National Consultant for the Development of Safe Schools Guide and IEC Materials for Learners and Teachers, 3 Months, Abuja Nigeria

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to promote and advocate for the rights of every child. In Nigeria, UNICEF operates in a complex humanitarian and development setting, partnering with the government and civil society to fulfill and protect children's rights. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest country offices globally.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a practical, user-friendly Safe Schools Guide and accompanying Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for learners and teachers in Nigeria. This initiative aims to address the severe education crisis exacerbated by insecurity, armed conflict, banditry, kidnapping, and climate change, which have led to fear, absenteeism, and drop-outs. Despite existing policy frameworks, implementation of safe school measures remains inconsistent. The consultant will create context-responsive materials to support government actors, school leaders, teachers, parents, and communities in understanding, operating, and sustaining safe school environments, thereby improving children's wellbeing and learning outcomes.

Responsibilities

The consultant will report to the Education Specialist (Access) and be responsible for reviewing existing school safety documents, including national policies, guidelines, and resources from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre. A key responsibility is developing a practical, user-friendly Safe Schools Guide that offers clear guidance on risk assessment, preparedness, early warning systems, violence prevention, inclusive safety planning, and actions during safety incidents. Additionally, the consultant will create gender-responsive, disability- and conflict-sensitive, culturally appropriate IEC materials such as posters, flyers, child-friendly messages, school safety rules, and referral information. Facilitating a stakeholder technical review and validation workshop with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission, NSSRCC, CSACEFA, state education authorities, EiE partners, teachers, SBMC representatives, and learners is also a core responsibility. Finally, the consultant must finalize print-ready and editable versions of the guide and IEC packages, incorporating all stakeholder feedback.

Work Experience

At least five years of professional experience in education, child protection, or a related field, with a focus on developing educational materials and working in complex humanitarian or development settings. Experience in Nigeria or similar contexts is an asset.

Skills

Curriculum development, Instructional design, Content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Workshop facilitation, Report writing, Project management, Child protection principles, Education in emergencies, Gender sensitivity, Conflict sensitivity, Cultural appropriateness

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