, with extensive expertise in education sector planning, institutional strengthening, capacity development, and policy reform
- Languages: Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic is an asset
Desirable
- Experience working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts, preferably in Sudan or similar settings.
- Familiarity with UNICEF procedures and global partnership for education grants.
An experienced Capacity Development Specialist with a strong background in institutional strengthening and education sector reform within fragile contexts, capable of driving impactful capacity-building initiatives alongside government ministries.
Assignment details
- Location: Sudan
- Financed by: UNICEF
- Sector: Education, governance
- Estimated duration: 18 months
- Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)
About Aninver Development Partners
Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.
Why apply
- Join a multidisciplinary team on a UNICEF-financed project in Sudan.
- Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
- Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.
How to apply
Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.
Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.
What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.
