The Secretary-General’s UN reform agenda of 1997 noted that gender should be at the centre of activities of the United Nations in pursuing world peace, security, economic prosperity and social equity and that it is critical for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. In this regard a call for greater harmonisation of UN actions at country level was initiated. The Somalia United Nations Country Team (UNCT) formed a Somalia Gender Theme Group to complement the UN reform processes and, particularly to enable the UNCT in Somalia and other key stakeholders to address the underlying gender inequalities that continuously constrain development.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment programming are addressed in the UN programming and particularly in the joint programmes that form part of the UN Strategy for Assistance in Somalia (UNSAS).

The main outcomes of the UNSAS:

1. Outcome 1: Somali people have accessible access to basic services which has a special emphasis on women and children particularly in the humanitarian context
2. Outcome 2: Somali people benefit from poverty reduction through improved livelihoods, decent work, equitable and sustainable economic development that includes a focus on the specific needs of women and girls
3. Outcome 3: Somali people live in a stable environment where the rule of law is respected and rights based development for everyone is pursued this includes gender and women’s empowerment as a cross cutter.

In 2011 the GTG conducted a mission to Somalia where gender needs, gaps and priorities were discussed with various stakeholders, including the different agencies based in Somaliland. Through the Resident Coordinator’s office in Somaliland, the Agencies highlighted the need for training in gender for all agency field staff.

Based on further discussions, the GTG recommended to the UNCT a budgetary allocation in 2012 to cover a series of country context specific training on gender accountability in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central. Due to the volume of staff in all regions, it was agreed the training will first commence in Somaliland and rolled out in a staggered fashion to better accommodate the high number of staff and consultants in need of training.

Under the leadership of the GTG Somalia, in close consultation with the local Resident Coordinator Advisers and with other relevant staff for the in depth training of staff and consultants, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct a rapid needs assessment of gender gaps and knowledge amongst field staff and consultants. 
• Develop a user friendly training module on gender accountability, with a list of resource and tools for future use, which is in line with UN standards and the national context.
• Undertake capacity development training for field staff and consultants that is country specific and takes cognizant of Sharia law and Islamic faith in the context of gender principles.
• Support the development of practical and achievable gender actions for individual staff and consultants that is applicable to their daily work.

Reference documents:

International gender reference tools to include the Inter Agency Standing Committee guidelines on gender, gender mainstreaming and gender based violence, UN normative frameworks such as Security Council Resolution 1325, 1888, 1889 (OP.19). Additionally, national reference tools are to be incorporated such as the National, Somaliland and Puntland draft Gender Policies and draft Gender Budget Guidelines.

• A rapid needs assessment on gender accountability capacities amongst staff
• A user-friendly module on gender accountability
• Guidelines for individual practical actions on gender accountability
• Facilitation of 2 trainings on gender accountability for up to 60 participants
• A close out report with recommendations for further actions

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills;
• Excellent Microsoft Excel knowledge;
• Excellent critical reasoning and problem solving skills.

• Development and Operational Effectiveness;
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required academic and professional experience:

• A Masters Degree in a relevant field with at least 8 years’ experience in training in capacity development. Hands-on experience working on gender accountability training at global, regional and national levels essential. 
• Familiarity with UN system required.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrable knowledge of application of Sharia law and Islamic faith in gender trainings
• Demonstrable knowledge of gender and human rights frameworks an added advantage in Somalia or other Islamic country contexts
• Sound interpersonal skills

Consultancy fees per day will be in accordance with UN Somalia rates for national consultants and UN rates for international consultants and will take into consideration levels of experience and academic qualifications.

DSA will be paid where necessary.