National Consultant to Facilitate and Coordinate the Institutionalization of Men Engagement and Volunteerism Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading organization in the field of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on providing comprehensive support to governments and civil society organizations to create systems that empower women and adolescents, protect them from violence, and promote positive social norms. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, dedicated to advancing gender equality and reproductive health.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in facilitating and coordinating the institutionalization of the Men Engagement and Volunteerism Programme in Turkmenistan. This position is integral to the UNFPA Gender Programme, which aims to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence (GBV). The consultant will work closely with national partner agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs) to transition the pilot project into a sustainable, nationally-owned program. The consultant's responsibilities will include standardizing curricula, developing training manuals, and establishing data-driven accountability mechanisms for gender-transformative work. The consultant will also conduct needs assessments, develop educational materials, and coordinate training sessions to empower young men and boys to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Conducting an intersectional needs assessment to identify barriers to gender equality in different settings.
• Developing a standardized curriculum and training manual that includes modules on gender equality, gender roles, stereotypes, and emotional maturity.
• Creating evaluation forms for post-training assessments.
• Designing a men engagement and education program that includes various activities such as training sessions, discussions, and campaigns.
• Coordinating a network of gender champion volunteers and mentoring them in their activities.
• Ensuring that training sessions reach at least 3,000 young people, with a focus on inclusivity for young people with disabilities.
• Generating comprehensive reports on the program's progress and outcomes.
• Collaborating with national partners to validate training materials and ensure alignment with educational standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in teaching, social sciences, or related fields, or a high school diploma with an additional year of relevant experience. A minimum of 6 years of experience working with young people and at least 5 years of experience as a trainer, particularly with persons with disabilities (PwDs), is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of cultural and social norms in Turkmenistan, as well as excellent communication skills in Turkmen and Russian. Proficiency in English is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields such as education, social sciences, or related disciplines. Alternatively, candidates with a high school diploma may apply if they have additional relevant experience. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and an understanding of gender issues.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 6 years working with youth and 5 years as a trainer. Experience in engaging with persons with disabilities and understanding the cultural context of Turkmenistan is essential. The consultant should have a proven track record of developing and implementing educational programs and training sessions focused on gender equality and youth empowerment.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkmen and Russian is mandatory, with excellent speaking and writing skills required. Proficiency in English is considered advantageous but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for the successful implementation of the program and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 120 days, from June 1, 2026, to December 25, 202

• The consultant will work primarily in Ashgabat and other regions of Turkmenistan. All deliverables will be submitted electronically, and the consultant will report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on Gender and Youth. The consultancy fee will be based on the GS-7 level of the UN salary scale, with payments made upon completion of specific deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality and diversity, encouraging women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities.