INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR UNESCO Sexuality Education Review and Assessment (SERAT) (Dom

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Santo Domingo Classification of duty station: \[\[filter12\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement : \[\[filter13\]\] Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-Jan-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) based on values and competencies is a process supported by a curriculum to teach and learn about the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. Its objective is to promote the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in children, adolescents, and young people so that they are empowered to carry out their education, health, well-being, and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how your choices affect your well-being and that of others; and understand what your rights are throughout life and make sure you protect them. This preparation process includes family participation in the context of the first development to grow, learn and communicate in sexuality education as part of the personality education process. Values- and competency-based CSE has a central role in preparing young people for safe, productive, and fulfilling lives in a world where HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, gender-based violence, and gender inequality are risks to their well-being. However, despite clear and convincing evidence for the benefits of excellent quality, curriculum based CSE, few children, and young people receive life skills that empower them to take control and make informed decisions about their sexuality and relationships freely and responsibly. A significant body of evidence shows that CSE enables children and young people to develop precise age-appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes; positive values, including respect for human rights, gender equality, and diversity and attitudes and skills to contribute to safe, healthy, and positive relationships. CSE is also important to help young people reflect on social norms, cultural values, and traditional beliefs to understand better and control relationships with their peers, parents, teachers, and other adults and their communities. UNESCO supports education systems to advance the fight against HIV and promote improved health and well-being for children, adolescents, and young people, which will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, those related to education, health, and gender equality. Long Description ---------------- **RATIONALE** Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool (SERAT) is an excel-based tool that supports data collection on HIV prevention and sex education programs. The results are immediately shown in bar charts for ease of reference and easy analysis of program weaknesses and strengths. Its purpose is: To review school-based HIV prevention and sexuality education programmes based on international evidence and good practice, to provide data to inform improvement or reform of programmes, to assess Programme effectiveness by focusing on health data and other social criteria (notably gender) when looking at its strengths and weaknesses, and to inform debate and advocacy by making available data on sexuality education that is understandable, easy to analyze and accessible to different audiences. SERAT is based on international evidence and good practices related to the development and content of effective comprehensive sexuality programmes. The tool includes analysis of curriculum content, program development, teacher training, and other elements that can lead to an effective education programme. The analysis covers social and health components with a strong gender focus. **PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT/EXPECTED RESULTS** To inform decision-makers responsible for ensuring comprehensive and quality education in the country, an evaluation of the current state of the curriculum must be carried out, as well as a situational analysis of the implementation of the content of CES in schools. In 2014 and 2018, agencies of the United Nations System published the International Technical Guidelines on Sexuality Education (ITGSE). Therefore, it would be beneficial for the country to use this instrument to: 1-Measure whether the current CSE content in the Life Orientation Subject matches the topics proposed in the Revised ITGSE. 2-Review the School based HIV prevention and sexuality programmes against the best international evidenced based practices in the revised ITGSE; and 3-Recommend areas of intervention to improve programme efficiency. SERAT review will cover curriculum content, plans, and education policy documents, including all support materials for learning and teaching provided by the Ministry of Education and other key actors. **METHODOLOGY** 1**.** The SERAT evaluation will be carried out through a review of the curricular contents on competencies related to the CES including teaching and learning resources. 2\. The study will include interviews with key actors of the Ministry of Education, such as those responsible for primary and secondary education, the direction of orientation and psychology, the general direction of curriculum, and the direction of gender and development of Ministry of Education. Teachers, counselors, and other relevant actors will be considered for an interview. 3\. Data analysis and result compilation 4\. Data validation with stakeholders. 5\. Final SERAT Report. Long Description ---------------- **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** 1. Collect and make a compilation of the school curricula (primary and secondary) currently being offered. The materials to be collected may include existing programs such as the Policy on Prevention and Care for Early Unions and Teenage Pregnancy (PPA); the National Pact for Educational Reform; the proposal for MINERD's Comprehensive Program for Education in Values; life-oriented textbooks; guided lesson plans, and other materials deemed relevant (Teacher Workbooks; Assessment workbooks, etc.) 2\. Identify and interview key Ministry of Education stakeholders, including the curriculum formulation team, School Parents Association, Teachers' Association, and National Education Council, among others. 3\. Review interviews and materials collected with Ministry of Education officials and the educational community 4\. To facilitate a one-day workshop to conduct the SERAT evaluation with all stakeholders. 5\. Analyze based on SERAT the interviews; materials collected in terms of education sector needs for CES programmes with a special focus on programme components as they relate to critical national public health indicators, including pedagogical principles and methods, educational materials, and guidance for establishing a safe and participatory learning environment. 6\. Identify GAPS and make recommendations to ensure teachers and learners have access to information, capacity building, and linkages to current and evidence-based services to enable them to achieve not only self-reported behavioral change but also positive health, sexual and reproductive outcomes. Collate a draft report and organize meetings with Ministry of Education officials. 7\. Conduct a validation workshop to present key findings to key stakeholders and gather their feedback. 8\. Modify the SERAT report using input from the validation workshop and submit to Ministry of Education and UNESCO for final review. 9\. General description of the legal and political context within which the CES is taught, including laws, policies, regulations, guidelines, and standards of the education sector, health regulations, and other areas studied by the SERAT. 10\. Use SERAT Report Template to describe main findings. 11\. Write and Submit FINAL SERAT report. **REPORTING AND DELIVERABLES** 1\. A high-quality SERAT Report completed and validated for the Dominican Republic and a presentation of the summary of the results in Spanish and English and in electronic format. 2\. A list of all materials reviewed. 3\. Scanned supporting documents, including copies of attendance records on all consultations and key meeting records Long Description ---------------- **WORKING CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULE** Position is based in Dominican Republic. The consultancy will cover 3 months, after the signing of the contract. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **Education:** Advanced degree (Master or equivalent) with 5 years of working experience in the relevant field, in human and/or social science, preferably in education and public health. **Work Experience:** - At least 5 years of successful relevant professional experience (5 year minimum) in the education and health sectors, specifically in curricula and HIV prevention programs. - Experience in quality research work within the stipulated deadlines. - Professional experience in project management. - Experience in participatory and facilitation processes - Knowledge and experience in conducting diagnoses (interviews, data analysis, surveys, etc.) **Languages** - Excellent knowledge of Spanish (both written and oral) - Good knowledge of English **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Desirable:** Experience in development work with the Ministry of Education and an international organization is an advantage. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an online application, provide complete and accurate information, and upload the following documents as a single PDF document: CV, Intention Letter, budget proposal, and timeline based on the required activities. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website](https://careers.unesco.org/). No modifications can be made to the application submitted. Additional documentation is to be sent to: The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include tests and assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference and e-mail correspondence for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.