[Hiring] National consultant on conducting analysis of existing materials on health and gender and revision of the teachers manual @UNDP

Role Description

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current issues in education materials related to health & gender topics and develop evidence-based, culturally and age sensitive educational modules and teaching materials on health and gender equality, including men engagement and education of boys and young men in secondary schools.

Scope of Work

• Identification of gaps - 4 working days:
  • Conduct a thorough analysis of existing Basics of Life Skills. A Methodological Guide for Teachers.
  • Identify gaps between current national content and international standards, specifically addressing sensitive SRHR, gender equality, and gender-based violence topics within the Turkmen cultural and religious framework.
• Revision and update - 10 working days:
  • Develop comprehensive, age-appropriate educational modules on health and gender equality for secondary schools.
  • Focus on reproductive health biology, STI/HIV prevention, family planning/responsible parenthood, gender equality, stereotypes, men engagement, and prevention of gender-based violence.
  • Develop accompanying teaching materials, including teacher guides and interactive student materials that apply gender-sensitive methodology and promote active learning and critical thinking.
  • Develop a "Train-the-Trainer" Tool Kit, including customizable presentation slides, talking points, and workshop agendas.
• Facilitate the Approval Process Phase - 5 working days:
  • Prepare and package the first draft for review by key stakeholders.
  • Format and adapt the manuscript to comply with the exact formatting, citation, and submission guidelines required by the Ministry of Education.
• Capacity Building & Implementation Phase - 6 working days:
  • Conduct a 6 days onboarding workshops for regional teachers.
• Reporting phase - 2 working days:
  • Compile all materials in a ready-to-deliver format.
  • Develop a final consultancy report.

Duration and Working Schedule

The Duration of this consultancy is 27 working days, from July 27th to November 25th 2026 including operational closure of the contract. Dates may vary depending on the availability of the expert and the national partners.

Outcomes and Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Report on the analysis of current issues and gaps in secondary school health and gender education developed by August 10th.
• Deliverable 2: Draft Basics of Life Skills. A Methodological Guide for Teachers and ToT Toolkit developed by August 25th.
• Deliverable 3: Final package of teaching materials developed by September 21st.
• Deliverable 4: 6-days workshop (including training agenda, presentations) conducted by October 20th.
• Deliverable 5: Final consultancy report developed by November 20th.

Place Where Services Are to Be Delivered

The consultancy services will need to be delivered online.

Monitoring and Progress Control

The UNFPA Programme Analyst on Reproductive Health will monitor the National Consultant’s work through reviewing submitted materials. The consultant will provide an update on a weekly basis on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements.

Ethical Considerations

UNFPA requires its consultants to adhere to ethical principles and standards when doing research. The selected consultant should clearly identify any potential ethical issues and approaches, as well as the processes for ethical review in the inception report.

National Ownership

The involvement of appropriate national partners will be a critical condition for the development of all the mission outcome materials in ensuring stakeholder ownership and its subsequent utilisation.

Supervisory Arrangements

The National Consultants will directly work under the supervision of and report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on reproductive health, in close collaboration with the NPA on Gender & Youth and along with the overall guidance from the UNFPA Head of Office.

Expected Travel

Travel is not expected under this consultancy.

Required Expertise, Qualifications, and Competencies

• Advanced degree in Education, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field or first level degree with additional 2 years of experience.
• At least 7 years of experience in curriculum development or pedagogy.
• Deep understanding of issues related to SRHR, gender equality, and gender-based violence.
• Experience in development of similar teaching modules for educational institutions.
• Experience in adapting sensitive health & gender related topics to the cultural and social context of Turkmenistan or Central Asia is an asset.
• Fluency in Turkmen or Russian is required.

Inputs / Services to Be Provided by UNFPA

UNFPA will provide the consultant with all the necessary materials, data, information, and available reports. The UNFPA Country Office will put together a list of core sources and readings before the start of the consultancy.

Other Relevant Information

The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the NO-D level of the UN Salary Scale for National Officers categories effective 1 November 2020 and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.