Consultant-Education Sector

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: New Delhi

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27 June 2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The review and evaluation of sexuality education programmes is part of an on-going effort to support countries to provide learners with the means to equip children and youth with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will enable them to

• thrive – with respect for their health, well-being and dignity
• develop respectful social relationships
• reflect on the consequences of their choices for their own well-being and that of others
• understand their rights and defend them.

The UNESCO Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool (SERAT) is designed to

• Analyse school-based sexuality education programmes based on international evidence and good practice
• Provide data to inform improvement or reform of programmes
• Assess programme effectiveness by focusing on health data and other social criteria (notably gender) when looking at its strength and weaknesses
• Inform debate and advocacy by making available data on sexuality education that is understandable, easy to analyse and accessible to different audiences.

The SERAT relies on the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE) developed by UNESCO with UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO as a reference framework for evaluating the quality of school curricula for an effective response to early and unintended pregnancy, gender-based violence and HIV. The ITGSE underlines that investment made in adolescents’ sexuality education is essential to achieving the SDGs, promoting public health and ensuring economic development.  Similarly, investing in gender equality is the key to achieving sexual health goals.  School programmes provide an excellent opportunity to reach a large number of learners before they become sexually active, and children and adolescents in general. The ITGSE is also useful for anyone involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of sexuality education programmes both in and out of school, including stakeholders working on quality education, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), adolescent health and/or gender equality, among other issues.

Context

In Bhutan, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) was integrated into the curriculum in early 2019, into subjects such as social studies, English and Dzongkha. Subsequently, the curriculum reform took place post the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter CSE was integrated in seven subjects from pre-primary to 12th Grade.

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) developed a National Strategic Framework for CSE to guide its implementation in schools by the end of 2021. In 2022, MoESD conducted a pilot project to implement CSE in three remote schools, followed by a quick review of the implementation. A CSE training package was developed and around 200 teachers have been trained to implement CSE in classrooms with technical and financial support from UNFPA.

The MoESD, Bhutan have reached out to UNESCO New Delhi Regional office for technical and financial assistance to strengthen CSE implementation in the country. In this context, UNESCO New Delhi would like to engage a consultant to conduct a Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool (SERAT) study in Bhutan.

Purpose of Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct literature review and interviews to examine the

1. depth of integration of sexuality education content in laws, policies and plans, subject curricula, teacher training material, teaching material, M&E guidance and tools, and
2. identify areas for improvement, scope, depth, and teaching methodology for the national school-based sexuality education programme to improve students’ education, sexual and reproductive health outcomes. The analysis will guide future interventions, including curriculum reviews. 

Long Description

Consultant's main tasks

The consultant will carry out the following tasks:

1. 1. 1. 1. Support the ministries in charge of education and health, civil society organizations and NGOs in the collection of reports, studies, evaluations, strategies and relevant legal and policy documents on sexuality education programme in educational institutions in the country. Documents to be collected also include current school curricula in the country, such as finalized curricula and specific teaching materials (e.g. learner's manuals, teaching materials, teacher training books, peer educators' training manual and materials used in school clubs).
         2. Facilitate a workshop to (i) build capacities of key stakeholders on quality sexuality education programmes, (ii) analyse the available documentation and complete the SERAT through participative group work[1].
         3. Review the output of the participative workshop and provide an independent quality check of its content.
         4. Write a draft SERAT report and submit it to UNESCO and partners for consideration and feedback.
         5. In collaboration with UNESCO and MoESD team, conduct a validation workshop that includes the development of a roadmap to strengthen the sexuality education programme; plan the agenda, materials and participatory facilitation methods ensuring the interest and motivation of participants to achieve the objectives of the workshop.
         6. Finalize the SERAT report based on comments from relevant stakeholders.

Long Description

1. Deliverables

Two main deliverables are expected:

• An evaluation report based on the SERAT reporting template
• SERAT tool completed

2. Timeframe

The collection of all documents, analysis, tool completion, report writing, and workshop facilitation is expected to take about 30 days. The whole contract duration may vary depending on the programming of completion and validation workshops.  

3. Expected travel

The consultant is expected to travel to Bhutan to conduct the assessment and necessary consultations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications and experience required

The consultant must have the qualifications, knowledge, and experience appropriate to the purpose and scope of the proposed work.

Mandatory requirements

Education

• • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in education, public management, or related fields.

Professional Experience

• • A minimum of five years of professional experience on sexual and reproductive health, life skills education, curriculum analysis, at national and/or international level.

Skills/Competencies

• • In-depth understanding of research methods and analysis, conducting workshops and participatory review with stakeholders, and reporting.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience

• • Good knowledge of the education sector encompassing a thorough familiarity with relevant policies, frameworks, and stakeholder initiatives .

Language

• •   Working knowledge of Dzongkha will be an asset.

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with the SERAT tool and its use would be an asset.
• Capability in conducting comprehensive reviews and analyses on sexual and reproductive health and life skills education-related topics, emphasizing a qualitative and quantitative approach.
• Demonstrated proficiency in articulating complex ideas with clarity and conciseness, translating sophisticated analysis into accessible, policy-relevant documents.
• Exceptional communication abilities, facilitating effective dialogue and information exchange on intricate topics.
• Proven track record of fostering productive collaborations in diverse, multicultural settings.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step.

Application process

• • It is mandatory to elaborate/upload your CV and a minimum of two (2) samples of previous work or links showcasing   fulfilment of the mandatory requirements in the Terms of Reference.
  • The proposal should include -  
    • Approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference
    • Realistic workplan with a timeline.

Long Description

• It is mandatory to elaborate/upload the financial proposal which should include the following:
  • Amount to be charged for the assignment with a detailed cost breakdown quoted in USD
  • Travel costs to conduct the assessment/ workshops / meetings in Bhutan.
  • Budget for logistics (hotel, accommodation and other incidental expenses)
  • Any other anticipated costs
• NB: In order to avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure objectivity of responses, the consultant should not be a staff member of the Ministry of Education.

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