National Consultant: Review and Harmonization of Male Engagement Toolkits, Malawi

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the UN agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This consultancy is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, reporting to UNFPA Malawi. The role collaborates with government ministries, implementing partners, UN agencies, and a multi-agency task team to strengthen male engagement toolkits for gender equality, SRHR, and HIV prevention, aligning with national strategies and UNFPA's mandate to ensure every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

Job Purpose

The consultancy aims to review, analyze, harmonize, and enhance existing male engagement toolkits, curricula, and guides used in Malawi by UNFPA and its partners. The objective is to strengthen the integration of gender equality, HIV prevention, GBV prevention, positive masculinities, and SRHR outcomes within these programs. The consultant will develop a harmonized, evidence-informed male engagement toolkit/framework that aligns with Malawi’s National Male Engagement Strategy (2023-2030), the National HIV Prevention Strategy, and broader SRHR and gender equality priorities, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes in these areas.

Responsibilities

The consultant will lead the review and harmonization of male engagement toolkits. This involves conducting inception meetings and developing an inception report with a workplan and review framework. A comprehensive mapping and desk review of existing toolkits, manuals, and guides will be undertaken, followed by a comparative analysis assessing gender-transformative approaches, HIV and SRHR integration, and alignment with national policies. Stakeholder consultations will be facilitated with government, partners, youth, and community leaders to gather insights on current tools' strengths, weaknesses, and harmonization opportunities. Based on this, a harmonized toolkit will be developed, integrating key elements such as HIV prevention literacy, condom promotion, PrEP, VMMC, SRHR uptake, GBV prevention, and positive masculinities. The toolkit will be benchmarked against best practices and aligned with national strategies. Finally, the consultant will present draft findings, facilitate a national validation workshop, incorporate feedback, and submit the finalized toolkit and consultancy report.

Work Experience

Demonstrated experience in reviewing, developing, or harmonizing training curricula and community engagement toolkits. Strong expertise in gender-transformative programming and male engagement approaches, particularly in HIV prevention (including condom promotion, PrEP, VMMC). Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops is required. Familiarity with Malawi’s policy and programme environment and experience working with government, UN agencies, and development partners are desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical, report writing, facilitation, and synthesis skills. Knowledge of rights-based and gender-transformative approaches. Ability to synthesize technical information for diverse audiences and work independently under tight timelines. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Chichewa is an advantage.

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