International Individual Consultancy - Mentorship Capacity Building of young female leaders – Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Project (APP) in Belize and Suriname

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading international organization that aims to ensure 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, with a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement programs that address population issues and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. UNFPA's Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean focuses on the unique challenges faced by Caribbean nations, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Job Overview:
The International Individual Consultancy position is centered around the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Project (APP), which aims to enhance the socioeconomic potential of adolescent girls and young women from Indigenous and Tribal communities in Belize and Suriname. The consultant will be responsible for developing a tailored mentorship program that empowers young female leaders and mentors to provide age-appropriate education and support to their peers. This role involves designing a comprehensive training package that integrates sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) content with economic empowerment and life skills training. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA and relevant state agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the mentorship program, which is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of adolescent girls and young women in the targeted communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: developing a comprehensive inception report that outlines the context, methodology, stakeholder engagement strategy, and monitoring mechanisms for the mentorship program; conducting a mapping of existing mentorship models and out-of-school comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) initiatives in Belize and Suriname; assessing existing CSE curricula and adapting or developing culturally relevant training materials; establishing recruitment protocols and screening criteria for female mentors; facilitating a Training of Trainers (ToT) for female mentors; and developing a monitoring and evaluation toolkit to assess the program's effectiveness. The consultant will also be responsible for providing a final report that summarizes key deliverables and recommendations for the sustainability of the mentorship model.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Behavioural Science, International Development, Health Systems, or a closely related discipline. Alternatively, a first university degree with a minimum of nine years of relevant professional experience may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of proven experience in implementing SRHR programs, particularly those focused on adolescent health and mentorship. A strong background in gender issues, public health programming, and experience working with Indigenous and Tribal communities is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in developing training materials and conducting training sessions, as well as strong report-writing and data visualization skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this consultancy includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Social Sciences, or International Development. Candidates with a first university degree and extensive professional experience in related areas may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of adolescent health, gender issues, and the socio-economic factors affecting young women in the Caribbean context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the implementation of sexual and reproductive health programs, particularly those that focus on adolescent health and mentorship. Experience in working with diverse communities, especially Indigenous and Tribal populations, is highly valued. Familiarity with the Safe Space model and mentorship approaches for adolescents is essential, as is experience in developing training packages and conducting Training of Trainers sessions. Previous work with UN agencies or civil society organizations is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Spanish (for Belize) and/or Dutch or Sranan Tongo (for Suriname) is considered an asset. While these additional language skills are beneficial, interpretation support will be available as needed to facilitate communication.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last approximately sixty (60) days and will involve collaboration with various stakeholders in both Belize and Suriname. The position is part-time and may require flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the needs of the project and the communities involved. Candidates are encouraged to apply through the UNFPA Consultants Roster and submit their application materials, including a CV and cover letter, by the specified deadline. UNFPA is committed to gender equality and encourages women to apply for this consultancy.