CSE Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that 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 workforce of more than 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its mission is to expand choices and possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 emphasizes four interconnected outcomes: meeting the unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. UNFPA is committed to addressing the complex humanitarian needs faced by populations in crisis, particularly adolescents and youth, who are disproportionately affected by issues such as gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies. The organization aims to provide universal access to Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and strengthen linkages to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, ensuring that young people can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Job Overview:
The CSE Specialist position is crucial for leading the development of a Technical Guidance Document that will provide field-ready, evidence-based tools for UNFPA country offices and partners. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office, Global CSE Programme Coordinator, and a Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising representatives from different units and youth leaders. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a scoping review of existing literature and materials related to gender-transformative, trauma-informed CSE and SRHR information in humanitarian settings. The position requires a participatory approach to develop programmatic guidance that is practical and tailored to the needs of diverse young people in crisis situations. The CSE Specialist will also co-facilitate validation workshops and ensure that the guidance aligns with international standards for humanitarian implementation. This role is essential for enhancing the agency and decision-making power of young people, particularly marginalized and vulnerable groups, in accessing quality CSE programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CSE Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Developing an inception report that outlines the proposed methodology and approach for the assignment, ensuring a participatory and co-creation approach with the TWG.
• Conducting a rapid scoping review of grey and peer-reviewed literature, as well as teaching and learning materials, to synthesize data, identify trends, lessons learned, and promising practices in the provision of gender-transformative CSE in humanitarian settings.
• Collaborating with the TWG to create a programmatic guidance outline that translates the project’s vision into a practical resource, featuring implementation models tailored for contexts with limited contact with young people.
• Developing operational guidance that includes strategies for managing CSE programs and linking them to SRHR and GBV services, while considering contextual baselines, education system functionality, conflict dynamics, and service accessibility.
• Establishing a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework to track progress and impact of CSE programs.
• Reviewing and updating existing lesson plans to ensure they meet international standards for humanitarian implementation.
• Co-facilitating validation workshops with regional offices to gather feedback and ensure the guidance is relevant and effective.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in sexuality education, humanitarian studies, sexual and reproductive health, youth or gender studies, international development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of experience working with young people in humanitarian contexts and sexuality education is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of partnerships with the UN System, governments, donors, and civil society organizations, as well as experience in networking and advocacy within the substantive areas of UNFPA’s work. Proficiency in curriculum development and the ability to write operational, technical, and programmatic guidance documents for UN development programs are essential. Excellent analytical and writing skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as sexuality education, humanitarian studies, sexual and reproductive health, youth or gender studies, or international development. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues faced by young people in humanitarian settings and for developing effective programmatic guidance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, specifically working with young people in humanitarian contexts and in the field of sexuality education. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with diverse populations, particularly in crisis situations, and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities that arise in such environments. Experience in developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, governments, and civil society organizations, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and for the documentation produced. Additionally, a working knowledge of French, Arabic, and/or Spanish is considered an asset, as these languages may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the CSE programs in different regions.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time and may involve working remotely or on-site, depending on the needs of the project and the organization. The duration of the contract will be specified upon selection, and candidates should be prepared for potential background and reference checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and compensation.