UNESCO is seeking the services of a Contractor to undertake a baseline study for Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3 Plus) project.
Background and Context
Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3 Plus) project seeks to ensure that young people in higher and tertiary education institutions (HTEIs) in Zambia and Zimbabwe realize positive health, education and gender equality outcomes through sustained reductions in new HIV infections, unintended pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence. The project will thus enable them to reach their full educational potential and contribute more effectively to the development of their countries and region as graduates, professionals and young leaders.
Working closely with relevant regional structures, national ministries, higher and tertiary education institutions, and key partners, UNESCO will support innovation in access to Life Skills Based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for HTEI students while advocating for policy and practice changes to make campuses safe and inclusive learning environments for students and staff. In doing so, the project will institutionalize health and well-being programs for students while engaging leadership for long-term commitment and sustainability.
The project will also reinforce social accountability throughout the implementation. Institutional policies and codes of conduct will articulate standards of expected behaviour against which staff and students will be held accountable, linked to strengthened complaint pathways and whistle-blower mechanisms. In parallel, campus campaigns will promote zero tolerance on sexual harassment, gender based violence and bullying / abuse based on sexuality, or disability status. The development and implementation of tools such as ‘score cards’ for student feedback on campus health services, including health care provider attitudes, will further encourage participation in social accountability mechanisms aimed at improving service provision and quality of care.
The work will be delivered through four complementary pillars or work streams as follows: institutional strengthening for sustainability; student health and well-being; safe and inclusive campus environments; and evidence building and knowledge sharing platform.
The project will be implemented across 20 Higher and Tertiary Education institutions (HTEIs) across Zambia and Zimbabwe from January 2021 to December 2024.
The deadline for application is 15 January 2021