Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO works to foster collaboration among nations and to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights and gender equality, and it strives to ensure that education is inclusive and equitable for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant at UNESCO Windhoek involves a critical role in adapting global educational resources to the Namibian context, specifically aimed at promoting positive masculinities and reducing gender-related barriers to education. The consultant will work on contextualizing four global guides that are essential for fostering boys' engagement in education and addressing the challenges they face in the school system. This role requires a deep understanding of the local educational landscape, cultural norms, and gender dynamics, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government ministries, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. The consultant will be expected to conduct thorough analyses, facilitate workshops, and produce high-quality educational materials that align with Namibia's curriculum and policy frameworks. The overarching goal is to ensure that both boys and girls can thrive in a supportive and inclusive educational environment, thereby contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks, including conducting a contextual analysis of Namibian education policies and cultural norms, reviewing and adapting four global educational guides to fit the local context, engaging with key national stakeholders through consultative meetings, and facilitating validation workshops to ensure the relevance and quality of the adapted materials. Specific duties include preparing an inception report, mapping required adaptations in the guides, developing training materials for curriculum developers and master teachers, and conducting capacity-building sessions. The consultant will also be tasked with preparing and submitting detailed reports documenting the adaptation process, stakeholder engagement, and training outcomes. This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, and a commitment to gender equality and human rights in education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this consultancy position must possess an advanced degree in Education, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. They should have at least four years of relevant professional experience in developing inclusive teaching and learning materials, as well as experience in capacity building and training delivery. Strong coordination skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government entities, are essential. Desirable qualifications include prior work experience with the UN, familiarity with UN mandates related to human rights and gender equality, and specific experience in the area of masculinities and boys' disengagement from education.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Education, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender dynamics in education and for effectively adapting global resources to the local context.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. This experience should include work in the development of inclusive educational materials, capacity building, and training delivery at both national and international levels. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders, including government officials and educational institutions.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the Namibian context or the educational materials being adapted.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months, with a detailed work plan to be developed in consultation with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) upon commencement. The position is open to external candidates, and the application process requires interested consultants or consultancy firms to submit an expression of interest along with a detailed curriculum vitae and proposed budget by the specified deadline. The selection process may include interviews, assessments, and reference checks, and all candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring processes and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.