Consultancy - Development of Pre-Service Teachers' Mental Health Manual and Revision of Curriculum, Guyana, 3.5 Months (Remote/Work from Home)
For every child, the right to education. Mental health and well-being are critical components of adolescents' overall growth and future, yet remain among the most neglected health issues. The estimated prevalence of mental health conditions amongst adolescents in Guyana is 17.5% (19.0% for boys versus 15.9% for girls). Self-harm is the leading cause of death among Guyanese adolescents aged 15-19, and Guyana has the second highest burden of suicide in the Region of the Americas. Adolescents with disabilities face heightened risk due to stigma, social exclusion and limited access to inclusive education and psychosocial support, including in rural and hinterland communities. Guyana's education system is increasingly recognized as a critical entry point for promoting adolescent mental health, but teachers and administrators often lack the capacity and tools to identify and respond to mental health concerns.
These Terms of Reference are for an individual consultant to revise the pre-service teachers' HFLE curriculum to include mental health and to develop an accompanying manual to support pre-service capacity building on mental health. The Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH) are partnering with UNICEF on the development of these materials.
Scope of Work: Under the supervision of the UNICEF Health Officer and Education Specialist and the Ministry of Education, the Consultant will lead the review, assessment and revision of the HFLE pre-service teachers' curriculum to include mental health, and develop an accompanying manual supporting pre-service capacity building to recognise mental health conditions in children, provide appropriate guidance, and support children in developing social and emotional skills. The consultancy will be implemented between 21 September 2026 and 31 December 2026. Priority thematic areas include the importance of mental health and wellbeing in school, understanding child development, main emotional and behavioural disorders, and social and emotional skills building. Methodology phases: (1) inception report inclusive of desk review and workplan; (2) revise curricula and develop training manuals and materials; (3) presentation of final documents.
Minimum requirements: Master's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Public Health, Health Policy or a related field, with specialized training or proven experience in curriculum development. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in education, public health or social policy, including development of curricula and training materials. Fluency in English. Knowledge of the HFLE curriculum with specific knowledge of adolescent mental health and wellbeing; strong track record of training adult learners; strong communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills; ability to prepare clear and concise presentations and reports. Desirable: previous work experience with the United Nations System, experiential knowledge of Guyana's sub-regional contexts, and a background or experience in mental health.
Contract type: Consultant. Duty station: Georgetown. Working arrangement: Home-based. Duration: 3.5 months.
Deadline: 30 Aug 2026 SA Western Standard Time
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the UNICEF recruitment portal (Talent Management System). Qualified candidates are invited to submit: an up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter, and a separate financial proposal. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes and will not ask for applicants' bank account information. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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