INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT: Development of reference document/Training materials, Freetown, Sierra Leone

The Purpose:

The purpose of the consultancy is to work remotely with the Delivery Unit in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to support the development of reference documents and training materials on the positive impacts of CSE to be used in the training of key stakeholders

Background:

Comprehensive Sexuality Education:

Comprehensive Sexuality Education is curriculum-based education that aims to equip children and young people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will enable them to develop a positive view of their sexuality. Such education should take place both in schools and at the community level. It must be age-appropriate and reflect the evolving capacities of adolescents. Furthermore, it should begin as early as possible, foster mature decision-making, and specifically aim to reduce gender inequality.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is committed to implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Sierra Leone. In 2019 the Ministry, with technical support from Marie Stopes, UNFPA and funding from Irish Aid, carried out a review of the 2015 UNICEF supported basic education curriculum using the UNESCO Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool. 

The 2019 Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool report found that there were elements of comprehensive sexuality education integrated into the following upper primary and junior secondary subjects, which could be strengthened:

• Religious and Morality Education
• Home Economics
• Science and Environment (primary) / Integrated Science (junior secondary)
• Physical Health education

Additionally, the report recommended that Comprehensive Sexuality Education should be integrated into the following subjects:

• Social Studies
• English

In 2020 UNFPA supported the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to integrate comprehensive sexuality education into the Basic Education Curriculum Framework. Additionally, comprehensive sexuality education was integrated into the syllabi of the six aforementioned subjects and Expressive Arts and Entertainment (a new subject added to the Basic Education Curriculum Framework). In 2021 UNFPA has supported the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to produce teaching and learning materials for CSE. It is anticipated that teacher training on the new materials will take place in early 2022.

UNFPA understands from its work in other countries that integrating comprehensive sexuality education can be controversial. In order to mitigate the risk of organisations advocating against the inclusion of CSE and to prevent community pushback it is essential that key stakeholders are well versed in the positive impacts of CSE. Additionally, it is imperative that key stakeholders are prepared to counter negative myths about CSE when engaging at the national and community level.   UNFPA proposes to prepare materials, which highlight the positive impacts of CSE and counter negative myths about CSE. These materials will be used to provide training to key staff in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and other key stakeholders, such as the interreligious council and the Council of Paramount Chiefs. A consultant is required to lead the development of these materials.

The consultant is required to do the following:

In collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and UNFPA:

• Produce a reference document which contains talking points on the positive impacts of CSE and provides information on how to counter popular myths about CSE for use by MBSSE and other key stakeholders
• Produce a PowerPoint presentation for use in training of MBSSE staff and other key stakeholders on how best to communicate the positive impacts of CSE and on how to counter myths about CSE

Deliverables:

1. Reference document containing key talking points on the positive impacts of CSE- 15^th of April 2022
2. PowerPoint presentation for use in training of stakeholders on the positive impacts of CSE-22^nd of April 2022

Deliverables should be submitted electronically to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and UNFPA

Monitoring and progress control:

The consultant will be required to have progress briefing meetings with relevant actors within the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and UNFPA every week.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: 

• A master’s degree in Communications, Education, Public Health, gender or related Social Sciences.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in developing behavioural change communications material
• Excellent interpersonal and general communication skills
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Desirable: 

• Prior experience with the UN
• Prior experience working in the health, gender, or education in Sierra Leone.
• Knowledge of the International Technical Guidelines on Sexuality Education and Gender

 Language and other competencies:

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proficient in use of Microsoft applications

Required Competencies:

Compensation:

The compensation for this position is based on acceptance of deliverables in line with the prevailing UN Consultancy scale upon satisfactory performance

Mode of application:

Interested candidates are invited to apply to the email address sierra-leone.office@unfpa.org

not later than 18 March 2022 including:

-  Motivational letter

-  CV (including working experience and references)

-  Copy of certificate(s)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity, and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and promoting equal opportunities for all.

We, therefore, encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters, or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA.