Національний/а консультант/ка з розробки навчальної програми

Terms of References for Individual Consultant

1. Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a UN agency that works in about 170 countries and territories, helping eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience. It thereby helps them sustain progress and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In Ukraine, UNDP operates in three programme priorities, as defined by a Country Programme Document for 2025-2029, such as Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth, Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation.  

There are three projects “Democratization and Human Rights 2023–2026 Project”,
“Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine Project” and “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” under which this Terms of References (ToRs) is announced. All projects are the part of the Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric portfolio of projects that work to develop an equitable, inclusive, democratic society in Ukraine. It strives to ensure that Ukrainian society is more inclusive and cohesive with active civic space and more effective, accountable institutions that enable reform and recovery and safeguard the rule of law, human rights, and gender equality.

The war in Ukraine has caused significant loss of life, unprecedented internal and external displacement, and devastating destruction of infrastructure. UNDP’s core mission is to preserve development gains as fully as possible and to return Ukraine to pathways toward achieving the SDGs as quickly as possible.

On January 1, 2023, the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (UNDP), with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, launched the “Democratization and Human Rights 2023–2026 Project.” Under this project, the Civil Society and Youth Support Project (CSYP) is being implemented until December 31, 2026.

Building on previous experience and aiming to support the strengthened resilience and early recovery of war-affected communities in selected target areas of Ukraine, UNDP and the European Union — a long-term partner — launched the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (EU4Recovery) project. The initiative ensures a multiplier effect by further expanding key interventions. EU4Recovery interventions are grouped under the following key objectives:

• Target communities have increased access to quality public services that respond to the needs of all population groups, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable.
• Community security is enhanced, and the social fabric is maintained in the project’s target areas.

EU4Recovery is being implemented using an area-based approach, ensuring that the synergies derived from a multi-sectoral approach maximize the impact on individuals’ lives at the community level.

At the same time Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine Project provides necessary support to the Government to ensure sustainability, effectiveness in the continued crisis and emergency coordination, response planning between the central government, the oblasts/rayons and other stakeholders. Also, this Project is aimed at strengthening government mechanisms and processes for crisis management and recovery process strengthened, with additional focus on needs and interests of certain war-affected population groups (youth and veterans).

The full-scale war in Ukraine has deeply impacted every young Ukrainian man and woman. According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, more than 2 million young people have become internally displaced, and another 2 million have been forced to leave the country. This constitutes 40% of Ukraine’s total youth population. In regions of Ukraine where active hostilities have ceased, youth centers and organizations have transformed their work since the first days of the war. They have operated as temporary shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs), humanitarian aid collection centers, volunteer coordination hubs, and support centers for those in need. By the third year of the war, many centers had returned to their regular activities, focusing on enabling youth policy and creating opportunities for young people’s development.

In February 2025, Ministry of Defence of Ukraine introduced a new project to increase motivation for certain categories of citizens of Ukraine to perform military service in the Armed Forces during martial law (in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution`s of February 11, 2025 No.15 it is referred to as the experimental project). The purpose of the pilot project is to increase the level of personnel staffing of combat military units (subdivisions) of the Armed Forces by improving the mechanisms for attracting citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 25 to perform military service under a contract and creating additional motivational factors for this. This voluntary contract service allows young people to receive competitive benefits (around 48,000 USD) and social guarantees that are not available in civilian life in 1 year (https://18-24.army.gov.ua/#about). With this new initiative the expected number of veterans below 35 years in future will increase dramatically.

In 2014, UNDP Ukraine launched the innovative Youth Worker Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. Over the past decade, the programme has evolved from a series of non-formal educational trainings for specialists working with youth into a state-certified system of non-formal education for professionals in the field of youth work and youth policy. The programme aims to build the capacities of public servants and civil society representatives working with youth, empowering young people with the skills necessary for active engagement in their communities and participation in local and national policy-making processes.

The Youth Worker Programme comprises three levels of training: 1. Basic course – an entry-level course introducing participants to the fundamentals of youth work; 2. Specialised courses – in-depth training on selected topics; 3. Training of Trainers (TOT) – preparing participants to become trainers in the field of youth work.

Over the years, several national and international organizations have supported the development of these courses, including the Council of Europe, UN Volunteers, UNFPA, NAUCS, and USAID.  The variety of courses were developed covering topics relevant to current work conditions and sectoral demand, including volunteer coordination, civic education for youth workers, advocacy in local communities (hromadas), digital tools for youth work, trauma-informed youth work, promoting healthy lifestyles, and more. UNDP has contributed significantly to the programme by developing the basic course for youth workers, the specialized course “Civic Education for Youth Workers,” the typical programme for public servants titled “Youth Work,” and the online course “Youth Work: From Theory to Practice”. In response to the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ request, UNDP will develop a specialized course focusing on youth work with veterans, recognizing that many veterans are/will be young people. This initiative aims to sensitize and strengthen the skills of professionals in the youth sector — both in civil service and civil society — enabling them to address the unique needs of young women and men veterans upon demobilization.

1. Main objective of the Assignment

To achieve these objectives, UNDP seeks to hire two national consultants (under separate but closely linked Terms of References (ToRs)) who will work collaboratively to create a robust knowledge base and profile of young veterans as well as develop inclusive and needs-driven capacity development programme for youth workers to work with this specific demographic.

1. Consultant No. 1: National Consultant with sociological and analytical skills profile for conducting research and co-designing methodology for the specialized training programme for youth workers on how to work with young veterans. Ref: UNDP-UKR-01183

1. Consultant No. 2: National Consultant with the background of methodologist, educator, and experienced Youth Worker for developing methodology for the specialized training programme for youth workers on how to work with young veterans. Ref:  UNDP-UKR-01184

Applicants may apply for one or both above-mentioned IC notices, based on their preferences and eligibility. However, due to the nature of the work and specific requirements of the assignments, a single successful applicant will be awarded only one contract. If an applicant is successful and ranked as no. 1 under both the notices, only one contract will be awarded to the applicant best determined by the combined scoring method under each notice with additional consideration to the cost effectiveness that provide the best value for money to UNDP.

The subject ToRs relates to Consultant No. 2.

In consultation with UNDP, the consultants will strategically engage with relevant stakeholders to gather the evidence needed on the specific needs and priorities of young veterans, develop a methodology to underpin the development of a capacity-enhancement programme for youth workers, by launching a pilot TOT for youth workers and providing mentor support to alumni within their first training sessions in local communities. While hired through separate ToRs the consultants will possess complementary skill sets and will work closely together to achieve set objectives.

This joint collaboration aims to enrich the course’s content by drawing on the expertise of professionals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that it adequately addresses the multifaceted needs of young veterans. Additionally, the involvement of two consultants allows for a more thorough examination of the intersection between youth issues and veteran experiences, fostering a holistic understanding that can inform the development of targeted interventions and services.

Ultimately, this dual approach not only enhances the skills of professionals within the youth sector but also strengthens the support network available to young veterans, thereby promoting their successful integration into civilian life.

These Terms of Reference entails the scope of work and expected deliverables for Consultant No. 2 with the background of methodologist, educator, and experienced Youth Worker.

III . Duties and responsibilities / Scope of work

To achieve the objective of the assignment, the selected Consultant will undertake the following activities:

1. Conduct complementary desk research to explore existing national and international non-formal educational programmes pertinent to young veterans, as well as services offered in youth centres for this target group. Complement Consultant No. 1’s findings with this research. This will involve conducting thorough desk research, including the review and analysis of existing materials, research studies, analytical reports, and programme documentation related to non-formal education initiatives targeting young veterans. Consultant No.2 will also examine successful case studies of programmes implemented both in Ukraine and internationally, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches.

In addition to desk research, Consultant No.2 will engage directly with youth workers, programme coordinators, and other stakeholders in communities with significant populations of young veterans. This will involve conducting interviews or consultations (at least 5) to gather qualitative insights into the challenges, needs, and successes of existing services provided by youth centres for this demographic. The Consultant No.2 will analyze this information to identify gaps or areas for improvement in the current non-formal education programmes and support services tailored to young veterans.

The expected chapter should include findings from research on best practices in non-formal education programmes relevant to young veterans, as well as examples of practical work conducted in Ukraine and abroad (drawing from experiences from at least five other countries). It should also feature specific examples of activities carried out by youth workers and/or within youth centres targeting young veterans, highlighting the knowledge and skill gaps reported by the youth workers during the conversations.

2. Take the lead in designing and facilitating 2-day offline strategic brainstorming session with key stakeholders, with the support of Consultant No.1 to present the combined research findings and develop the capacity-strengthening programme’s theoretical framework. The session will serve as a platform for the following:

• Presenting Key Research Findings: Consultants will present the findings derived from desk research, interviews, and analyses conducted during the initial phase. These findings will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities in addressing the needs of young veterans.
• Creating the Framework for Future Course Modules: Building on the insights and recommendations generated through collaborative discussions, the consultants, in cooperation with stakeholders, will design tailored course modules to address the identified needs and challenges effectively.

The list of participants will be developed in collaboration with Consultant No.1, UNDP colleagues, representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and All Ukrainian Youth Center. Participants should include representatives from national and local institutions, NGOs working with veterans, and members of the veteran community.

Consultant No.2 will take the lead in the development of the strategic session agenda/programme and communication with stakeholders to invite them to participate in the strategic session. The programme for the session should be developed and approved by UNDP and colleagues from the Ministry at least 3 weeks prior to the scheduled dates of the strategic session. UNDP will provide logistical support for organizing the session and will cover all related costs.

3. Create a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) manual for the specialized Youth Worker Programme, based on the outcomes of the strategic session and research findings. The structure and content of the module should include, but are not limited to:

Introduction:

1. Overview of the module objectives and learning outcomes.
2. Brief introduction to the topic and its significance in the context of working with veterans and youth service providers.

Key Concepts and Theoretical Framework:

1. Explanation of key concepts, theories, and frameworks relevant to the topic.
2. Integration of theoretical knowledge with practical insights and real-world examples.

Practical Exercises and Activities:

1. Engagement of participants through interactive exercises, role plays, and group activities.
2. Application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and case studies.

Case Studies and Examples:

1. Presentation of real-life case studies and examples illustrating successful practices and challenges encountered in the field.
2. Analysis of case studies to extract key learnings and best practices.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

1. Summary of key takeaways and insights gained from the module.
2. Identification of practical recommendations and strategies for implementation in participants’ work settings.

Recommended Reading and Resources:

1. Provision of supplementary reading materials, resources, and references for further exploration of the topic.
2. Recommendations for additional training opportunities or professional development resources.

Evaluation and Feedback:

1. Assessment of participants’ understanding and retention of key concepts through quizzes, assignments, or knowledge checks.
2. Solicitation of feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and refinement of future training sessions.

The proposed methodology should be approved by AYUC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure alignment with the methodological framework of the Youth Worker Programme. After the draft manual is developed, Consultant No.2 makes a presentation (online) to the stakeholders who were involved in the strategic session, gather their feedback and make respective adjustment.

4. Conduct an offline validation session with the representatives of the veteran community in order to pilot the curriculum with the key beneficiaries of this product. The session should be structured as a combination of interactive discussions, feedback gathering, and hands-on testing of the major training components. Participants will engage with the proposed activities and provide insights into their relevance, clarity, and applicability to their real-life contexts. This process will help identify potential gaps, ensure the content is engaging and practical, and confirm that the training aligns with the specific needs of young veterans. The primary objective of the session is to test and refine key components of the training, such as exercises, scenarios, and other practical activities, based on the direct input and feedback of the final beneficiaries of the services in youth centres. The feedback and recommendations gathered during the validation session will be used to refine and finalize the training manual, ensuring that it is both inclusive and impactful. The list of participants for the session should be created by Consultant No. 2 together with UNDP and Ministry of Youth and Sports. The session should have up to 10 participants to ensure in-depth discussion and good group dynamic.

If there is a need and upon request from Consultant No. 2, UNDP might hire a co-trainer or an assistant for the validation session to ensure the session is of the high quality.

5. Implement an offline test ToT training session to pilot the methodology, collect feedback and adapt the final training programme accordingly. Conduct final ToT for selected participants. Consultant No. 2 will be responsible for conducting two ToTs:

• Test ToT with smaller group of selected youth workers (up to 15 people).
• Final ToT with the duration of four- to five-day for the trainers that will be selected based on specific criteria developed by All Ukrainian Youth Center, Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNDP (up to 25 people).

After conducting a test ToT, Consultant No. 2 will collect detailed feedback from the testing cohort and adjust the training module accordingly to prepare for the final ToT.

The participants for the final ToT will be selected in collaboration with UNDP, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and All Ukrainian Youth Center ensuring a diverse representation of geographical regions, the necessary skill set , the experience of prior work with the veterans, and the individual motivation of those who express interest in participating. UNDP, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and All Ukrainian Youth Center might organize additional interviews with pre-selected participants to decide on final selection.

If needed and upon request from Consultant No. 2, UNDP may hire co-trainers or an assistant to support the ToT delivery, ensuring the highest quality of the session.

UNDP will cover all expenses related to the logistical organization of the training event. Following the session, Consultant No.2 may also be required to refine the training content based on feedback received from participants to enhance its relevance and effectiveness.

The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance for any kind of discriminatory and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct and apply the UN System Code of Conduct.

(https://www.un.org/management/sites/www.un.org.management/files/un-system-model-code-conduct.pdf).

1. Deliverables

The following deliverables will be provided by Contractor.

1. Proposed payment schedule:

Payment will be based upon satisfactory completion of deliverables upon review and acceptance by UNDP. UNDP will pay the negotiated amount in five (5) tranches as per delivery of tasks outlined above, according to the following payment schedule:

• first payment will be issued upon the completion of Deliverable 1 (20 % of the total contract amount).
• second payment will be issued upon completion of Deliverable 2 (20 % of the total contract amount).
• third payment will be issued upon completion of Deliverable 3 (20 % of the total contract amount).
• forth payment will be issued upon completion of Deliverable 4 (20 % of the total contract amount).
• fifth payment will be issued upon completion of Deliverable 5 (20 % of the total contract amount).

1. Monitoring/reporting requirements

Consultant No.2 shall report to the Civil Society Project Manager and the Youth Engagement & Volunteers Analyst. The payments shall be arranged in stages in accordance with the proposed payment scheme above and upon acceptance of the deliverables based on quality control and recommendations. The final report shall be submitted to UNDP no later than September 30 2025.  

Consultant No.2 shall provide the necessary information and reports according to a preliminary determined schedule or as soon as possible (within a reasonable period of time). UNDP will be the ultimate authority to control the quality of work results and assess the performance during the assignment.

All reports should be transmitted to UNDP electronically (formats of: * .docx, * .xlsx, * .pptx, * .pdf) on the electronic source or in the form of electronic communication with the attached final product in the Ukrainian language.

All information and products produced by the Consultants under this assignment will remain property of UNDP Ukraine.

VII. Experience and qualification requirements:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities or other relevant fields.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience of developing and conducting training programs for various audience, including for young people.
• At least three (3) samples/brief overview of training programs and ToTs developed for youth and/or youth workers or civil society professionals (to be included in the respective CV section or prepared as a separate document).

• Experience with working with veterans and/or veteran policy (minimum 2 years).
• Fluent writing, editing and oral communication skills in Ukrainian. Working knowledge of English would be considered as an asset (the information should be clearly reflected in an applicant’s CV).

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

VIII. Documents to be included when submitting the proposal

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

1. Financial proposal

 Lump sum contract

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in instalments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including a number of anticipated working days).

The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Travel costs

 Not applicable for the assignment.

Should any travel be necessary in connection to this TOR, UNDP will reimburse the expenses based on the duly authorized travel details, including travel and per diems. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

1. Evaluation criteria

Maximum available technical score – 70 points.

Minimum available technical score – 49 points.

Note: Applicants may apply for one or both IC notices, mentioned above under section II – Main objective of the Assignment, based on their preferences and eligibility. However, due to the nature of the work and specific requirements of the assignments, a single successful applicant will be awarded only one contract. If an applicant is successful and ranked as no. 1 under both the notices, only one contract will be awarded to the applicant best determined by the combined scoring method under each notice with additional consideration to the cost effectiveness that provide the best value for money to UNDP.

1. Evaluation method

 Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

1. a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
2. b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer. After successful completion of the validation interview, the offeror will be awarded a contract.

 Source – https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=31378