CONSULTANCY: CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH IN ELECTIONS

Youth disengagement in governance processes and the development of democracy is a growing global concern. Despite comprising more than 70% of the world’s population, youth participation in elections remains significantly low. For instance, global youth voter turnout averages 47.7%, with even lower participation rates in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This highlights the urgent need to address barriers to youth engagement in democratic processes and cultivate their leadership potential for meaningful participation.

To tackle this challenge, ActionAid Denmark, MS-Training Centre for Development Cooperation, and the Global Platforms have initiated a project titled Leapfrogging Youth towards the Future We Want: Developing the Global Youth Manifesto for Leadership and Accountability. The project seeks to reintroduce young people to democracy and electoral processes, fostering leadership, solidarity, and accountability while ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity.

Central to this initiative is the development of a comprehensive Youth in Elections Curriculum aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to engage meaningfully in electoral processes at local, national, and global levels.

OBJECTIVES

The Youth in Elections Curriculum will achieve the following objectives:

• Enhance Understanding: Provide participants with a deeper understanding of civic and political participation, focusing on electoral processes at local and national levels.
• Empower Youth: Equip young people with the skills to develop national manifestos, culminating in a global manifesto that captures their demands and aspirations.
• Promote Accountability: Offer practical tools and strategies for youth-led accountability in democratic processes.

The curriculum will also:

• Cultivate leadership qualities among youth for influential roles in political parties and electoral bodies.
• Counter misinformation and voter suppression through youth-friendly online and offline strategies.
• Highlight past case studies and best practices from countries undergoing elections in 2025 and 2026.
• Facilitate solidarity and collaboration among youth networks.

TARGET GROUP

The curriculum is intended for young people engaged with Global Platforms and local partners in countries where elections are taking place in 2025 and 2026. It will serve as a resource for youth activists, trainers, and organizations advocating for youth participation in democratic processes.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant(s) will be responsible for:

1. Curriculum Development:

1. Design and draft a comprehensive training manual on Youth Civic and Political Participation.
2. Integrate theoretical knowledge, interactive activities, and practical tools into the curriculum.
3. Include sections on leadership development, misinformation counter-strategies, civic and democratic processes, and manifesto development.
4. Develop tools to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum by establishing clear indicators of measuring youth engagement and application of skills gained.

2. Case Study Review:

1. Identify and document relevant past case studies from countries undergoing elections in 2025 and 2026.
2. Highlight successful youth-led electoral engagement initiatives.

3. Validation Process:

1. Present the draft curriculum for validation by key stakeholders, including youth representatives, Global Platforms, and local partners.
2. Incorporate feedback and finalize the curriculum.

DELIVERABLES

1. A comprehensive Youth in Elections Curriculum, including:

1. Training modules with theoretical and practical content.
2. Case studies from relevant countries.
3. Tools and strategies for manifesto development and advocacy.
4. Tools and strategies to foster youth engagement.
5. Tools and frameworks to access the effectiveness of the curriculum.

2. A final report summarizing the curriculum development process and key findings.

TIMELINES 

1. Submit the first draft of the curriculum by April 1, 2025.
2. Deliver the final version of the curriculum by May 15, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant(s) must possess the following qualifications:

1. A bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, governance, leadership, education, development studies, or a related field. A master's degree will be an added advantage.
2. Proven experience in curriculum development, particularly in civic and political education.
3. Knowledge of youth participation in democratic processes, including elections.
4. Expertise in facilitating participatory and inclusive approaches.
5. Familiarity with gender-sensitive methodologies.
6. Strong writing and analytical skills.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit the following documents by uploading them onto the online application form:

• A technical proposal: outlining your approach to the assignment. 
• Financial Proposal:  with a detailed budget breakdown.
• Resume(s): highlighting relevant experience.
• Work samples: please provide any available links/files to samples of your work in relation to the role. 

Application Deadline: 19th February 2025, midnight EAT (East African Time)

For any inquiries or assistance during the application process, please contact jobs@mstcdc.or.tz or +255 754 651 715

Qualified candidates will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.