UNDP Jobs - 50986- Researcher on Gender and EMB

Researcher on Gender and EMB - Tunisia case

Location :

Cairo, EGYPT

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

03-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic 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

The representation of women at decision-making positions and in the governments and elected institutions around the world remain low.

In spite of the challenges, women continue to take an active part in the political transition, at street level and through official processes. They participate as voters, candidates and observers during the various elections. Yet, women remain underrepresented in the various institutions.

The electoral management bodies (EMB) that organize the various elections are usually excluding women from senior and middle management levels. At the local level and, women are usually present as the polling staff is in several countries among school teachers and female teachers represents usually around 45%.

Furthermore, the RMBs (EMB) legal or procedural framework do not always include specific regulations or affirmative actions to encourage women representation. This "neutral legislation do not seem to adequately address gender issues.

In this background, “Strengthening of the Democratic Process in Egypt” project in Egypt will organize an international conference to inform on the importance of ensuring that women are represented fully throughout all levels of the Electoral Management Body’s, in secretariat and in its temporary election staff and as polling station managers, as well as polling station staff. The EMB needs to provide a good example on gender balance issues in all its activities.

To prepare for the international conference, “Strengthening of the Democratic Process in Egypt” project in Egypt will produce a research paper on the case study of Tunisia.

The paper will list existing gender sensitive procedures within Tunisia’ EMB (L’instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Elections- ISIE) since 2011 and clarify how gender mainstreaming impacted ISIE’s performance and work. The paper will also identify usefulness, challenges and bottlenecks in the implementation of gender mechanisms within ISIE. The paper should be divided into two parts:

Part one: Gender mainstreaming in the status of ISIE and composition of staff including recruitment process;
Part two: Gender mainstreaming in ISIE activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The gender researcher is be expected to:

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 interviews (6 days);
Consolidate findings into a draft research paper that will be presented at the international conference planned on 10th and 11th December 2014 (4 days);
Prepare a final paper (in English) upon completion of the conference (1 day).

Methodology:

The gender researcher is expected to conduct interviews and phone calls in Tunisia. Interviews should include meetings with the current and former members of ISIE and other relevant resource persons.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables of the Consultancy Assignment

A final research paper will be drafted in English and will be no less than 15 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 the Tunisian and Egyptian context and the current transition would be an advantage;
VStrong communication and writing skills;
Very good research and drafting skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

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

Experience

At least five years’ experience working in international development issues related to gender and elections/politics;
Extensive experience in organizing, speaking, and reporting on workshops with high level national stakeholders, especially on media;
Field experience on elections and gender is desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Arabic and English.