Call for Proposals: Enhancing LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Learning Spaces in Asia

Deadline: 31-Aug-2024

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking proposals for the mid-term evaluation of its five-year project focused on improving LGBTIQ+ inclusive learning environments in Asia through youth-led transformative actions and partnerships in the education sector.

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UNESCO is seeking an evaluation consultancy contractor to undertake a comprehensive mid-term evaluation of the project on enhancing LGBTIQ+ inclusive learning spaces in Asia for the implementation period from October 2021 to October 2024. The mid-term evaluation aims to inform and improve the ongoing project by assessing its completed and ongoing activities.

Outcomes, Outputs and Activities 

• Outcome N°1 LGBTIQ+ young people in the target institutions at regional and national levels in Asia are empowered to engage education communities for creating LGBTIQ+ inclusive learning spaces, through their strengthened technical and advocacy skills 
  • Output N°1:  evidence-based advocacy and community mobilization tools adapted/created and finalized
    • Activity 1: Develop methodology and results framework the 5-year project
    • Activity 2: Resource development/ adaptation of advocacy and community mobilization resources by and with youth activists, including creative content development and product design workshops facilitated by externally recruited experts and partners, including staff from Dior. Language translation as needed.
    • Activity 3: Tools/resources ‘finalized’ in terms of content and design and made available in multiple languages and freely accessible online for further contextual adaptations.
  • Output N°2: training approach developed, training activities and workshops designed and held with at least 50 youth for skills-building in using the tools created in each country implementation setting
    • Activity 1: Ongoing skills-building of youth members of LGBTIQ+ networks as inclusion change makers in education spaces through peer-mentoring approaches and dedicated workshops with youth to engage with the various tools and resources produced.
• Outcome N°2 Target education institutions in at least 4 countries in Asia develop a more LGBTIQ+ inclusive climate through increased awareness, more gender-equitable community attitudes and non-discriminatory regulations and practices, enabled by project tools implemented by LGBTIQ+ youth leaders working in partnership with education officials/practitioners
  • Output N°1: project tools implemented by trained youth in education institutions in at least 4 countries across the life of the project, with progress monitored and results documented
    • Activity 1: LGBTIQ+ youth in each country context implement advocacy approaches to target desired changes in their educational institutions, reaching at least 800 student peers, 100 university faculty/management staff.
    • Activity 2: LGBTIQ+ youth  in each country context monitor, document and communicate the results of their efforts, including through creative and digital means such as video journaling and storytelling, with additional skills-building and mentoring on this approach supported by Dior staff where appropriate.
    • Activity 3: External evaluation of the project conducted at mid and end point of the five-year project cycle, through quantitative and qualitative means
    • Activity 4: Multi-country project reference group of LGBTIQ+ youth/student activists established to facilitate cross-country learning exchange and cooperation and drive project innovation
    • Activity 5: Final multi-country evaluation report developed, including on the reach, potential impacts and sustainability of efforts at the end of the project cycle
  • Output N° 2: Project results institutionally and publicly disseminated through various assets, formats and channels to increase awareness among education sector partners and LGBTIQ+ networks nationally and in the region to facilitate roll-out
    • Activity 1: Design and strategic communication of pilot results, including through media assets, UNESCO and Dior’s communication channels.
    • Activity 2: Regional amplification of key advocacy messages including on key UN commemorative days; knowledge exchange coordinated by UNESCO Bangkok office including through its thematic youth dialogue series
    • Activity 3: At least 1 regional learning and policy exchange among LGBTIQ+ youth networks and advocates, education practitioners and policy makers, organized in the sidelines of a key regional inter-governmental/high-level meeting or event

Qualification and Experience Requirements

• Firm/institution Qualifications:
  • Qualifications:
    • The Firm/Institution must be a legally constituted entity with at least three (3) years of professional expertise in designing and conducting/leading evaluations of development projects
    • Must have demonstrated subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: monitoring and evaluation, educational assessment and evaluation, formal education, gender equality, inclusion in education, human rights advocacy, social justice, social science or other relevant fields.
  • Experience:
    • Demonstrated previous experience working with the UN and/or other multilateral, bilateral or civil society development partners.
    • A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in development project evaluations with a proven track record in successfully managing evaluations in education, gender equality, or social justice. Submission of a minimum two (2) references/supporting examples of relevant projects previously implemented.
    • Demonstrated previous experience in working with especially socially vulnerable young people, including young LGBTIQ+ community.
    • Experience collaborating with UN agencies, multilateral, bilateral, or civil society development partners is highly desirable.
  • Skills:
    • Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
    • Proficiency in designing and delivering participatory workshops, both in-person and remotely.
    • Competence in using digital platforms and tools for remote communication, data collection, and collaboration.
    • Familiarity with common data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Surveys) and relevant statistical tools
  • Language Requirements:
    • The Firm/Institution must have a high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to ensure clear communication and the production of high-quality reports and materials.
    • Proficiency in a language/s spoken in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable.
• Lead Consultant
  • Education
    • An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as: monitoring and evaluation, educational assessment and evaluation, formal education, gender equality, inclusion in education, human rights advocacy, social justice, social science or other relevant fields.
  • Experience
    • A minimum of five (5) years of post-certification practical involvement and professional field experience in any of the pertinent technical domains mentioned.
    • A minimum of three (3) years of professional expertise in designing and conducting/leading evaluations of development projects
    • Experience in applying quality and quantitative evaluation methods in social sciences research. Submission of at least two reference/supporting example of relevant projects previously managed.
  • Skills/Competencies
    • Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills, including the production of written content for both specialist and generalist audiences
    • Experience in participatory workshop design, facilitation and evaluation (in-person and remote modalities)
    • Familiarity with common data analysis software (i.e. Microsoft Excel and relevant statistical tools) and data collection applications (i.e. Google Surveys).
    • Strong understanding of UNESCO’s mandate in education and its strategy on education for health and wellbeing (Desirable).
    • Experience working in the Asia-Pacific context and demonstrated understanding of the experiences of project evaluation and monitoring, LGBTIQ+ inclusion and advocacy, and educational assessment (Desirable).
    • Prior experience of working with young people and supporting their meaningful engagement leadership (Desirable).
    • Previous experience working with the UN and/or other multilateral, bilateral and civil society development partners (Desirable).
    • Previous exposure to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts across multiple countries concurrently, involving coordination with partners in this operational setting (Desirable).
  • Language:
    • Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Junior Consultant:
  • Education
    • Minimum one year training or experience in a field related to education, social justice, social sciences, gender equality
  • Experience:
    • Demonstrated experience in working with youth-led groups or networks, particularly with/for LGBTIQ+ young people, supported by at least one (1) reference or example of relevant project implementation support.
  • Skills/Competencies:
    • Familiarity with common data analysis software (i.e. Microsoft Excel and relevant statistical tools) and data collection applications (i.e. Google Surveys) (Desirable)
  • Language:
    • Fluency in spoken and written English.

Eligibility Criteria

• The consultancy is open to suitably qualified organizations/institutions/companies.

For more information, visit UNESCO.