Individual consultancy services (national) on conducting analysis of existing materials on health and gender

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading global organization that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, aiming to improve the lives of individuals and communities through comprehensive health education and services.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to address the critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health education among young people in Turkmenistan, particularly in remote areas where cultural sensitivities hinder open discussions about these topics. The consultant will conduct a thorough analysis of existing educational materials related to health and gender, specifically focusing on the 'Basics of Life Skills' teachers' manual. The goal is to revise and develop culturally appropriate, evidence-based educational modules that promote health and gender equality, ensuring that the content aligns with international standards while being respectful of local cultural contexts. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA staff and stakeholders to ensure the materials are relevant and effective in educating young people about their rights and responsibilities regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake several key tasks over a total of 27 working days. These tasks include: 1) Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing 'Basics of Life Skills' manual to identify gaps between current national content and international standards, particularly in sensitive areas such as sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and gender equality. 2) Revising and updating the educational modules to create comprehensive, age-appropriate content for secondary schools, focusing on reproductive health, STI/HIV prevention, family planning, gender equality, and prevention of gender-based violence. 3) Developing accompanying teaching materials, including teacher guides and interactive student resources that utilize gender-sensitive methodologies. 4) Creating a 'Train-the-Trainer' toolkit to facilitate the dissemination of the new materials. 5) Facilitating the approval process by preparing drafts for review by key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Education's guidelines. 6) Conducting onboarding workshops for regional teachers to implement the new materials effectively. 7) Compiling all materials into a final consultancy report, summarizing the work completed and outcomes achieved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Education, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field, or a first-level degree with an additional two years of relevant experience. A minimum of seven years of experience in curriculum development or pedagogy is required. The consultant should have a deep understanding of issues related to sexual and reproductive health rights, gender equality, and gender-based violence. Experience in developing educational modules for institutions and adapting sensitive topics to the cultural context of Turkmenistan or Central Asia is highly desirable. Fluency in Turkmen or Russian is mandatory, as effective communication in these languages is crucial for the role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this consultancy includes an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Education, Public Health, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, candidates with a first-level degree accompanied by additional professional experience in related areas will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to develop effective educational materials and conduct thorough analyses of existing resources.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of professional experience in curriculum development or pedagogy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on educational projects, particularly those related to health and gender issues. Experience in developing teaching modules that are sensitive to cultural contexts and addressing issues of sexual and reproductive health rights is particularly valuable. Familiarity with the educational landscape in Turkmenistan or similar regions will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkmen or Russian is required for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and the target audience. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory for this consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted remotely, with a total duration of 27 working days scheduled from July 27th to November 25th, 202

• The consultant will be compensated based on the NO-D level of the UN Salary Scale for National Officers, effective from November 1, 2020, and payment will be made in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA emphasizes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.