The Position:
UNFPA has strived to integrate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in many parts of the world and in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) Region. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a curriculum-based process of teaching and learning about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. It aims to equip children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will empower them to: realise their health, well-being, and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and, understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives. It can be provided in school and out-of-school settings. The state of implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education differs widely between and even within countries of the Region. 1 Although significant progress has been also made in developing and integrating sexuality education curricula in formal school settings, it is still missing in some countries, and in others, the quality is poor. The barriers vary from country to country and represent both cultural backgrounds, religious conservative attitudes and technical difficulties on how to better include the CSE in the current school curriculum and ensure its alignment with the international standards. In support of the countries from the region who still have to advance the implementation of the CSE, the UNFPA EECA RO looks at hiring an international expert. He/she will work with different countries and the regional office in the EECA region according to their specific needs.
You would be responsible for:
Under the supervision of the Regional Advisor on Youth and HIV from UNFPA EECA RO and in collaboration with UNFPA country offices that need support, the International Consultant will:
● Conduct individual discussions with selected Country Offices to specify needed TA (interests, needs, skills and capabilities with respect to the development of CSE programmes and activities relevant to local circumstances and needs).
● Provide advice, support, and mentorship to the Regional Office, Country Office staff and in-country partners in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of CSE activities and programmes attuned to local interests and needs, including TA for curriculum revision and advice on monitoring of CSE in selected countries.
● Provide guidance and feedback on the identification of partnerships to support the development, introduction, implementation, and evaluation of local CSE activities and programmes.
● Provide support to Country Offices in identifying levers for success (in the form of relevant law, policy, regulations, teacher education, partnerships, and curriculum reforms) to support the introduction of good quality CSE.
● Assist country offices in high-level policy dialogues on CSE with government partners.
● Provide advice and support in identifying and overcoming barriers and identifying opportunities for the implementation of CSE in schools.
● Conduct one-to-one, small group support, and mentorship to Country Offices and Regional Office staff on key principles and practices in sexuality education, to promote an enhanced understanding of international best practices in CSE, and support its application in EECA.
Clinic and Community of Practice CSE-related work Under the supervision of the Regional Advisor on Youth and HIV from UNFPA EECA RO the International Consultant will:
● Act as a resource person, and take part in planning of online clinics for UNFPA country offices to help outline next steps on CSE for country offices.
● Facilitate organisation and conduction of Communities of Practice on CSE (a total of 8 CoPs events)
● Inspire sharing good practice and review of progress on CSE in countries.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
Advanced university degree in education or other relevant social studies (PhD or Master’s Diploma);
Knowledge and Experience:
Minimum 15 years of professional experience at senior level in CSE curriculum development and implementation, as well as in behaviour change programmes related to sexuality and social norm change; Strong analytical skills, and leading research work; Previous experience in delivering similar assignments is an asset; Experience of work with the UNFPA or other UN agencies, Member States and Civil Society is an asset Good knowledge of EECA region is an assetLanguages:
Fluency in the English language (spoken and written) is required.
Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,
Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
Embracing cultural diversity,
Embracing change
Core Competencies:
Achieving results,
Being accountable,
Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
Thinking analytically and strategically,
Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
Compensation and Benefits:
The total amount of this consultancy should not exceed daily fee rate @14 workdays. Payment will be made in two instalments: Initial Instalment - upon accumulation and satisfactory completion of respective tasks and of 7 workdays; Final Instalment - upon accumulation and satisfactory completion of respective tasks and of 7 workdays.. Each payment is subject to timely submission and acceptance by UNFPA EECARO of the respective deliverables in the required quality.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
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