Consultant for Gender-Transformative CSE Resource Package Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every individual has access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health, and gender equality. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) goals, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results in their programs.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to lead the co-creation, development, and pre-testing of a gender-transformative, trauma-informed Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) resource package tailored for youth in humanitarian settings across West and Central Africa. The consultant will be responsible for creating a field-ready CSE Resource Package, which includes a Facilitator's Guide, Peer Educator Workbook, and Session Flipbook. This package will be informed by a regional scan of existing resources and direct input from youth in 2-3 pilot countries, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the region. Additionally, the consultant will train a core group of national facilitators who will implement the package within their communities. The consultant's role will conclude after the facilitator training and handover, with subsequent implementation led by the trained facilitators and partner staff, supported by UNFPA and UNESCO country offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will lead activities across four interconnected phases: 1) Inception & Youth Consultations (Months 1-3): Conduct a regional desk review and mapping of existing CSE resources from West and Central Africa countries, develop an inception report with methodology and timeline, and design and facilitate youth consultation workshops in 2-3 pilot countries. 2) Resource Package Development (Months 3-5): Draft the core resources based on youth input and regional scan, ensuring alignment with CSE key concepts and humanitarian adaptations. Circulate for technical review and incorporate feedback. 3) Training & Handover (Months 5-6): Finalize the selection of national facilitators, develop training materials, deliver an online Training of Trainers (ToT), document a training report, and conduct a final handover briefing. 4) Monitoring and progress control: Regular virtual meetings will be scheduled to provide updates and address challenges, with defined deliverables expected at the end of Months 3, 5, and 6.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and implementing CSE, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), or youth programming, preferably in humanitarian or fragile settings. They should have proven experience in participatory curriculum development and adaptation of resources for diverse youth populations, including low-literacy and crisis-affected groups. A strong understanding of gender-transformative approaches, trauma-informed practices, and GBV prevention and response in humanitarian contexts is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience facilitating participatory workshops with adolescents and youth, including marginalized groups, and familiarity with humanitarian coordination mechanisms, MISP, and referral pathways for SRH and GBV services. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively across cultures and with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in public health, sexual and reproductive health, education, social sciences, gender studies, international development, or a related field is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience, particularly in designing and implementing programs related to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in humanitarian or fragile settings. Experience in participatory curriculum development and working with diverse youth populations is crucial, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups in these contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English (verbal and written) is essential for this position. Knowledge of relevant local languages, such as Arabic for Chad, is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 6 months, from April 2026 to September 30, 2026, with approximately 60 working days required. Services will be delivered remotely, with travel to 2-3 pilot countries in West and Central Africa for youth consultation workshops. The in-country stay will be limited to a maximum of 7 consecutive days per country (5 working days plus 2 travel days). Professional fees will be paid upon satisfactory completion of deliverables, and all travel arrangements will be managed by UNFPA in accordance with their policies. The consultant is responsible for using their own computer and ensuring reliable internet access for remote coordination. They must also secure any required visas and maintain valid health insurance throughout the contract. The consultant is expected to adhere to UNFPA's policies on PSEA and child safeguarding, and to share all relevant documents and materials developed during the assignment with UNFPA WCARO.