UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, health.

UNICEF works in close collaboration with NHEICC (National Health Centre for Education Information and Communication Center) and EDCD (Epidemiology and Disease control Division) to support in areas of NCDs (Non communicable diseases) and mental health in children and adolescents. Knowledge in mental health and NCDs is imparted to children through school curriculum subjects in science, health and environment, social science etc. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Curriculum Development Center (CDC), NHEICC, Family Welfare Division (FWD), EDCD, and stakeholders undertakes a comprehensive review of the school health curriculum from Grades 1 to 12, periodically.

This year, NHEICC has taken lead to review school health curriculum of Grade 1 to 12 to assess adequacy and quality in areas of health with focus on mental health and NCDs, tobacco and alcohol use. In this regard UNICEF supports Government, as mental health and NCDs in children is priority for UNICEF. This review aims to update the curriculum to include age-appropriate, relevant, and evidence-based health education content aligned with current health challenges and global standards. The revision will enhance students' knowledge on topics such as nutrition, mental health, reproductive health, NCDs, tobacco and alcohol use, and child health and immunization.

UNICEF Health section is seeking a national consultant who will support the team and NHEICC in reviewing the existing school textbooks related to health and social sciences (Grades 1 to 12) and propose recommendations that reflect current health challenges, focusing on topics like tobacco, alcohol, NCDs risk factors, mental health, child health and immunization, nutrition, and reproductive health.

How can you make a difference? 

Scope of Work.

• Support NHEICC in school curriculum revision from Grade 1-12 with focus on mental health, tobacco and alcohol use, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), reproductive health, nutrition, child health and immunization.
• Coordinate with relevant sections of MoHP including EDCD, NHEICC, FWD and relevant section of MoEST including CDC, and other relevant stakeholders including WHO, UNESCO, UNFPA on school curriculum revision.
• Conduct a thorough review of existing health-related content in school textbooks (health, social science, and related subjects) from Grades 1 to 12.
• Develop a comprehensive report in a three-column format of NHEICC:
  • Existing content (grade-wise): outline the current health education content.
  • Proposed age and grade-specific health content: recommend updated content based on identified gaps and feedback.
  • Rationale for change: provide justification for proposed changes, including relevance, age-appropriateness, and alignment with health priorities.
• Attend meetings and workshops with key stakeholders to discuss findings, gather inputs, and validate proposed changes.
• Identify gaps and areas needing improvement, focusing on age and grade-specific needs.
• Compare the current curriculum with international standards and guidelines for health education.
• Participate in workshops and present findings from the desk review.
• Conduct one-on-one consultative meetings with stakeholders to incorporate their feedback.
• Consolidate findings and gaps and share recommendations to UNICEF, NHEICC, CDC, EDCD and relevant stakeholders.

TASK

• Development of work plan
• Coordinate with UNICEF, NHEICC, CDC, EDCD, FWD and related divisions for tasks and expectations.
• Review of existing school textbooks (health, social science, and related subjects) from Grades 1 to 12 for health-related content.
• Identify gaps and areas needing improvement, focusing on age and grade-specific needs.
• Compare the current curriculum with international standards and guidelines for health education.
• Attend meetings and workshops with key stakeholders to discuss findings, gather inputs, and validate proposed changes.
• Conduct one-on-one consultative meetings with stakeholders to incorporate their feedback.
• Refine proposed revisions based on inputs from workshops and consultations.

First Deliverables:

• Inception Report

Second Deliverables:

• First draft of review report

Third Deliverables:

• Final draft with feedback duly incorporated.

Fourth Deliverables:

• Endorsed report from NHEICC.

Duration: The duration of the consultancy is for 60 days over the period of six months tentatively starting from Third week of October 2024

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum Qualifications required:

Education: Master’s degree in Health Education or related fields including Sociology/Anthropology/health sciences

Knowledge/Expertise/Skill required:

• More than 10 years of experience in curriculum development and review, particularly in health education.
• Familiarity with Nepal's education system and health priorities.
• Demonstrated experience having worked with CDC at MoEST and NHEICC, FWD at MoHP
• Strong analytical skills and experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in health education, particularly school curriculum of Nepal and the ability to analyze and make recommendations compared to international curriculum as age-appropriate
• Records of research conducted on school curriculum at national and international level
• Good interpersonal skills, team-oriented, work adaptation in multi-cultural environments, proven ability to facilitate cooperation in a multidisciplinary team.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision, punctual, and dedicated to quality work
• Good written and spoken Nepali and English languages

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. 

Remarks:  

Female candidates and candidates from the under-represented ethnic groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are requested to submit their financial proposal as per the deliverables.

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.