Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) places digital transformation at the center of its ambition to build a knowledge-based economy. The country is positioning itself as a regional digital hub, with strong emphasis on digital skills development, innovation, and ICT-driven growth. The Government of Rwanda has made notable progress toward this vision through initiatives such as the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, investments in digital infrastructure, and the National Digital Skills Framework (NDSF), which sets standardized benchmarks for digital literacy and workforce readiness.

Ensuring the success of this transformation requires a skilled and adaptive workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for digitally competent professionals. Rwanda’s rapid growth in online services across health, finance, education, and public administration presents a strong opportunity to position the country as a leader in secure digital innovation. By equipping youth with practical, industry-aligned skills in cybersecurity and data protection, Rwanda is well-placed to strengthen digital trust, enable business growth, and safeguard its expanding digital ecosystem.

To address these challenges, the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth is implementing the Boosting Decent Jobs and Enhancing Skills for Youth in Rwanda's Digital Economy project. This four-year partnership, funded by the Government of Luxembourg and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting the Government of Rwanda, employers' and workers' organizations, and young people to contribute to the country’s structural transformation and digitalization agenda. 

More specifically, it aims to empower young women and men (aged 18–30) in Kigali and secondary cities to access decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy. The project is part of a broader ILO/ITU/AU Joint Programme spanning several African countries, focusing on:

• Job creation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy
• Digital skills development for young people
• Facilitating the transition to decent work in the digital economy

Under Outcome 2, the project focuses on improving digital skills of young men and women through strengthened partnerships for the delivery of training programmes and the establishment of digital campuses across the TVET system. To this end, the ILO seeks to engage a consultant/ service contract to support TVET and National Cyber Security program and the ILO in the development and integration of new cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy curricula (equivalent to RTB’s Level 3 modules and potential some modelues at level 4 and 5) within selected TVET schools. This work will include the design of modular training aligned to labour market needs, the creation of hands-on lab-based learning resources, and the adaptation of teaching delivery to a digital campus model, with the aim of piloting Cybersecurity Centers of Excellence in Rwanda.

The Cybersecurity Curriculum Development initiative is a collaborative national programme designed to equip Rwanda’s workforce with practical skills in cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy, essential for safeguarding the country’s digital transformation. The programme is jointly led by the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), mandated to protect Rwanda’s digital infrastructure and national assets, the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), responsible for ensuring quality and alignment within the TVET system, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which provides technical expertise in competency-based training and international standards.

The programme delivers Level 3 modules of the Rwanda TVET Qualification Framework (RTQF) through a modular curriculum that combines classroom learning, online resources, and lab-based exercises. The training covers key areas including Cybersecurity Essentials, Blue Teaming (SOC and Threat Hunting), Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), and Data Protection and Privacy, providing structured entry points into the cybersecurity profession and ensuring alignment with industry needs.

To build on Rwanda’s digital skills agenda and strengthen pathways from foundational training to employment, the initiative will establish Cybersecurity Centers of Excellence in selected TVET schools. These centers will serve as stepping stones between basic digital literacy and advanced, hands-on learning experiences. By aligning national cybersecurity priorities with TVET curricula and fostering industry partnerships, the programme aims to improve the relevance and quality of training and better prepare young Rwandans for decent jobs in the digital economy, ultimately contributing to Rwanda’s broader digital transformation agenda under NST2.

This initiative responds to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the practical skills required to safeguard Rwanda’s digital transformation. As part of the implementation of the ILO’s Digital Skills for Decent Jobs Programme in Rwanda, the objective of this consultancy is to partner with the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB), and the ILO in leading technically (1) the finalization and validation of a cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy curriculum, building on the existing NCSA programme and work with RTB to secure its accreditation under the Rwanda TVET Qualification Framework (RTQF).

Deliverable 1 – Curriculum Finalization & Accreditation Dossier (technical leadership) (23 days)

• Review and consolidate existing materials developed under the NCSA programme including the concept note, expectation document, etc.; map to RTQF Level 3 outcomes and RTB QA policies.
• Develop full curriculum for cybersecurity in TVET
• Develop the occupational standards as part of the curriculum development following TVET CBC Development Framework
• Develop the programme description, competency standards, syllabi, sequencing, contact hours, and cross-cutting themes (safety, ethics, inclusivity).
• Develop a CBET-aligned assessment, moderation and quality assurance framework (formative & summative tools, logbooks, competency checklists, moderation plans).
• Prepare an accreditation dossier package that meets RTB requirements (application forms, annexes, trainer registration templates, evidence list).

Deliverable 2.a – Stakeholder Validation (2 day)

• Plan and facilitate a validation workshop with NCSA, RTB, industry/employer and worker representatives, document inputs and decisions.
• Revise curriculum and competency standards reflecting validated changes; produce a validation report with an issues log and resolutions.

Deliverable 2.b – Submission & Implementation Readiness(1 day)

• Submit the accreditation dossier to RTB and support the technical review process (responses to comments, crosswalks, document control).
• Produce a concise implementation-readiness note (LMS/metadata structure, materials list, pilot scheduling options, inclusive participation considerations).

The assignment will be carried out over approximately four (4) months from December 2025 to March 2026. The estimated Level of Effort (LoE) is approximately ten (26) working days distributed across the period for preparation, validation and submission. The duty station is Kigali, Rwanda, with missions to selected locations as required.

The consultant reports to the ILO Project Manager, However, all technical deliverables are expected to be cleared by RTB and NCSA technical leads, who the concultant will be working closely with. All deliverables shall be submitted in English. Templates and forms required by RTB will be used where applicable.

Interested consultants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including the following:

a) Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages)

• Brief statement on motivation and suitability for the consultancy.
• Overview of experience in cybersecurity skills integration, curriculum development.
• Availability for the proposed duration (December–March 2026).

b) Technical Proposal (maximum 5 pages) 

• Understanding of the assignment objectives, scope, and expected deliverables.
• Proposed approach and methodology to achieve:
  • Finalization and validation of the cybersecurity curriculum and competency standards (in reference to the original NCSA programme).
  • Development of modular training tools, materials, and assessment frameworks aligned with RTQF Level 3 and RTB QA policies.

• Stakeholder consultation and validation process with NCSA, RTB, employers, and workers’ representatives.
• Draft timeline and work plan by project phase (aligned with the indicative timeline above).
• Risk mitigation and quality assurance strategy to ensure accreditation, inclusivity, and sustainability of the programme.

c) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Experience in curriculum development, digital skills training (cybersecurity an advantage).
•  Roles in similar assignments, with country, client, duration, and responsibilities.
• Relevant academic qualifications, professional certifications, and language skills.
• Contact details for at least two professional references.

d) Financial Proposal Daily rate (in USD), number of estimated working days, and total consultancy cost.

Note: The following Table has been prepared to assist the Consultant in reporting their respective financial offers. Some deliverables have been reflected in the table as an example. However, all deliverable are to be reflected in the table.

*Deliverable Activity Cost = Daily Professional Fees X Total Activity Deliverable Days 

Complete the table below. “Up to” days and travel are indicative; only accepted deliverables and approved travel are payable.

e) Annexes / Supporting Documents

• At least two examples of previous work (e.g., revised curricula, training modules, reports).
• Two references (with contact information and description of working relationship).

f) Submission Instructions

All applicant apply thorugh: UNGM link: ILO External Collaboration: Supporting the Development and Accreditation of a Cybersecurity Curriculum for TVET in Rwanda.

The subject line should read: 

” Supporting the Development and Accreditation of a Cybersecurity Curriculum for TVET in Rwanda.”

Deadline for submission: 27/September/2025, 23:59 CET

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Interviews may be held with shortlisted organizations.

Note to Consultants

1. All CVs submitted should include the Date of Birth and Nationality of the Consultant;
2. Consultant should quote in USD prices and/or using prices calculated using the Official UN Exchange Rates for the country;
3. Candidates should be prepared to submit a copy of their national Passport upon Notification of Award;
4. Professional Fees should include all costs associated with the Activity Deliverable;
5. Consultants should be aware that all intellectual property rights arising from the contract are vested with the ILO however authorship will be acknowledged by the Organization; 
6. Consultants will bear all charges levied by their own bank in receiving of managing funds transferred by ILO.
7. Consultant is responsible for their own taxes and banking charges.
8. All submissions must be in English and in PDF format (editable annexes may be requested).

• • Payment of professional fees will be made in two instalments:
• 1st payment – 20% upon completion and validation of Deliverable 1.
• 2nd payment – 30% upon completion and validation of Deliverable 1.b.
• 3rd payment – 30% upon completion and validation of Deliverable 2.a.
• 4th payment – 20% upon completion and validation of Deliverable 2.a.

How to Apply 

• Register on UNGM as an Individual Consultant by creating an account with your personal details and activating it via email. 
• Complete the Basic Registration Form with your ID, address, areas of expertise (using UNSPSC codes), and eligibility declaration. 
• Search for consultancy opportunities under the “Procurement Opportunities” section, filtering for calls for Individual Consultants. Or use this link to see the TOR: ILO External Collaboration: Supporting the Development and Accreditation of a Cybersecurity Curriculum for TVET in Rwanda.
• Apply by following instructions in each notice—either online through UNGM or via email, depending on the UN agency’s requirements.