Rokhaya Gaye
Paris
Summary
Sociologist (PhD) specialising in child protection, early childhood policies and social development. Strong expertise in qualitative and comparative research, with experience in UNESCO and international settings. Skilled in analysing socio-economic challenges and supporting evidence-based policy solutions to advance inclusion, equity and human rights.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Consultant – Early Childhood Education Planning
IIEP UNESCO
Paris
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Co-author of the background paper “The Integration of ECE in Education Sector Planning”, co-published by UNESCO and IIEP.
- Contributed to the upcoming 2026 Global Report on ECCE, using data from the background paper to identify global and regional trends in ECE planning.
- Conducted a longitudinal review of ECE prioritisation and planning in African Education Sector Plans (ESPs) across the Education for All (EFA) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) periods, while coordinating with colleagues analysing other regions.
- Examined cross-national trends in Africa related to access, quality, workforce, inclusion, costing and financing of ECE policy commitments.
- Developed six country analytical sheets synthesising ESP data to support harmonised comparative analysis across authors and regions.
- Drafted a 30-page analytical section covering four regions—Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Arab States—focused on quality, relevance and equitable access to ECE. This analysis identified strengths, bottlenecks, disparities by income group and coverage levels, and key financing and implementation gaps.
- Collaborated with teams across UNESCO HQ, IIEP and the Santiago regional office, including regular data-review meetings to ensure a consolidated, harmonised and methodologically coherent background paper.
UN volunteer
UNESCO
Paris
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Contributed to analytical work on inclusion and education policies in Africa, focusing on DRC, Senegal, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad and Benin. This included desk reviews, data organisation and comparative synthesis. It also involved consolidating methodological tools, such as refining a coding grid aligned with the Tashkent Declaration and other international frameworks, and organising planning documents to support research on the integration of Early Childhood Education in Education Sector Planning.
- Drafted and contributed to concept notes, internal briefs and preparatory documents supporting programme activities, technical meetings and strategic initiatives.
- Reviewed translations of regional ECCE reports (e.g., Arab States), ensuring accuracy, coherence and alignment with UNESCO terminology and editorial standards.
- Supported the organisation of high-level events and technical meetings, including sessions with the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) involving UNICEF, the World Bank, UNESCO, other international organisations and Ministers of Education from various countries.
- Provided ongoing support to the ECCE team through background research, preparation of summaries and contributions to internal knowledge-sharing and coordination.
Research internship
Empire des enfants
Dakar, Senegal
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Organization of activities for children and assistance with their care (social, educational, family).
- Design of an interview grid and an observation grid.
- Conducted interviews with children in care and professionals to gather insights on child protection initiatives in Senegal.
- Assisted in identifying the needs of street children and evaluating the effectiveness of current care and protection services.
- Ensured children’s voices were central to the research, advocating for more child-centered care practices and policies.
- Collaborated with the team to develop strategies for improving care, reintegration, and community involvement in child protection.
Internship in the Health and Education Section
UNESCO
Paris
03.2019 - 08.2019
- Research and technical reviews on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and support for events organized by/or involving UNESCO's participation.
- Desk-based review and mapping of current, school-based puberty education and menstrual health management activities, particularly in the African and Latin American regions.
- Preparation of internal briefings and presentations for health education officers in UNESCO Field Offices.
- Translation of documents for internal briefings (FR-ENG and ENG-FR).
- Drafting texts for various audiences and for various purposes (advocacy). Support in preparing for meetings and events.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Sociology
University of Paris-Cité
Paris 11.2020 - 06.2024
Master 2 - Masters in Social Sciences - Studies and Evaluation in the Health and Social Sectors
University of Paris Descartes
Paris 10.2019 - 08.2020
Master 2 - Masters in Development Studies
University of Panthéon Sorbonne
Paris 09.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and International Development
University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom 10.2014 - 06.2017
Skills
- Report-writing
- Qualitative analysis
- Research proficiency
- Proficient in statistical software (Stata, R)
- Project Management
- Computer software knowledge
- Communication proficiency
Additional Information
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Autonomy
- Critical thinking
- Open-minded
Languages
English
Fluent
French
Native
Spanish
Upper intermediate (B2)
Portuguese
Beginner
Timeline
Consultant – Early Childhood Education Planning
IIEP UNESCO
09.2025 - 12.2025
UN volunteer
UNESCO
02.2025 - 08.2025
Doctor of Philosophy - Sociology
University of Paris-Cité
11.2020 - 06.2024
Research internship
Empire des enfants
12.2019 - 03.2020
Master 2 - Masters in Social Sciences - Studies and Evaluation in the Health and Social Sectors
University of Paris Descartes
10.2019 - 08.2020
Internship in the Health and Education Section
UNESCO
03.2019 - 08.2019
Master 2 - Masters in Development Studies
University of Panthéon Sorbonne
09.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and International Development
University of Manchester
10.2014 - 06.2017