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In the recent years, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has demonstrated commitment and willingness to address violence in schools including sexual misconduct by its staff known as Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – SEA – according to the definition of SGB 2003.
Following the issuance of new global guidance in late 2024 on joint UN-government efforts on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), UN agencies are now required to include a PSEA clause in the UN country Program Document or the (UNSDCF) reflecting the shared commitment of the UN and the government.
In parallel, a National PSEA Review is being implemented to assess government system strengthening needs across 6 domains. This process also integrates PSEA capacity strengthening interventions into the UNSDCF and in UN Country Programme Documents to enhance accountability and prevention efforts.
To operationalize the new PSEA commitments within the government of Lebanon and MEHE UNICEF Lebanon Country Office in collaboration with UNHCR and the PSEA In Country Network (ICN) are seeking to hire a senior consultant to integrate PSEA in MEHE systems, policies and procedures.
The consultant will work in close cooperation with UNICEF/ the PSEA ICN coordinator and UNHCR, and the assigned PSEA Focal point in MEHE and will report directly to the UNICEF PSEA Specialist and the PSEA ICN coordinator.
The consultant will work in close collaboration with the new assigned PSEA FP in MEHE and the office of MEHE general director and the assigned PSEA Focal point in MEHE and she will report directly to the UNICEF PSEA Specialist and the PSEA ICN coordinator.
How can you make a difference?
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Tasks/Milestone:
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Deliverables/Outputs:
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Timeline
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Task: 1 draft an inception report outlining the relevant laws and regulations and entry points.
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- Conduct a desk review of national laws including sexual violence laws, civil servant regulations, the penal code, procedures, policies and official memos related to sexual misconduct by government staff, whistleblower protection and key entry points for drafting an SEA referral pathway with MEHE.
- Assess the survivor-centered response mechanisms in place, the investigation capacities as well the international guidelines for establishment of PSEA reporting channels.
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7 working days
(To be completed by end of 1st month)
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Task 2: Summarize the key takeaways for the meeting with relevant stakeholders that entails general guidance for the referral pathway of PSEA.
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- Meet with MEHE Director General, the assigned PSEA Focal Point in MEHE, the head of the Department D’ Orientation Professionals Scolaire (DOPS), and other senior staff in MEHE including the Heads of Primary and Secondary Education, the central inspection unit and the mother and child parliamentary committee to provide a detailed briefing about the assignment, its deliverables and coordination requirements.
- Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with UN agencies, including the PSEA IA coordinator, UNHCR, UNICEF and child protection actors.
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10 working days
(to be completed by mid of the 2nd month)
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Task 3: Create a TOR of the assigned PSEA FP in MEHE.
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- Develop a TOR for the newly assigned PSEA FP in MEHE who has direct access to MEHE DG clearly outlining roles and responsibilities in this regard. The TOR will be drafted based on consultation with MEHE minister and the outcomes of the consultation.
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2 working days
(to be completed by mid of the 2nd month)
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Task 4: Submit an interim referral pathway for SEA allegations perpetrated by MEHE staff paid by the UN.
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Develop and submit an interim/ functional referral pathway for SEA allegations linked to the UN funded MEHE personnel. This pathway must align with core reporting standards (accessibility, responsiveness, safety and confidentiality). The referral pathway must include:
- Clear reporting channels for alleged cases of sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by MEHE officials funded by UN agencies.
- Identification of key reporting points within the education system (e.g., school principals, regional education offices, MEHE).
- Detailing instructions on how reports will be processed, ensuring confidentiality and safety for the survivor.
The interim functional referral pathway must be reviewed and endorsed by the relevant entities in MEHE. The blank template of this referral pathway could be also used by other ministries.
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10 working days
(to be completed by mid of 3rd month)
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Task 5: Create Training material for a ToT on PSEA.
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- Develop training material based on the steps outlined in the referral pathway. The materials must be prepared in both English and Arabic, in coordination with other stakeholder (namely UNHCR and the PSEA ICN coordinator)
- Establish clear criteria for selecting MEHE officials eligible to participate in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program.
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5 working days
(to be completed by end of the 3rd month)
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Task 6: Conduct the ToT and submit a training report
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- Conduct Training of Trainers (TOT) for 20 MEHE Officials, Including Regional Education Officers (REOs).
- Training MEHE officials and selection of champion trainers on Key PSEA concepts to enhance their understanding on the UN zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, focusing on issues within the education sector.
- Incorporate interactive methods, including group discussions, role-plays, and case studies.
- Utilize innovative techniques such as pedagogical methods, effective presentation skills, and adult learning principles, equipping trainers with the tools to effectively communicate PSEA concepts.
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7 working days
(to be completed by mid of the 4th month)
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Task 7: Roll out of 20 training courses for 400 school principals.
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- Roll out the training of PSEA for all school’s principals: Following the selection of champion trainers from the trainees and equipping them with the necessary tool to assist in training the schools.
- Roll out trainings targeting 400 school principals through 20 training courses.
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20 working days
(to be completed by end of the 5th month)
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Task 8: Re-training of champion trainers and facilitation of a simulated PSEA training session for school principals including guidance on the training rollout plan.
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- Strengthen Capacity of Champion Trainers and Simulate PSEA Training for School Principals: Select and train a group of champion trainers by equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to effectively deliver PSEA training to school principals.
- Conduct refresher training sessions for the champion trainers.
- Facilitate a simulated training session for school principals to ensure trainers are well-prepared.
- Provide guidance on structuring and rolling out the training across schools while ensuring quality and consistency in delivery.
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5 working days
(to be completed by end of the 5th month)
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Task 9: Implement a cross-ministerial PSEA guidance document for use across all ministries in Lebanon.
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- Develop Cross-Ministerial PSEA Implementation Guidance.
- Building on the desk review of national laws and the deliverables developed for MEHE during this assignment including the referral pathway, training materials, and reporting mechanisms.
- draft a practical PSEA implementation guidance that can be adapted by other ministries in Lebanon. This document should:
- Summarize relevant national legal frameworks applicable across ministries.
- Provide standardized recommendations for establishing reporting and referral mechanisms in line with international standards.
- Adapt training materials for broader use across ministries, ensuring consistency in PSEA capacity-building.
- Offer sector-specific guidance on institutionalizing PSEA, including assigning focal points, integrating PSEA into policies, and ensuring accountability mechanisms.
- Outline best practices and lessons learned from MEHE’s experience to inform PSEA mainstreaming in other ministries.
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15 working days
(to be completed by end of the 6th month)
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Task 10: Submit one final report
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- Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing key achievements, lessons learned and recommendations for sustaining and further integrating PSEA within MEHE’s systems and policies
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5 days
(to be completed by end of the 7th month)
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To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education: University degree in Law, Social work, social science or any other relevant field.
Work Experience: 7 years of experience in the field of child protection, GBV and PSEA.
Skills:
- Experience in drafting guidance documents on PSEA, Child protection and GBV.
- Strong background in Lebanese laws related to protection, sexual harassment.
- Excellent capacity building skills in PSEA/ GBV and CP issues.
- Good knowledge in humanitarian contexts and familiarity with GBV related resources and material.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relations with other stakeholders.
Language Requirements: Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and in Arabic.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
Please submit a detailed cost proposal to undertake the terms of reference above . Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.
