UNHCR Consultancy Opportunities: Work-Based Learning and Peer-to-Peer Education Consultants

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting applications for two home-based consultancy positions within the Sustainable Responses Service, Education team. These roles are designed to enhance access to higher education, employability, and peer-support systems for refugee students across key regions.

About UNHCR and the Education Team

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads global efforts to protect and support refugees through education, livelihoods, and durable solutions. The Education Section of UNHCR’s Sustainable Responses Service promotes equitable access to higher education and sustainable transition to employment for refugees.

For 2025, UNHCR is hiring two consultants under distinct projects:

1. Work-Based Learning Consultant
2. Peer-to-Peer Education Consultant

Both positions are home-based, offering full-time engagements under short-term contracts.

1. Work-Based Learning Consultant (JR2561157)

Project Title: Expanding Access to Internships and Work-Based Learning for Refugee Students in Higher Education in Ethiopia and Kenya
Location: Home-based
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Target Start Date: 17 November 2025
Deadline for Applications: 11 November 2025

Project Background

The transition from higher education to employment remains challenging for young refugees facing social and legal barriers. This project focuses on strengthening work-based learning (WBL) pathways, connecting higher education institutions, employers, and refugee learners in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will:

• Map work-based learning (WBL) components in higher education programs attended by refugee students (2022–2024).
• Assess participation levels, barriers, and perceived outcomes.
• Analyze partnerships between higher education institutions and private sector stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to build institutional and policy frameworks supporting refugee employability.
• The consultancy will involve literature review, data collection, comparative analysis, and validation workshops.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience in higher education, TVET, or WBL research.
• Demonstrated familiarity with refugee education and labour market policy in East Africa.
• Strong analytical, research, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

2. Peer-to-Peer Education Consultant (JR2561183)

Project Title: Development of Peer-to-Peer Advisory Toolkit and Training Modules for Refugee Peer Advisors
Location: Home-based
Duration: 6 months (full-time)
Target Start Date: 17 November 2025
Deadline for Applications: 11 November 2025

Project Background

UNHCR’s DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) programme has supported more than 27,000 refugee students in accessing higher education since 1992. To enhance academic and career guidance for refugee students, UNHCR is developing a Peer-to-Peer Solutions Advisor Training and Resource Package to support a global network of refugee peer mentors.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will:

• Develop a modular Peer-to-Peer Advisory Toolkit and training materials.
• Identify core skills and knowledge for refugee peer mentors.
• Design training modules (virtual and in-person) on topics such as university readiness, digital skills, and employability.
• Create resources for families, communities, and educators to promote educational transitions.
• Pilot and revise the toolkit based on stakeholder feedback from multiple countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Lebanon.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience in refugee education, youth development, or higher education programming.
• Proven expertise in developing training content related to education, employability, and peer mentoring.
• Understanding of digital education pathways and vocational/technical education.
• Strong writing, facilitation, and curriculum design skills in English (French desirable).

Benefits of Working with UNHCR

• Working as a UNHCR consultant offers the opportunity to:
• Contribute to global refugee education and empowerment initiatives.
• Collaborate with international experts in higher education and humanitarian response.
• Gain valuable experience in policy development, programme design, and research.
• Work remotely with flexible arrangements under UN standards.

Remuneration:

• Engagement type: Regular (working hours applicable)
• Payment: Monthly, based on ICSC NET equivalent rates
• Terms and entitlements vary by candidate’s country of residence

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online via the UNHCR career links provided above.

Application Deadline: 11 November 2025 (midnight)
Start Date: 17 November 2025
Contract Type: Consultancy (Home-based, full-time)
Organization: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Application Deadline: 11 November 2025 (midnight)

Apply here: Application for Work-based Learning Consultant

Application for Peer to Peer Education Consultant

For more information: Careers at UNHCR | UNHCR

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth

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