UNDP Jobs - 50726- International Consultant

International Consultant - Researcher in Gender and EMBs

Location :

Cairo, EGYPT

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

31-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

23-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

30 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Elections give people a voice in the democratic process. In Egypt, the electoral process is an essential step in the transition period to consolidate the path to democracy. Within this context, the UNDP Electoral Project will cooperate with the Government of Egypt in the area of elections with a focus on a) strengthening public outreach and voter information on the parliamentary elections; b) strengthening technical and operational capacity of national electoral authorities to conduct 2011 and future elections; c) incorporating lessons learned and best practices of the 2011 elections in the subsequent elections processes; and d) increasing access of women and rural dwellers to their citizenship rights in the 2011 and future elections.

Gender inequalities within electoral processes are common all around the world, strengthened by and connected to the social, cultural and economic barriers facing women in most societies. Gender issues affect all aspects of an election. There are numerous barriers to women’s participation and representation in political and electoral processes. Although women took a very active part in initiating the political transition, their representation at decision-making and elected positions remain low in Egypt, as elsewhere around the world. Causes for low representation are diverse, and vary across regions and countries.

Gender sensitivity of the election management body (EMB) is receiving increasing attention, as it was observed that differential gender needs were often overlooked in analysis, planning and implementation of electoral activities. From their position and responsibilities, EMBs can be pivotal not only in the implementation of electoral processes, but also through the formulation of recommendations to legislators and decision-makers for inclusive participation in electoral processes.

Their internal gender sensitivity and balanced gender representation is a major aspect. Also, EMBs have large experience and knowledge to draw and advise on addressing local constrains to women participations as voters, candidates and electoral administrators. They may also leverage their position as expert and key practitioner to advice on legislation and procedures.

In this context, UNDP Electoral Assistance Project in Egypt is organizing an international conference on gender and electoral administration in December 2014. Several preparatory activities are taking place in the run up to conference, including a study tour and a research on gender sensitivity in electoral administration in Egypt.

The present research on the legal framework of the Electoral Administrative Bodies and gender will showcase good practices and lessons learned from other countries. Presentation of the research during the December conference will provide participants with solid information on comparative experiences, thereby supporting the ongoing dialogue on the establishment of a new permanent EMB in Egypt.

In particular, the paper will list existing gender sensitive EMBs and clarify how gender mainstreaming impacts EMBs performance and work. The paper will also analyze specific case studies, with regards to the relevance, challenges and bottlenecks in the implementation of gender mechanisms within EMBs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Researcher in gender and EMBs is expected to:

Conduct a Desk Review (2 days): Review materials and prepare an outline of the research paper;
Develop an outline for the paper (1 day);
Organize the consultation by e-mail and phone calls and conduct the research (20 days);
Consolidate findings into a draft research paper that will be presented at the international conference planned for mid-December 2014 (4 days);
Prepare a final paper (in English) upon completion of the conference (2 days).

Methodology:

The consultant is expected to conduct phone interviews, and two field visits to gather information to draft the research paper. Field visits should include meetings with the parliament, speaker, and representatives of parliamentary groups, political parties and NGOs.

Expected outputs/deliverables of the consultancy assignment:

A final paper will be drafted in English and will be no less than 30 single-spaced pages (excluding bibliography or annexes);
An executive summary will be presented at the international conference in December.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of specific examples of gender mainstreaming in EMBs from which lessons can be drawn;
Knowledge of the Egyptian context and the current transition would be an advantage;
Strong communication and writing skills;
Very good research and drafting skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least a Master’s degree in gender studies, Sociology, Political Science, Development Studies, or other Social Science.

Experience

At least seven years’ experience working in international development issues related to gender and elections;
Field experience with electoral commission and/or elections and gender is essential;
Experience in speaking in conferences and workshops with high level national stakeholders.

Language:

Fluency in English.

Financial Proposal:

Daily fee contract

The financial proposal should specify the daily fee and a breakdown for all envisaged costs (all travel costs to join duty station/repatriation travel including tickets (economy class), lodging and terminal expenses will be paid at UNDP rate).

The consultant should submit a proposal based on 30 working days and suggested field trip(s);
The proposal should include a ticket and the cost of a mission to participate to the international conference mid-December 2014 in Cairo.

Evaluation

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer will be evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the 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 %.

Rating Criteria

Weight Factor

Background and academic qualifications -15;
International experience in gender mainstreaming and electoral administration - 40;
Experience in developing and presenting papers at international conferences - 15.

Financial Offer - 30

Total Score - 100

Note

The successful candidate will be informed in writing immediately after the decision of the review panel is made in order to proceed with the assignment the following day. Number of working days at home, if any should be included within the contract after certification from the supervisor.