National Individual Consultancy: Review and Provide Recommendations for Integrating CSE in TVET Curriculum

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming 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 and territories, working to improve the lives of women and young people through various programs and initiatives. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, with a strategic plan that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and ensure access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to review the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum in Rwanda to ensure the integration of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). The consultant will assess the current curriculum's effectiveness in addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young people, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and students, to gather insights and recommendations for enhancing the curriculum. The consultant will also develop strategies for teaching CSE effectively within the TVET framework, ensuring alignment with national educational standards and international best practices. This position is crucial for equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately contributing to their overall empowerment and success in life.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing TVET curriculum to evaluate its effectiveness in addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. Identify gaps and opportunities for integrating CSE content into the curriculum.
• Engage with TVET trainers, school leaders, and students to explore how CSE can be meaningfully incorporated into the curriculum.
• Collaborate with key policymakers, including officials from the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies, to ensure alignment with national education standards.
• Summarize key findings from curriculum reviews and stakeholder consultations, emphasizing opportunities for effective CSE integration.
• Identify evidence-based teaching strategies for delivering CSE within the TVET curriculum, engaging with trainers and curriculum developers to prioritize effective pedagogical methods.
• Develop a comprehensive report on proposed teaching strategies, ensuring alignment with global best practices and national policies.
• Define key CSE content areas suitable for integration, ensuring relevance and age-appropriateness.
• Facilitate a collaborative process with trainers and policymakers to establish a structured approach for incorporating CSE into the TVET curriculum.
• Review ICT policies and digital learning frameworks to assess how technology can support CSE delivery in TVET institutions. 1
• Conduct an assessment of ICT infrastructure and digital accessibility in TVET schools, identifying potential barriers and opportunities. 1
• Prepare a recommendation report on ICT considerations for effective CSE integration in the TVET curriculum. 1
• Develop clear recommendations for integrating CSE into the TVET curriculum, ensuring compliance with national and international CSE standards. 1
• Present findings and proposed curriculum changes to key stakeholders for validation and feedback. 1
• Organize and facilitate a stakeholder validation workshop to gather input from policymakers, educators, and development partners. 1
• Develop a final report detailing key findings, stakeholder feedback, and a roadmap for the institutionalization of CSE in the TVET curriculum.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in education, public health, or a related field; a PhD degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in health-related curriculum development in basic or TVET schools or health education.
• Proven experience in similar or related work, preferably in school settings, such as developing health content for schools or curricula for young people.
• Demonstrated expertise in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and knowledge of international frameworks on CSE.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, public health, or a related field. A PhD degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in health-related curriculum development, particularly within basic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on similar projects, ideally in educational settings, and should demonstrate expertise in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and familiarity with international frameworks governing this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in other local languages may be required depending on the context and needs of the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted in Rwanda, specifically in Kigali, and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders across the education and health sectors. The position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on delivering impactful results within a specified timeframe. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from minority ethnic groups. The organization emphasizes gender equality and aims to maintain a balanced workforce.