International Consultant to Develop an Implementation Strategy and Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage

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Position Title: International Consultant to Develop an Implementation Strategy and Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage
Location: Freetown
Country: Sierra Leone
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), both of which are prominent international organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, particularly women and children. UNFPA was established in 1969 and focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, while UNICEF was founded in 1946 and works to ensure the rights and well-being of every child. Both organizations operate in numerous countries around the world, with a mission to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. They employ thousands of staff globally and collaborate with various governments and NGOs to implement their programs effectively. Their work is guided by principles of human rights, equity, and social justice, aiming to create a world where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive implementation, monitoring, and evaluation strategy for the reduction of adolescent pregnancy and child marriage in Sierra Leone. This initiative is crucial as it addresses significant social issues affecting the youth in the country. The consultant will work closely with the National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage, as well as key ministries and partners, to create a robust framework that includes a costed implementation plan for the Child and Adolescent Health and Life Skills (CAHLS) curriculum. The successful execution of this consultancy will contribute to the overall goal of improving health outcomes for adolescents and ensuring their rights are protected. The consultant will be supervised by the Gender and Adolescent Health and Rights Specialist, ensuring alignment with national strategies and international best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables throughout the consultancy period. These include:

• Developing an implementation strategy for the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage, ensuring that it is practical and achievable within the specified timeframe.
• Creating a costed implementation plan for the rollout of the Child and Adolescent Health and Life Skills (CAHLS) curriculum in Sierra Leone, which will involve detailed budgeting and resource allocation.
• Formulating a monitoring and evaluation plan that will track the progress of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage, allowing for adjustments and improvements as necessary.
• Submitting an inception report that outlines the methodology for executing the assignment, including the relevant data collection tools to be utilized.
• Drafting the costed implementation plan and the implementation strategy, followed by a monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Conducting a stakeholder validation workshop to gather feedback and ensure the strategies are aligned with the needs of the community and stakeholders.
• Finalizing all documents based on the recommendations from the validation workshop, ensuring that they are comprehensive and actionable.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Masters level) in public health, education, international development, gender studies, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a strong background in public health or education, with at least seven years of relevant experience. This includes a minimum of five years specifically focused on the development of implementation and monitoring strategies and plans. Experience working on multisectoral projects is essential, as is prior experience in Sierra Leone or West Africa, which will provide valuable context for the consultancy work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, preferably at the Masters level, in fields such as public health, education, international development, gender studies, or similar disciplines. This educational background is critical as it provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to address the complex issues surrounding adolescent pregnancy and child marriage.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least seven years of professional experience in public health, education, or a related field. This experience should include a demonstrable five years focused on developing implementation and monitoring strategies and plans. Additionally, familiarity with multisectoral projects and prior work experience in Sierra Leone or the West African region is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's understanding of local contexts and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration with stakeholders and the preparation of reports and strategies. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, as it can facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be a full-time engagement, with a focus on delivering results within a specified timeframe. The consultant will be required to work closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local partners, to ensure the strategies developed are relevant and effective. The position may involve travel within Sierra Leone to engage with communities and stakeholders directly. UNFPA emphasizes a commitment to gender equality and diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization also ensures a healthy work-life balance and promotes a supportive work environment.