Help End Violence: International Consultant Position in Research at UNFPA
Help End Violence: International Consultant Position in Research at UNFPA
Level: Consultant
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Closing Date: 30 May 2024, 04:30 AM (America/New_York)
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Hiring Office: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Philippines
Consultancy Period: 90 person-days spread over a 6-month calendar period
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Purpose of Consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct comprehensive research on the drivers of harmful social norms contributing to gender-based violence (GBV) in the Philippines. This research aims to strengthen GBV prevention efforts and enhance service uptake. The specific objectives include:
- Identifying Key Drivers: Pinpoint the key drivers influencing harmful social norms related to GBV in the Philippines.
- Mapping Influencers: Identify and map major players or influencers that drive and shape these norms.
- Impact Analysis: Analyze the impact of harmful social norms on the prevalence of GBV across different communities.
- Providing Recommendations: Offer actionable recommendations for different stakeholders to address harmful social norms and contribute to robust GBV prevention strategies.
- Technical Support: Provide technical support to UNFPA Philippines CO and its partners, delivering insights to support the development and implementation of a National Action Plan to End VAW (NAPEVAW) in the Philippines, leveraging comprehensive findings from the study.
Scope of Work
Brief Background and Rationale
The UNFPA 9th Country Programme for the Philippines focuses on empowering women and girls, particularly those marginalized, and enhancing their capacity to address discriminatory gender and social norms. The program aims to promote gender equality, enhance women’s decision-making abilities, and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
As the leading advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and GBV, UNFPA Philippines has led numerous consultations involving government bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, international development partners, and other United Nations (UN) agencies. The objective of these consultations was to develop a comprehensive National Strategy for GBV by identifying challenges, gaps, priorities, and opportunities.
During consultations with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), it was highlighted that the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC) is developing a National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Women (NAPEVAW). Recognizing the importance of this initiative, UNFPA has aligned its efforts with NAPEVAW to support the government’s initiative to address GBV.
The previous National Strategic Plan on VAWC 2017-2022 identified three key pillars: Primary Prevention, Response System, and Cross-Cutting Actions and Structures. Prevention was identified as the weakest pillar, prompting UNFPA Philippines to initiate studies on GBV prevention. One such study focuses on the Drivers of Harmful Social Norms to generate evidence that informs NAPEVAW and provides a comprehensive baseline dataset for UNFPA CO Philippines. The study aims to identify key factors sustaining harmful gender and social norms and design targeted prevention interventions.
Help End Violence: International Consultant Position in Research at UNFPA
Duties and Responsibilities – Detailed Tasks
A specialist GBV consultant is sought to complete the following key tasks:
- Literature Review:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies on GBV in the Philippines, including knowledge, attitudes, stakeholders, and enabling environments that drive certain behaviors/practices.
- Development of Research Methodology:
- Lead the development of a detailed research methodology tailored to the cultural context and societal dynamics of the Philippines, focusing on understanding the drivers of harmful social norms and help-seeking behaviors related to GBV.
- Data Collection:
- Strategically plan and execute data collection efforts using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, ensuring a holistic understanding of GBV issues.
- Stakeholder Mapping:
- Conduct comprehensive stakeholder mapping to identify and analyze key influencers, including community-based organizations, faith-based groups, media, men, and boys, especially in UNFPA target provinces.
- Stakeholder Consultations:
- Identify and lead consultations with key stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives on GBV prevention and response, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Research Report:
- Produce a comprehensive research report outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on data analysis.
- User-Friendly Resources:
- Develop a streamlined and user-friendly version of the study to serve as informational and communicative resource materials for partners addressing GBV.
- Technical Support:
- Provide technical support and guidance to UNFPA and its partners in implementing the research recommendations, translating findings into actionable strategies.
- National-Level Workshop:
- Facilitate a national-level workshop based on the study results, focusing on key concepts and findings to enhance understanding and capacity to address GBV issues effectively.
- Ethical and Cultural Sensitivity:
- Ensure the research is conducted ethically and with cultural sensitivity, respecting participants’ rights and dignity.
Work Schedule Arrangements
The consultancy involves 90 person-days over six months, starting immediately upon contract approval. This includes 30 days for on-site visits in the Philippines during pivotal stages of the study, with the remainder conducted remotely. The study will focus on UNFPA’s designated target areas, encompassing eight provinces.
Duration and Delivery Dates, Proposed Payment Schedule, and Delivery Method
The consultant will work for 90 person-days over six months. Payments will be made on a per deliverable basis:
- First Payment (30%):
- Upon submission and acceptance of the Literature Review, Development of Methodology, and Data Collection Tools.
- Second Payment (40%):
- Upon completion of Data Collection, Data Analysis, and submission of the Draft Report.
- Third Payment (30%):
- Upon completion of stakeholder consultations, submission, presentation, and approval of the Final Report, conduct of the workshop, and development of learning materials.
Place Where Services are to be Delivered
The study will be centered on eight provinces designated by UNFPA CO Philippines:
- BARMM: Maguindanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur
- Region 8: Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte
- Region 7: Cebu
- Region 5: Catanduanes
The consultant will work remotely, with travel for in-country missions conditional upon agreements.
Monitoring, Supervisory, and Quality Check Arrangements
The UNFPA CO Country Representative, Assistant Representative, and Gender/GBV Programme Team will monitor progress and ensure quality deliverables. The consultant will collaborate with key stakeholders, including the UNFPA CO Philippines Representative, Assistant Representative, Gender/GBV Programme Team, and the GBV Regional Advisor at the UNFPA Regional Office.
Expected Travel
The assignment includes home-based activities for initial orientation, planning, and literature review, followed by a 30-day visit to the Philippines. Specific dates for the visit will be scheduled at the project’s inception.
Supervisory Arrangements
The UNFPA Country Representative will oversee the project’s overall management, with day-to-day technical support from the Assistant Representative and the National Programme Officer on Gender/GBV. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with the UNFPA Country Office.
Required Expertise, Qualifications, and Competencies
Education:
- Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least ten years of experience in gender-based violence program development.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research related to gender, GBV, and/or sexual and reproductive health.
- Demonstrated understanding of GBV prevention, including behavioral change and drivers of harmful social norms.
- Global and regional experience in developing GBV programs, studies, reports, and strategies.
- Ability to build strong partnerships with target populations and relevant partners and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with the Philippines’ context on GBV is an asset.
- Excellent oral and written English skills are required.
Inputs/Services to be Provided by UNFPA or Implementing Partner
The consultant will work closely with UNFPA’s Implementing Partner for support in various capacities, including mapping national and local policies, conducting data collection, providing local language translation services, mobilizing local partners, and offering technical assistance. UNFPA CO Philippines will provide a desk and internet access during the consultant’s mission in the Philippines, along with relevant reports, databases, and research materials.
UNFPA Work Environment
UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, integrity, and work-life balance. Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. UNFPA ensures equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation, and selection, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Reporting and Communication
The consultant will provide regular updates and progress reports to UNFPA CO Philippines, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the consultancy period. Key deliverables will be submitted according to the agreed timeline, and any challenges or delays will be communicated promptly.
Conclusion
This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence in the Philippines by understanding and addressing the underlying social norms that perpetuate it. The findings and recommendations from this research will inform national strategies and interventions, supporting UNFPA’s mission to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. Through collaborative efforts, ethical research practices, and culturally sensitive approaches, this consultancy aims to make a significant impact on GBV prevention and response in the Philippines.
Disclaimer
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees and does not concern itself with applicants’ bank account information. Applicants holding permanent resident status in a country other than their nationality may need to renounce such status upon appointment.
Keywords: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Harmful Social Norms, UNFPA, Philippines, Gender Equality, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Prevention Strategies, Stakeholder Mapping, Data Collection, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Consultancy, International Development, National Action Plan to End VAW (NAPEVAW), Violence Against Women (VAW), Behavioral Change, Cultural Sensitivity, Community-Based Organizations, Faith-Based Groups, Policy Analysis, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Support, Workshop Facilitation, Ethical Research.
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