Background
DESCOPE is recruiting a skilled consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive Life Skills Training program tailored for adolescents, youth, and other vulnerable populations. This program is an essential element of the NHF-sponsored project, “Integrated Life-Saving Nutrition and Protection Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations in Saga, Conduct, and Gala Local Government Areas (Gas), Born State.” The initiative aims to enhance participants’ psychosocial resilience, decision-making abilities, and socio-economic preparedness in the high-risk, conflict-impacted communities of these designated Gas.
The program is tailored to address pressing needs among adolescents in high-risk environments, with a strong emphasis on fostering self-awareness, personal safety, emotional resilience, effective communication, and future preparedness. To ensure lasting results, the chosen consultant must develop and execute an organized, inclusive, and child-focused curriculum, structured to be delivered across a 12-week period in Saga Local Government Area, Born State.
To fulfill the specified engagement, the primary objective is to undertake a series of tasks and deliverables as outlined in the agreement, ensuring alignment with the project’s goals and objectives while maintaining compliance with all stipulated requirements and timelines. The assignment will necessitate collaboration with relevant stakeholders, adherence to established protocols, and the application of specialized skills or expertise to achieve the desired outcomes efficiently and effectively.
This consultancy aims to develop, customize, and lead the implementation of a 12-session life-skills program tailored for adolescents aged 10 to 17, employing participatory and age-appropriate teaching methods.
The consultant will conduct life-skills training sessions for approximately 100 to 150 adolescents, including both boys and girls, across Beneshiekh and Nammu in Saga Local Government Area (LGA). The target demographic includes a 12% inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Objectives
The primary aims of this assignment encompass the following key deliverables:
Design a comprehensive 12-session life-skills training program specifically tailored for adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, ensuring a structured and engaging learning experience.
Craft and curate content that is suitable for two distinct age groups: young adolescents aged 10 to 13 and older teenagers aged 14 to 17.
Employ participatory and child-centered approaches thoughtfully when structuring and developing session plans.
Enhance and expand key thematic domains by identifying opportunities for growth, implementing targeted strategies, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Develop and refine initiatives to bolster expertise in specified areas, fostering innovation and driving measurable impact. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess current capabilities, address gaps, and cultivate a cohesive approach that advances the department’s mission and vision.
Self-awareness and identity are essential qualities for this role, as they enable professionals to recognize their strengths, limitations, and personal biases. Candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of their own values, motivations, and emotional triggers to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics effectively. The ideal individual should exhibit humility in acknowledging areas for growth while leveraging their unique perspectives to foster collaboration and innovation. Additionally, a strong sense of identity allows for authentic engagement with diverse teams and communities, ensuring alignment between personal principles and organizational objectives.
Ensuring the safeguarding and security of individuals is a critical responsibility of this role, which involves implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate risks, respond to emergencies, and maintain a secure environment for all stakeholders. The position demands vigilance, adherence to established safety protocols, and the ability to assess potential hazards while taking proactive steps to prevent incidents. Additionally, the individual will be expected to conduct regular inspections, provide safety training, and collaborate with relevant teams to foster a culture of awareness and preparedness. Strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement in safety standards are essential.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential. Candidates must demonstrate a capacity to evaluate information meticulously, identify key issues, and arrive at well-reasoned conclusions. Strong critical thinking skills are required to navigate complex challenges, assess risks, and propose effective solutions. The role demands the ability to analyze data, weigh pros and cons, and make informed decisions under pressure.
Proficient communication and strong interpersonal abilities are essential for fostering collaborative relationships and ensuring effective interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. These skills encompass active listening, clear articulation of ideas, and the capacity to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences. Additionally, they facilitate conflict resolution, teamwork, and the building of rapport, which are critical for a productive and harmonious work environment.
Emotional regulation and stress management are essential skills for maintaining productivity and well-being in demanding professional environments. The ideal candidate must demonstrate the ability to remain composed under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and employ effective coping strategies to mitigate workplace stressors. Proficiency in identifying emotional triggers, implementing mindfulness techniques, and fostering a resilient mindset is crucial. Additionally, the role requires maintaining composure during high-pressure situations, resolving conflicts constructively, and promoting a positive work environment through emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
The individual will establish clear objectives and develop strategic plans to guide future initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering sustainable growth. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying priorities, allocating resources efficiently, and monitoring progress to achieve measurable outcomes. Strong analytical and organizational skills are essential to prioritize tasks, mitigate potential risks, and adapt to evolving circumstances. Additionally, the position demands effective communication to align stakeholders, secure buy-in, and maintain accountability throughout the planning and execution phases.
Our role involves leading interactive life-skills workshops for adolescent groups, employing participatory and child-centered methodologies to ensure engagement and relevance.
Develop and implement structured referral systems to connect children in need with appropriate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) or case management services.
Scope of Work
The consultant will perform a range of duties, including conducting in-depth research to identify key trends, analyzing data to provide actionable insights, and developing strategic recommendations tailored to client objectives. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and maintain clear, consistent communication with stakeholders throughout the engagement. Additionally, the consultant will prepare detailed reports and presentations to convey findings and proposals effectively, while also monitoring progress to ensure alignment with established timelines and deliverables. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and adapt to evolving business needs.
Perform a swift assessment of current life-skills and adolescent programming resources.
Design a comprehensive 12-session curriculum package that encompasses all necessary components for effective instruction and engagement. This program should integrate detailed lesson plans, interactive activities, supplementary resources, and assessment tools tailored to meet diverse learning objectives. Ensure alignment with educational standards and incorporate measurable outcomes to evaluate participant progress throughout the program.
The facilitator leads and supports group discussions, ensuring active participation and engagement among attendees. They design and implement interactive activities tailored to the session’s objectives while maintaining a neutral and inclusive environment. Responsible for managing time effectively, the facilitator keeps discussions on track and addresses any conflicts or challenges that may arise. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt presentations to diverse audiences. Additionally, the facilitator gathers feedback to assess program effectiveness and makes necessary adjustments for future sessions.
Develop structured session plans to ensure comprehensive and engaging learning experiences for participants. Each plan should outline clear objectives, detailed agendas, required materials, and time allocations for every segment. Incorporate a variety of instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles and maintain participant engagement. Align session content with established learning outcomes and organizational goals. Ensure plans are adaptable to accommodate real-time adjustments based on participant feedback or emerging needs. Review and refine plans regularly to incorporate best practices and enhance overall effectiveness.
Activity toolkits provide hands-on resources and structured materials designed to enhance engagement, learning, and skill development across various age groups and settings. These comprehensive kits include carefully curated activities, detailed instructions, and all necessary supplies to facilitate seamless implementation, ensuring educational objectives are met efficiently. Each toolkit is tailored to specific themes, learning outcomes, or developmental stages, offering versatile applications for educators, facilitators, parents, and organizations. Professionals using these toolkits benefit from evidence-based approaches that promote active participation, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving while aligning with curriculum standards or program goals.
Developing and overseeing monitoring and reflection mechanisms to track progress toward objectives, identify trends, and evaluate outcomes.
Content must be tailored for two distinct age demographics: 10–13 years and 14–17 years.
Promote the integration of gender sensitivity and inclusion principles throughout all initiatives and operations.
Incorporate interactive approaches, including role play, storytelling, collaborative group activities, and creative exercises.
Conduct weekly life-skills workshops tailored to adolescent groups at implementation sites.
Employ participatory and child-centric facilitation techniques consistently throughout all program delivery phases, ensuring engagement methods are age-appropriate and inclusive.
Collaborate closely with program personnel and designated safeguarding specialists throughout the execution phase to ensure alignment and adherence to established protocols.
Create guidelines to advise on referrals for children who have been identified as needing protection or psychosocial support.
Deliverables anticipated for this role encompass a comprehensive set of outputs, including but not limited to [specific examples, if provided], all of which must be completed within established timelines. The incumbent will be tasked with producing high-quality work that meets or exceeds performance benchmarks, ensuring every deliverable aligns with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations. Accuracy, thoroughness, and adherence to project specifications are critical components of this position, as the successful execution of these outputs directly impacts downstream processes and strategic outcomes.
The consultant will be tasked with delivering the following outputs:
The inception report and work plan outline the project’s foundational framework, detailing objectives, methodologies, and timelines. They establish a clear roadmap for execution, ensuring alignment among stakeholders and facilitating efficient resource allocation. The report typically includes an analysis of the current situation, stakeholder mapping, and risk assessment, while the work plan breaks down tasks, responsibilities, and milestones into actionable steps. Both documents serve as critical tools for monitoring progress and achieving desired outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.
Develop a comprehensive life-skills curriculum comprising 12 structured sessions.
Developed and finalized the facilitator guide along with all accompanying session materials.
Tailored learning strategies are implemented to accommodate students aged 10 to 13 and those aged 14 to 17, ensuring age-appropriate educational approaches.
The document outlines the referral pathway along with safeguarding guidance, ensuring procedures are followed to protect individuals and promote their well-being. It provides clear instructions for reporting concerns, emphasizing the importance of timely and appropriate actions to safeguard vulnerable individuals. Additionally, it serves as a reference for professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining safety and welfare standards.
Delivering and facilitating life-skills sessions for specific target groups.
Prepare a comprehensive end-of-assignment report that includes actionable recommendations, supported by pre- and post-training assessment data to demonstrate measurable improvements in participant knowledge and skills.
We are seeking a professional to fill a position for a specified period and at a designated site. The role requires the individual to be present at the agreed-upon location for the duration of the assignment, adhering to the established schedule and operational requirements.
The consultancy engagement is anticipated to span a duration of approximately six to eight weeks.
Location: Saga Local Government Area (Bene sheikh and Nammu)
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, complemented by a minimum of three years of practical experience in the industry. Proficiency in key software tools and technologies is essential, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional communication skills and the capacity to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams are required. Prior experience in project management or leadership roles is highly advantageous. Knowledge of industry regulations and best practices is a must to ensure compliance and operational excellence. The ideal applicant will demonstrate adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and a results-driven mindset to contribute to the organization’s success.
The preferred consultant must possess the following qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Child Protection, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline is required.
Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing programs tailored to adolescents as well as crafting comprehensive life-skills curricula is required.
Proficiency in humanitarian or conflict-affected environments is essential.
Possesses a robust knowledge of safeguarding and protection principles for children.
Possesses demonstrated proficiency in participatory and child-centered facilitation techniques, ensuring inclusive and engaging learning environments for young participants.
Proficiency in MHPSS frameworks would be beneficial to the role.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and deliver comprehensive training sessions.
You will report to and receive direction from the designated manager or supervisor, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and adherence to established protocols. Clear communication channels will be maintained to facilitate regular updates, feedback, and performance evaluations. Your role involves collaborating closely with leadership to track progress, address challenges, and contribute to strategic decision-making processes.
The consultant will report directly to the Project Coordinator and collaborate extensively with the following stakeholders:
Seasoned CFS Facilitators will oversee session logistics and drive participant mobilization initiatives with precision and efficiency.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist responsible for facilitating referrals for children requiring psychosocial intervention.
Seasoned Case Management Supervisor sought to oversee referrals involving children facing protection concerns.
MEAL Manager responsible for overseeing and assessing the results of training initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards.
We prioritize adherence to ethical standards and regulatory compliance throughout all operations. This includes ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, safeguarding sensitive information, and fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and respects individual rights. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and professional conduct in all interactions. Additionally, they should possess the ability to identify and mitigate potential ethical risks while promoting a culture of trust and responsibility.
The consultant is required to strictly comply with the following guidelines:
The consultant is required to formally endorse and adhere to DESCOPE’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. All suspicions or allegations of child abuse must be promptly reported to the designated Safeguarding Focal Person within a 24-hour timeframe.
The consultant is strictly prohibited from participating in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse, as outlined in the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) policy. Prior to the initiation of the contract, a signed SEA declaration must be submitted and approved.
All participant information, particularly details regarding protection concerns, must be handled with the utmost confidentiality and disclosed solely to individuals who have a legitimate need to know.
All activities must be executed with a primary focus on safeguarding participants, ensuring their well-being is upheld and no additional harm or distress is inflicted.
The consultant is required to utilize the predetermined referral pathways, as provided by DESCOPE, to direct any child demonstrating protection concerns or in need of MHPSS support to the Case Management Supervisor or the MHPSS Officer.
Important Note:
DESCOPE fosters an inclusive workplace rooted in equal opportunity principles, with policies designed to champion diversity and ensure equitable participation for all employees.
DESCOPE maintains an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, with an absolute zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.
Applications will be evaluated as they are received, and the organization maintains the discretion to conclude this hiring process before the listed deadline upon securing an appropriate candidate.
Shortlisted candidates exclusively will receive communication regarding their application status.
Female applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.
Interested candidates should prepare and submit the following materials:
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Vocational
Experience Required
4 years
