International Consultancy, Mentorship Capacity Building of young female leaders - Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Project in Belize and Suriname: Empowering Adolescent Girls to Realise Their Full Potential, Belize and Suriname
Organizational Context
UNFPA, the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, aims to create a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. This role supports the UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, focusing on accelerating the ICPD Programme of Action and SDGs. The International Consultant will report to the UNFPA Liaison Specialists in Belize and Suriname, and the UNFPA Technical SRH Advisor, working across both countries.
Job Purpose
The International Consultant is tasked with establishing a structured, evidence-informed mentorship program to empower out-of-school adolescents in Belize and Suriname. The program aims to equip them with essential knowledge, skills, social support, and access to services to prevent adolescent pregnancy and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. It will also focus on enhancing life opportunities through economic empowerment and life skills, with a strong emphasis on gender equality, recognizing that addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a holistic approach beyond just health knowledge.
Responsibilities
The consultant will develop a comprehensive inception report, including methodology, stakeholder engagement, and a work plan for Belize and Suriname. Responsibilities include mapping existing mentorship models, out-of-school CSE initiatives, and economic empowerment programs to avoid duplication and inform program design. The consultant will assess and adapt CSE curricula to create a standardized, culturally relevant Safe Space Training Package for mentors, integrating SRHR, economic empowerment, and gender-transformative approaches. This includes developing screening criteria, recruitment protocols, and a Mentor Code of Conduct. A key duty is conducting a Training of Trainers (ToT) for female mentors in both countries using participatory methods. The consultant will also develop a monitoring and evaluation toolkit to assess the program's impact on SRHR, economic empowerment, and life skills, and provide a final report with sustainability and scaling recommendations.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in implementing SRHR programs, with specific experience in Safe Space models and mentorship approaches for adolescents, is required. Strong background in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, behavioral science, gender, or public health programming, preferably in multicultural contexts like the Caribbean, is essential. Experience with SRHR and gender interventions in Indigenous, Tribal, or remote communities, including culturally sensitive engagement, is also necessary. Experience in curriculum development, Training of Trainers, and landscape assessments is highly desirable.
Skills
Key skills include strong analytical, writing, and facilitation abilities, with the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines independently. Cultural sensitivity and diplomatic acumen are crucial for stakeholder engagement. The role requires exemplifying integrity, commitment to UNFPA and UN system values, embracing cultural diversity and change, achieving results, accountability, and developing professional expertise. Analytical and strategic thinking, along with effective teamwork and relationship management, are also important.