Life Skills Consultant
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Humanitarian
Closing date: 03 Dec 2010
Location: Sudan (the) – Juba
Summary
Purpose: To review the HIV-AIDS in school Life Skills Programme in Southern Sudan and provide guidance on making it more responsive to emerging challenges
Expected fee: At the P-4 level
Location: Juba, Southern Sudan
Duration: Two months
Start Date: January 2011
Reporting to: Chief, Education
Background
Information on HIV epidemic in Southern Sudan is generally limited and none conclusive, making it difficult to provide a uniform and representative picture of prevalence. While prevalance in the whole country is perceived to be low (estimated at 1.4 % , 2008 UNAIDS), geographically-focused surveys indicate that this is an area of major concern. Sentinel surveillance results have shown prevalence ranging from zero % to 11.1%, such as the study in Akobo, Cueibet, Leer, Maridi, Boma, Pacholla, and Tambura. Surveys conducted elsewhere also demonstrate evidence of huge regional differences in prevalence.
The consequences of four decades of war, ongoing conflicts and the emerging incidence of HIV/AIDS (3% prevalence rate ) as well as other health related concerns create a risky environment for children and youth. Many children and youth have missed on the right to an education, and currently only 26% of children in school have enrolled at the right age, hence a high proportion of over age children. Less than 10% of girls’ complete primary education, and teenage pregnancy is estimated at 20%. Children still face exposure to displacement, recruitment, abduction, exposure landmines and gender based violence occasioned by ethnic conflicts.
Of great concern is the finding that the level of knowledge of methods of prevention of HIV transmission is staggeringly low among women in most states (Sudan Household Survey Report 2006). Education has a part to play in providing essential life skills among children and youth to combat the spread of the epidemic. Schools are strategically placed to play a critical role in this effort. Hence much effort needs to be placed on learning from experience, including experiences from s elsewhere, to assist in formulating a more responsive approach.
The process will build on the current initiatives. Southern Sudan already has an on-going life skills programme, but initial assessments of the same point to the need for a review.
Justification
The review of the ongoing HIV/AIDs programme in schools has been prompted by information from preliminary assessments of the programme and findings other surveys that point to low levels of knowledge of HIV and methods of preventing its transmission among young people. Education has a pivotal role to play in providing essential life skills to children and youth to combat the spread of the epidemic. This review is timely in that its findings will inform the ongoing formulation of the new education sector strategic plan.
Purpose of consultancy
The proposed consultancy will conduct a review of the In School HIV/AIDS Life Skills Programme and making recommendations for making the programme more responsive to the current challenges. The review will be comprehensive, addressing issues of content; methodology; capacity issues; materials; monitoring and evaluation; time allocation and other issues as may arise from the situation analysis. The outcome will be a clear plan to revise the programme and make it more effective, responsive to the existing challenges.
Main Tasks
1. Conduct a situation analysis of the teaching and learning programmes for life skills in primary and secondary schools in Southern Sudan;
2. Formulate a responsive curriculum outline for the primary and secondary school Life Skills programmes – to include guidance and counseling;
3. Suggest a curriculum and modalities to reach out of school children with HIV/AIDs Life Skills messages
4. Provide clear recommendations and guidance on the development of teaching and learning materials for primary and secondary schools;
5. Develop a teacher training framework for the teaching of Life Skills;
6. Develop an M&E framework for Life Skills Education.
Deliverables
1. A Situation Analysis
2. A Life Skills Strategy for in and out of school children in Southern Sudan
3. A curriculum outline for a Life Skills programme that considers scope and sequence
4. A guide for the development of life skills teaching and learning materials for primary secondary and out of school youth
5. A Guidance and Counselling Framework
6. An M&E framework for Life Skills Education
7. A Final Report.
Payment schedule and Reporting
* 35 percent upon completion and presentation of the situation analysis, including review of materials; * 65 percent upon completion and presentation of Final Report.
The consultant will submit to UNICEF a monthly report based on agreed milestones.
Expected Background and Experience
Due to the technical demands, logistical requirements and overall management of this assignment, an individual consultant with the required capacity, skills, and relevant experience to manage the review process will be required to demonstrate the following:
1. The team leader will have at least a Masters degree in Education, Social Studies or related fields;
2. 8 years relevant professional experience at national and international levels in the field of education development, especially in Africa.
3. Proven experience in teacher education, curriculum development and life skills related projects in developing countries, especially Africa;
4. Experience in development, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement programmes at primary, secondary and post secondary levels will be an added advantage;
5. Facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Proficiency in English language and computer applications.
Duration of Assignment:
Two months
Reporting
The selected consultant will report to the Chief of Education, South Sudan.
Areas to be considered
This consultancy is office-based (mainly in Juba) with limited travel within Southern Sudan.
Areas of concern:
The incumbent is expected to perform the above functions under difficult working environment, related to office accommodation, procedures, workload, mobility, and institutional and personal safety. There is limited access to health care and recreational facilities, and this is compounded by long working hours which are potentially stressful conditions.
General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics
* The consultant is entitled to DSA inside Southern Sudan as per applicable UN/UNICEF rules and regulations;
* The consultant will be required to pay for meals and accommodation;
* Working space and working tools will be provided for the consultant to work from UNICEF premises;
* The consultant will have access to UNICEF transport for official purposes as per rules and regulations;
* The assignment is for a period of two months, and the consultant shall be paid according to the days worked per month on a pro-rata basis;
* The consultant is not entitled sick leave with pay, annual leave or over-time payment, including weekends and during holidays;
* Flight tickets both local (within Sudan) and international travel (most economical and direct route) shall be paid for by UNICEF.
Policy both parties should be aware of:
* Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days, and fees are prorated accordingly. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays;
* Consultants are not entitled to payment of overtime. All remuneration must be within the contract agreement;
* No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant;
* For international consultants outside the duty station, signed contracts must be sent by fax or email. Signed contract copy or written agreement must be received by the office before Travel Authorization is issued.
How to apply
jubavacancies@unicef.org
Reference Code: RW_8BNC4E-87
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